Shiloh Saddlery
Owners: Stacy (pictured below) and Kelly Autry
Location: Springdale, Ark.
Company History: Shiloh Saddlery was formerly known as Cecil Phillips Saddlery. Stacy Autry knew friends who knew Cecil and began hanging out at the saddle shop with them. A few years later Stacy came to work with Cecil and eventually, he married Cecil’s daughter Kelly. Cecil decided to retire after 25 years in the business, and Stacy and Kelly bought his shop in 1995. Stacy has been making saddles for 20 years now. Stacy’s brother helps make the saddles. Kelly’s brothers help occasionally, too, and a new apprentice, Jesse, is responsible for much of the 'fancy' work.
Products and Services: Shiloh Saddlery specializes in handmade saddles ranging from a basic saddle to highly custom saddles. Shiloh Saddlery offers custom roper, barrel racer and trophy saddles with custom leather, lettering, toolwork and tack. Saddles range in price from $1,350 to $2,600 depending upon how much work and silver decoration goes into the saddle. Stacy also repairs saddles for customers occasionally. Stacy builds barrel racing saddles most often, and then pleasure and roping saddles come next. Stacy never makes the same saddle twice. Everything he creates is custom made to the horse and rider. Stacy usually has a three or four month waiting list for his saddles. Stacy prides himself in having a number of returning customers who have worn one of his saddles out and want another one. “Depending upon how well someone takes care of the saddle, weather conditions and use a saddle can last from five years to 75 years. The key to keeping a saddle is to keep the leather oiled, soft and pliable. The best thing you can do for a saddle is to use it,” he said.
What do you see in the future?
Stacy said he has seen a few changes in the business with changes in saddles and trees and differences in horse breeding. “Saddle making is still about 60 percent the same. The majority of changes have been cosmetic,” he said. Stacy thinks the economy has changed his business. He just takes each day as it comes and tries to plan as best he can. As long as there is business, he will be making saddles. “If you love what you do and understand it, it shows in your work,” Stacy said. Stacy recommends that someone who wants to learn how to make saddles work with a saddle maker. “You learn the most hands on,” he said.
By Pam Lamb
