Youth learn saddling from one of Merritt's best

Dean Morrison photo

Riley Kynoch and Kolbey Coates receive instruction from saddle maker Don Loewen (left).

The passing of knowledge from teacher to student is an age-old practice that ensures the continuation of a particular skill set is carried on for future generations.

Kolbey Coates and Riley Kynoch, students at Merritt Secondary School, are enthusiastic apprentices grateful to be learning the art of saddle making from local artisan Don Loewen.

Loewen, owner of Cowboy Classic Equipment, has been apprenticing young cowboys in his workshop for about five years now.

The students work off their tuition by assisting Loewen with his saddle making, starting with sweeping the floors and as their skills progress they take on more advanced tasks such as edging leather and burnishing, and in return they will make a saddle for themselves.

“I would have appreciated someone taking me under their wing.” says Loewen.

“I really enjoy passing the skills onto the next generation.”

Loewen says most of his students have come to him through word of mouth and most either live on ranches or work for the ranches.

Kolbey Coates has been working on the Douglas Lake ranch for the past three summers and is looking forward to utilizing a custom saddle he has been constructing since the fall.

The students buy their own materials and Loewen assists them every step of the way until they have a fully functioning saddle that they will take home with them.

Riley Kynoch has been participating in rodeos for the past few years in team roping competitions.

“I like having the knowledge but I am not sure if I will be making a career of it,” says Kyncoch.

Regardless of how his apprentices put their newly acquired skills to use, Loewen appreciates the experience of teaching and feels he gets back as much as he puts in.

“I find I get so much done once the kids arrive,” says Loewen.

“Once they start seeing progress, they get so excited and want to keep going.”

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