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Sisters, Oregon
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Sisters man builds saddles the old way
By Jim Cornelius

Mario Hanel, Saddlemaker.

The great American tradition of working art is alive and well in the hands of Sisters craftsman Mario Hanel.

In his shop east of town, Hanel builds top-quality custom stock saddles -- the kind that any Western horseman longs for all his life.

Hanel's saddles are built over rawhide-covered wood trees hand-built to order from Canada. He builds saddles in a way that would be immediately recognized and appreciated by the old-time buckaroos of the interior Northwest.

"They've been doing these for 100 years, at least, and haven't improved on it," Hanel said.

Like the work of all top craftsmen, Hanel saddles have distinguishing characteristics. A person knowledgeable about custom saddles can pick one out across the room.

Hanel emphasizes symmetrical and flowing lines in his carving.

The work on the skirts matches up perfectly with the work on the seat and the carving flows naturally and realistically from one part of the saddle to another.

The result is a genuine work of art -- but good looks are nowhere near enough.

"They can look pretty, but if they don't work, they're not worth having," Hanel said.

Making sure the saddle works for the rider is a painstaking process -- one in which the client plays a vital role.

"By the time they're looking for something at this level, they're pretty educated about saddles," Hanel noted.

Hanel has a detailed order list that he runs through with the client, determining what use the saddle will be put to, the horses that will be ridden, and the features the client desires. There are a lot of measurements to be taken into account to make sure the saddle's fit and function is as outstanding as its looks.

"It can get pretty complicated," Hanel allows.

A saddle order takes about six months to fill. Even a plain saddle requires from 50 to 60 hours of work and a real artistic endeavor can take much longer.

"The decoration is what really takes the time," Hanel said.

Hanel has years of experience under his belt now, after starting leather work and saddle making as a hobby. A logging accident forced a change of careers and through determination and perseverance, Hanel has established himself as a full-time custom saddle maker.

A custom saddle maker doesn't just set up shop in Sisters and wait for the customers to walk through the door. He has to go to where the cowboys are.

That means a lot of travel to shows and exhibits throughout the West. Exposure at those shows and word of mouth from satisfied customers have built Hanel's business.

"Most of my clientele has been out of state," Hanel notes.

For more information on Hanel's Custom Saddles, call 548-2786.

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