“Insights, Lore, & History”
Joseph Martin Capriola’s journey from apprentice to master craftsman reads like a saga of Western legend. Stepping into the renowned G.S. Garcia Saddlery at the turn of the 20th century, young Joe Martin embarked on a path that would define the rest of his life. Under the tutelage of leading craftsmen, Joe Martin honed his … Read more
My old pair of tapaderos remind me of a bone-chilling winter task. By Kelli Neubert February 11, 2016 Tapaderos protect a rider’s feet from brush and cold temperatures. In the dark, dusty corner of a shelf in my tack room sits a hand-carved pair of bulldog tapaderos. Tapaderos (also referred to as “taps”) are a … Read more
The next generation of gear makers and artists are the lifeblood of our industry. J.M. Capriola Co. is proud to feature young talent that are making their way in the western gear and arts industry. Maggie Van Norman You can see more of Maggie’s work on Instagram: Maggievannormanphotography Maggie VanNorman is the daughter of … Read more
The Cowboy Corridor From art and festivals to Basque joints and buckaroo brews, few road trips brim with as much Western heritage as Nevada’s #CowboyCorridor. Follow ambrotype photographer Giles Clement as he shoots his way across Interstate 80, capturing stunning portraits and time-honored traditions with his rare craft.
J.M. Capriola Company launches a new bit line based on the original designs of G.S. Garcia, but with refinements to fit modern horses and horsemen. STORY BY JENNIFER DENISON In the late 1800s and early 1900s, saddlemaker G.S. Garcia knew that each fall, when cowboys, vaqueros and buckaroos received their wages, he could count … Read more
The Spur I came to a low water crossing Where the trails converged near the bank And all by itself, I spotted a spur That lay buried plum up to the shank. I kicked at the dirt all around it But its mate was not to be found Then I wondered just what circumstances … Read more
Hello friends! It’s time for another chapter in our #jmcapriolahistory series. This year is our 90th year in business, and we’d like to continue sharing our story with you! Last time, we shared some of the backstory to what helped shape our founder, J.M. Capriola, and some of the major influences he had in his … Read more
Horn Wrap Tutorial Here is a short video demonstrating the”Capriola” way of applying a horn wrap. In the video the hide chosen is “Mule Hide” otherwise known as chrome tanned leather. We also demonstrate a few key tips and secrets on securing your wrap. To order a J.M. Capriola horn wrap please visit www.capriola.com … Read more
We’ve been going through the archives, with this being our 90th year in business, and we’d love to share some #jmcapriolahistory with you. As with all good stories, we must first go back to the beginning… Many of you know of the importance that G.S. Garcia played in not only our story, but in that … Read more
Stop The Burn By: Jennifer Whiteley Since the 1870’s, my family has been ranching in north eastern Nevada. Today my boys are 7th generation ranchers in Elko County. They spend a lot of time with my parents, in the house that stands on the ranch my great grandparents purchased in the 1930’s. I … Read more