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 Ty and Rhonda VanNorman of VanNorman quarter horses in Tuscarora, Nevada, a multi generational ranching family who has one of the best breeding programs in the nation. Maggie has grown up horseback, ranching and rodeoing with her family. Her favorite rodeo event is team roping and she’s often heard saying “I just love to rope!” She is a true cowgirl who is passionate about perfecting her skills. Maggie continues to hone her skills in western photography so that she is able to assist her family in marketing their horses during the annual Van Norman and Friends Production Sale held every September in
Elko, Nevada. She also finds time to pursue her passion in western photography.
Keep an eye out for this cowgirl and the great things she will accomplish!
Charlie Wright
Charlie Wright is the 17 year old son of John and Susan Wright, owners of J.M. Capriola Co. From the time he could hold a crayon Charlie was always doodling and creating. With the freedom and access to tools, torches and engravers, Charlie is always in the shop wanting to learn. He started working and stamping leather in the saddle shop but slowly transferred his focus to the silversmithing side of the shop. Charlie has continued to work in the silver shop and is now creating unique items that can be found in the makers market on the Capriola website. A 4-time NHSRA national qualifier, Charlie and his sister Audrey have entered the Western Lifestyle Trade Craft Showcase hosted by Western Horseman magazine and has received multiple scholarships from this program. When he’s not in the silver shop, Charlie likes to golf and rope. He has recently started his very first bit and he looks forward to becoming a full fledged bit and spur maker in the not so distant future. Keep an eye on this talented up and coming craftsman!
Thayne Oian
Thayne Oian is 21 years old and from North Dakota where he has lived his whole life. Thayne started braiding rawhide when he was 16 years old. Today he shoes horses, rides colts and in his spare time works on braiding rawhide and leatherwork.
Thayne was a recent exhibitor in the Gear Show hosted by the Cowboy Arts and Gear Museum. This annual show sale and auction is held every year during the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in late January. Thayne’s reins were bid on by several individuals and were purchased at auction for $800.00. Thayne is a talented young maker, and we believe he will soon be a highly sought after braider.
Desatoya Coombs
Desatoya Coombs is the 18-year-old daughter of Duane and Heather Coombs of Battle Mountain, Nevada. Desi as her friends call her, is a senior in high school and part time ranch hand on her family’s ranch. A rodeo athlete and ranch kid, she attributes her artistic influence to her daily life in the saddle, absorbing the landscape and lifestyle that the ranching lifestyle has to offer.
Desi started carving leather in her dad’s saddle shop when she was barely old enough to know not to get her fingers near a head knife. She watched her dad drawing flowers and scrolls on napkins in restaurants and her mom tooling belts for what seemed like days. Desi knew she wanted to hand make something just like her parents and eventually fell in love with painting.
She started painting her own shoes before finding out people thought it was pretty cool. She learned she could paint on almost anything and decided to try her hand at painting some cow skulls that were from livestock off her family’s ranch.
To Desi, every skull has its own story. When she starts to paint, that story of that particular cow comes out in her design. She says it’s a way to honor these animals and their contributions to life on her family’s ranch.