|
In
1967, during his rodeo career, Deryk had the opportunity
to meet Ray Holes of Grangeville, Idaho. Ray gave Deryk
a personal tour of his saddle and tree shop...this visit
was very influential in Deryk's desire to become a
saddlemaker.
Two years later, in 1969, Deryk started
his apprenticeship under Chuck Stormes in Calgary. He
worked there until 1976 when he decided to open his own
shop.
In early 1980, with the help of Chuck
Stormes, he started building his own saddle trees.
Deryk then spent time with Severe Bros. of Pendleton,
Oregon, where he learned how to rawhide saddle trees
from Dan Luft…Dan rawhided trees for Hamley’s for
several years.
In 2004, Deryk’s saddle and tree shop was
destroyed by fire. His new saddle shop has now been
back in operation for some time and the tree shop should
be up and running by summer 2009.
Deryk builds a variety of saddles. From
smooth or rough-out to the multi-flowered, fully
hand-carved, high-end saddle. These designs are mostly
influenced by the early California or Visalia style of
carving. All saddles are made on your tree of choice;
built for fit and comfort for both horse and rider.
Deryk’s influences in saddlemaking came
from Ray Holes, Dale Harwood, Duff and Bill Severe and
of course his mentor, Chuck Stormes.
|
