Hello, my name is Ted N. Estes!

I live in Ball Ground, Georgia, and I've lived in Georgia my entire life. I'm fortunate to have come from a home with a loving (yet stern!!!) Daddy and Mama who took me to the Baptist Church and taught me right from wrong. This is where I was saved by the grace of God. There are many things/laws in our country today that I do not believe in, nor tolerate, nor accept. I have way too many "convictions" to have "tolerance." And, having thoroughly studied the Constitution of the United States, and more especially the men who drafted it, I will tell ANYBODY that we, as a nation, are very much "off the mark!" I'm married to the best wife (and best looking!) ever, Joyce, (yes, she's a woman, and she took my last name- that's the way WE believe and STILL do things around here!!!). Together, we have a baby boy named Micah Thomas, who has brought so much love and compassion into our home it cannot be put into words. I currently teach middle school and make saddles for a living. I've ridden horses as far back as I can remember, literally. And, I've always had an appreciation for something other than a "production" saddle. It wasn't until about ten years ago, however, that I took apart (fully) a saddle marked "Oklahoma City Saddlery, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma"- a heckuva saddle! Since that time, I've taken apart countless R.T. Fraziers, Hamleys, and N. Porters to meticulously study their construction from the groundseat up. I employ what I've learned from these countless, long hours of study and work into every saddle I make, or repair. I do not bow in shame when I state that I'm, for the most part, self-taught, because the experience I've gained has paid off. Mistakes? I've made many, but am at the point now that I'll place my saddles next to anyone's. No, I'm not a "full time" saddle maker like many boast, but hope to be soon! Let me assure you that my saddles do not appear, or ride, like a "part time" saddle maker constructed them. When I make a saddle, remember, I have "convictions," not "tolerance," and I feel it shows in my work. Judge for yourself. I make each saddle a little better than the last one. I do this by actually taking notes on a completed rig asking, "What can I do on the next saddle to make it better than this one?" I drive my wife crazy because I'M NEVER SATISFIED with my accomplishment. I desire to do better. Any saddler who does not employ this attitude has halted his/her own personal skills. In terms of my saddles, I believe the one thing that sets mine apart from many of the others is the ground seat. I devote a tremendous amount of time on this part of the construction.

~Ted N. Estes~

TRADITIONAL COWBOY ARTS ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT !

*** UPDATE ***

My training with Steve Mecum went great. It took place the first week of April, 2007 as planned. Steve and I spent every second reviewing the finer points of saddle making, which I have already begun to apply with my current saddle, including various aspects of floral carving. The only thing I will state here is that we reviewed the areas that I feel set a true, custom saddle apart from a production saddle. Many, many notes and photos were taken. Anybody can claim to make a "custom" or "handmade" saddle, but the techniques of Steve Mecum are undeniably those that truly make all the difference. I personally do not feel as though anybody makes a tighter, well-put-together saddle as Steve. His immaculate carving is the "icing on the cake." That's why I wanted so badly to study under him, and I thank the Lord for making it possible, and seeing us home safely. Yes, it proved to be a long way from Ball Ground, Georgia to Crowheart, Wyoming, but I know it's going to be well worth it!

Ted N. Estes
5055 Conns Creek Road
Ball Ground, Georgia 30107
(770) 893-1201
tedestes@estessaddlery.com www.estessaddlery.com