About us

“Always forward!”

JAMES BUILT SADDLERY: THE STORY

Prior to our marriage over 38 years ago, Miriam designed and sewed clothing as well as suits for hunter jumpers and side saddle skirts. When Randy came along, we started a home-based business making moccasins called Country Lane Leather. It was a humble beginning sewing the moccasins by hand as well as attaching the fur. Our sales were made all at Alberta Farmers’ Markets in Camrose, Wetaskiwin, Millet, and the Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market (which we did for 27 years), in Edmonton. In 1987, when all our fingers were sore from hand sewing, we purchased our first industrial table top sewing machine. Although we were still cutting everything out by hand, the sewing machine made assembly much faster and gave it a more professional look.

Somewhere in there, we bought our first Singer fur sewing machine from an Edmonton furrier; one that had originally been purchased and used on the Woodwards Fur Floor, sewing fur coats, etc. That machine alone has lots of history! With the aid of this fur machine, we were able to sew rabbit on moccasins and mitts. This segued into sewing raccoon, coyote, beaver, skunk and bear fur hats and gauntlet mitts and selling them in Edmonton stores and in the Northern Stores which were part of the Northwest Company, which was previously the Hudson Bay Company… Read more >

WE CAN DO IT

Anything listed, viewed on our website, or part of your imagination or wish list can be completed on a custom basis.

Western saddles: from miniature horses to draft – Tack for all sizes – Chaps for all sizes – Saddlebags of all sizes – Gun cases and scabbards – Gun holsters – Knife sheaths – Fringed or plain jackets out of the tanned hides from your hunt – Deer hide, buffalo hide and elk hide gloves – Decorator cushions – Ladies’ purses – Travel bags – Men’s shaving cases – Cosmetic cases – Briefcases  – Belts – Suspenders – Motorcycle chaps, jackets, vests.

We also do repairs on anything leather and some things that are not, so please inquire!

JAMES BUILT SADDLERY:
James Built Saddlery’s retail space has changed to an online store. Here you will find almost everything we manufacture. Other items are posted on Facebook and Instagram.

As well as manufacturing the working tack and equipment, Miriam is one of the few female, custom saddle makers in Alberta making saddles under the brand name Lazy M Saddles. As an Alberta custom saddle maker, she will visit you and your horse at your residence to help fit for a custom tree for the saddle of your dreams. Some of these saddles have been Wade saddles for ranch work, roping saddles, pleasure saddles for the trail, cutting saddles, mule saddles, saddles for Tennessee Walkers, Gypsy, and draft cross.

James Built Saddlery and Lazy M Saddles will never compromise the quality and durability of our products and feel we offer that great quality for a fair price.

  • Bull Riding Gloves and Belts
  • Saddlebags and saddle pads
  • James Built Saddlery store-saddles
JBS store in Tofield

 IN STORE BRAND NAMES

Halters: James Built Saddlery brand leather bronc halters (custom made from halter to noseband)

Chaps: James Built Saddlery brand, shotgun (zip up), batwing, chinks, rodeo (for adults and children)

Saddlebags: James Built Saddlery brand

Headstalls: James Built Saddlery brand, browband, single ear, buckaroo, show

Saddles: Lazy M Saddles

 Leather conditioners and cleaners: Fiebings brand, Neatsfoot Oil, Black Pro Oil Dye, Bick More Bick 1 Leather Cleaner and Bick 4 Conditioner, Ray Holes Saddle Butter, Dri Boot, and Chap Wax, Vaquero Rawhide Cream.

PRAISE ABOUT OUR SADDLES & SERVICES

“Amazing leatherwork!  Always 5-star products!! Beautiful custom made bridles from Hermann Oak leather.”
Bailey N., Alberta

“Always fantastic! We always take any of our leather repairs and creative ideas there and end up with a wonderful job done every time. Miriam is so kind and good at answering my questions or any concerns.
Cindy F., Westerose, Alberta

“Excellent service. Very helpful people. For any saddlery and tack and leatherwork help, you might need!”
Lis S., Edmonton, Alberta