About us
“Always forward!”
JAMES BUILT SADDLERY: THE STORY
Prior to our marriage over 35 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: THE STORE
James Built Saddlery’s retail space is located in the Nature Center/Museum building at 5020 – 46th Avenue, Tofield, Alberta, about 45 minutes drive east of Edmonton. Here you will find lead ropes, halters, flank cinches, strings for your saddle, latigos, lunge whips, leather conditioners, cleaners and waxes, neatsfoot oil, felt hat cleaners, rifle slings, winter stirrups and so much more.
As well as manufacturing most of the working tack and equipment in the store, 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. Come by the store to touch, feel, inhale and discuss the design you have in mind. We will go the extra mile to accommodate you. Get Google Map directions here.
IN STORE BRAND NAMES
Halters: James Built Saddlery brand leather bronc halters (custom made) – Weaver: Nylon halters, rope halters, and various other tack –Burwash Brand (Alberta made): Nylon and yacht cord rope halters – Leather conditioners and cleaners: Fiebings brand, Neatsfoot Oil, Black Pro Oil Dye, Bick More Bick 1, 4 and 5 leather cleaner and conditioners, Ray Holes Saddle Butter, Boot Dri, and Chap Wax, Vaquero Rawhide Cream and various others.
IN HOUSE BRANDS: James Built Saddlery, Lazy M Saddles, Lone Pine Wildrags, Trail Boss Tack & Harness.
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
