Don King is an icon of western culture. He was the real deal, was born and bred in Wyoming and grew up on the back of a horse following his dad across the west. As they moved from one ranch to another Don discovered that he had a knack for working with leather and he used his talents to repair gear for the cowboys that he grew up around. When he was 14 years old he struck out on his own, eventually opening up his own saddle shop in Sheridan, Wyoming. It was there that he developed lasting contributions to folks who make their living horseback as well as people who value the art of the west. His famous Sheridan wild rose pattern, his unique leather working tools and a left hand twist rope building machine are just a few of the innovations that he left in the wide swath that he cut. His work has won countless awards and is on display in museums, art galleries, homes, and horse’s backs all over the world.
Don was a friend, an innovator, and a master of a traditional art that is near and dear to the people of the west. I wrote Leather Was My Home as a way to tell his story – the story of a man who used a strong work ethic to build his luck, shape his life and leave behind a dynasty. It’s a story that needs to be heard.
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