John Willemsma has had the great fortune of being able to study under some of today's greatest craftsmen, such as Don King, Dale Harwood and Chuck Stormes. Combining the knowledge he gained from them, and his study of early saddleries particularly Visalia, Hamley and Ray Holes, John brings a strong desire for high standards to each and every saddle that he builds. 

  2006 marks John's 30th year building high quality custom saddles. Day working on several ranches during his period, has given him an appreciation of the importance of function and fit of a custom saddle 

  In 1986 John opened LJ's Saddlery with a desire to build and design saddles that he felt met the needs of both working cowboy's, horsemen and women alike. 

  In 20 years John and LJ's Saddlery have gained a reputation for providing high quality Cowboy Horse Gear to customers across the United States, Canada and Europe. It is not uncommon while visiting one of the big Ranches across the west to see several cowboy's riding LJ's Saddlery saddles. It is also not uncommon to see LJ's Saddlery saddle being ridden at many of the horsemanship clinics across the United States. 

  From breast collars, to spur straps, and custom accessories, LJ's Saddlery has satisfied the need of these horseman and women who seek "Gear of the Highest Caliber" for 20 years.

  It's John Willemsma's goal to use the knowledge passed on to him and the experience that he has gained as a horseman to create a lasting saddle that combines both function and artistic eye appeal. 

John Willemsma Saddles Have Been Displayed at:

• Coconino Center for the Arts - Flagstaff,  AZ.

• Museum of the Big Bend - Alpine, TX.

• Vaquero Day's - Santa Ynez, CA.

• Work Ranch Cowboy Association Finals - Amarillo, TX.

• Museum of the Cherokee Strip - Enid, OK.

• Oklahoma Folklife Festival - Oklahoma City, OK.

• Cowboy Hall of Fame - Oklahoma City, OK.

• National Cowboy Poetry Gathering - Elko, NV.