Auction features custom saddle

Byline

Someone will ride off into the new millennium on a custom saddle created by Gerald Hackett.

The New Year's Eve SOAR auction will feature Hackett's "Saddle 2000."

"This is an old-style buckaroo model saddle dating back over 100 years ago," Hackett said.

"I tried to incorporate the blending of two centuries into my design including the eagle 'soaring into the millennium' on this old-style saddle."

The bridle that goes with the saddle also has a period design of 100 years ago.

Saddle-making in the west evolved from the old English saddle. The Texas and Mexican influences led to more rounded saddles and Saddle 2000 follows these lines.

The saddle may be viewed at Leavitt's Western Wear in downtown Sisters. An evaluation places the saddle value at about $2,800.

Gerald Hackett has been a saddle-maker for 10 years and worked with leather products for 20 years.

He is located at 4470 W. Highway 126 (Sisters/Redmond Highway).

The SOAR auction will take place at the Sisters Hotel on New Year's Eve.

Contact SOAR at 549-2091 for more information.