Generational talent ignites: A champion saddle maker passes his craft to his children, culminating in a special project for the San Angelo Stock Show.
Pat Hooper is a veteran, a Texas saddle maker, Pro Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) steer wrestler, and owner of Pat Hooper Leatherwrks. He also hosts the Pat Hooper Leatherwrks Annual Veteran’s Day Steer Wrestling Jackpot at his ranch in Athens, Texas. This jackpot event is an American qualifier and features National Finals Rodeo (NFR) quality steers.
While Pat has his own unique story, his current focus is on his family. Pat and his wife April, share two children, Cash and Avery. Avery is 11 years old and in the 6th grade and Cash is 10 years old and in the 5th grade. Cash is a dirtbike riding king who has tried his hand at steer wrestling as well. Avery is a barrel racing beauty who also dominates on the softball field.
Now that they are getting a little older, Pat decided it was time for them to see how his saddle-making business operates on a more personal level. He is passing on his incredible talent through teaching them the art of saddle making.
In fact, they have taken on a big project through their school. They will be building a ranch roper saddle as part of their Future Farmers of America (FFA) project through Ag Mechanics at their school Martin Mills to be entered and displayed at the San Angelo Stock Show this April.
The siblings decided on a ranch roper because the San Angelo area has so many day working cowboys that they figured the demand for that might be high.
Most 10-13-year-old children haven’t bought their own saddle, much less made one, but Pat and April don’t let age define their children’s capabilities.
Pat’s approach to saddle making comes from his intuitive artistic streak and his childhood. He grew up with his father, James Hooper, who was a rodeo producer on the East Coast, hosting rodeos that attracted the likes of B.B. King to perform and even taking calls from a Saudi Arabian sheik to put on a rodeo. One of their biggest rodeos was in RFK Stadium.
When crafting a new saddle, Pat finds the perfect blend of fashion and function. He carefully considers the event or purpose that the saddle will be used for and then tailors it to meet those needs and put the rider in the best possible position to accomplish their goals. He also considers who the rider is as a person and what matters to them. This is where his color choices, conchos, seat inlays, tooling, and other customizations come into place. Elephant or ostrich seats, zebra stripes, initials on stirrups; nothing is too hard or out of the question when it crosses Pat’s mind.
Pat knows being a champion means you stand out, and he wants you to stand out in style. His saddles can be seen at rodeos nationwide and are a particular favorite among the steer wrestling community. Last year, he was commissioned to make saddles for the United Pro Rodeo Association (UPRA) held during the State Fair of Texas. He made trophy saddles for each of these specific event champions.
Now, Avery and Cash are learning how important patience is with the process and how some aspects require vision beyond technical skills. With Pat there to guide them, the saddle is sure to be as incredible as the others he produces. Be on the lookout for their saddle in San Angelo at the Stock Show!