An exact replica of a Legendary 1870’s Stock Saddle, valued at more than $10,000 will be given away in a special prize drawing to benefit children-in-crisis. Proceeds from the drawing benefit the Cooper Home for abused children, a project of the Happy Trails Children’s Foundation. The foundation is a charitable, non-profit organization located in Apple Valley, CA, the long-time home of legendary Western entertainers Roy Rogers and Dale Evans.

Tickets for the saddle, made by well-known cowboy leather artist Will Ghormley, of Des Moines, IA, are $20 each or six for $100. The winning ticket will be drawn at END of TRAIL, Founder’s Ranch in New Mexico, at 5 p.m. on June 26, 2010. The winner need not be present to win! The winner will be notified by phone. You may check our web site for the winner’s name, on Monday following the drawing.

“Even if you don’t own a horse, this is a saddle anyone would be proud to display in their living room, den, office or business,” said Joel Dortch, Executive Director of Happy Trails Children’s Foundation. The outfit includes a unique Cavalry pattern combination halter/bridle with a low-port Cavalry bit, lead strap, reins, and officer’s rosettes; a matching breast collar with a brass heart in the center; single strap saddle pockets with built in holsters on each pocket for a single-action revolver (revolvers not included); a rifle scabbard complete with a genuine EMF Model 1892 .45 Colt caliber lever action rifle; saddle blanket; lariat; and a beautiful custom deluxe oak saddle stand.

This saddle is a magnificent and authentic hand-carved replica 1870’s stock saddle similar to those made famous in the Colorado Mountains and plains. This saddle has all the classic lines and details that were the hallmark of a fine stock saddle of the times. It is hand sewn and hand tooled; not dyed but oiled with virgin olive oil and put together exactly the way saddles were 130 years ago. This magnificent and historically accurate saddle was made for the recent hit movie Appaloosa, but never used.

Will Ghormley began making leather products in the 1970’s, while working on ranches in the High Country of southwest Colorado where he honed his leather crafting skills. In 1994, he began making leather goods full-time for Cowboy Action Shooters and Old West re-enactors. Later he began carving fine art paintings out of leather. His leather paintings have been collected by President George W. Bush as well as the Roy Rogers – Dale Evans Museum, Charlton Heston, radio commentator Paul Harvey, and many other notables. Ghormley’s saddles and gun leather have been featured in numerous film and television productions and he was voted “Best Period Saddle Maker 2004” by True West Magazine.

Tickets for the saddle drawing can be purchased by calling (760) 240-3330 or on-line at www.happytrails.org . American Express, Discover, MasterCard and VISA are accepted. Or you may send your check to: Happy Trails Children’s Foundation, 1870’s Stock Saddle Drawing, 10755 Apple Valley Road, Apple Valley, CA 92308. All donations are tax deductible.