Nancy Martiny made her first saddle over a year of spare afternoons while ranching, rodeoing, and raising three kids in Idaho. Martiny learned leatherwork at 15 from her father. She began saddle making at 30, mentored by renowned saddle maker Dale Harwood. She earned credibility in the male dominated field, creating functional art for working riders. For over 35 years, Martiny has crafted over 500 saddles, with a six-year waitlist. Her intricately carved saddles start at $5,000, with some selling for $15,000. Each piece begins with a customized wooden tree and requires a full cowhide. She spends an hour carving each four-inch section of leather. Her accolades include recognition from Idaho’s governor and Art of the Cowgirl. Martiny proudly builds every saddle herself in a tool-filled shop on her family’s 135-year-old Idaho cattle ranch. Through her role as a master with the Art of the Cowgirl Foundation, Martiny has mentored several young women in their saddle making journey.
2025 Cowgirl Honoree – Idaho
