Glen Thompson

Glen Thompson

Artist; Occupational; Saddle

Profile of artist Glen Thompson

1939

Saddle Maker

Over the years Glen has crafted a wide range of saddles including ones specifically designed for paraplegic riders and a number of saddles for national rodeo champions, Shawn Davis and Lewis Fields. He also has made several Queen saddles for Miss Rodeo Utah and Miss Rodeo America pageants. In the early 1980s he crafted a one of a kind saddle featuring beehives, Utah state symbol. For the last twenty years the Beehive Saddle has been on display in art museums, including the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian in Washington D.C. Glen has received numerous awards for his work including the prestigious Utah Governor’s Folk Art Award. Glen is part of a western crafts tradition that has long been valued by the working ranchers and cowboys of the region and is becoming more and more valued by those who appreciate hand crafted art. For a glimpse of this important regional traditional and fine craft, visit Glen in his tool-lined shop. Smell the leather and watch him expertly stamp intricate designs into leather. In this Huntsville workshop in the middle of a beautiful mountain valley, you'll know you've seen a piece of the real West.