Cowboy Art

The history of cowboy boot making in the U.S. has been lost to time, but some women are still crafting the iconic Western gear. For this episode of Expressive Idaho, we go back to a 2022 gathering of artisans called the "Cowgirl Congress."

Hot August days on a ranch are the quieter times when Ryan Carpenter and his wife are able to halter break new colts in between bailing hay and other chores. Their ranch is on the Duck Valley Indian Reservation, which sits on the border of Idaho and Nevada. It’s the same time of year they met their neighbor, Monte Cummins, more than 10 years ago.

The art of gun engraving is alive and well in eastern Idaho, thanks to a few dedicated cowboys who are willing to put in the hours of drawing and practice required.