Clair grew up riding horses on cattle ranches in the John Day Oregon area. "My folks, grandparents and uncle all ranch, and I get to help all of them out. Growing up my cousins and I all worked for the family on the ranches and it was great

When I got into high school I decided that I wanted to do leather work. I got in touch with local saddle maker and friend, Tom Berry, and asked if he would help me. He agreed and I loved it. When I graduated I went to a two year saddle making school in Spokane Washington. There I made my first four saddles. The first saddle is mine – I’m still riding it today. After I graduated from Spokane Falls Community College, I apprenticed with Randy Severe at Severe Bros. Saddlery in Pendleton Oregon. I was only there a short time but I really enjoyed working with Randy.

In the fall of 2004, I opened the doors to Clair’s Saddle Shop in John Day and have been doing steady business in my saddle shop ever since. I really enjoy making saddles and doing leather work it is challenging and rewarding.

My biggest inspiration is Dale Harwood. I recently spent a week studying with Dale Harwood at his saddle shop in Shelly, Idaho. Dale was kind enough to take time out of his busy schedule to teach me some of his saddle making secrets. I respect and admire Dale Harwood very much.

Almost all of the work I do at Clair’s Saddle Shop is custom made. I make every thing from western saddles and chinks to handbags and furniture and a few things in between. If you see some thing you like on my website or have an idea you’ve been thinking about, please feel free to call or email and we’ll get some thing in the works for you.