KEITH SEIDEL is a saddle maker and leather craftsman that builds functional art pieces that include saddles, briefcases, desk accessories, belts, gun leather, among other specialty items at Seidel’s Saddlery, his historic downtown Cody, Wyoming location. Keith started working leather as a young boy in the late 1970’s while helping his family raise and train Morgan horses. Countless hours horseback forged the understanding of saddle fit, function, balance, and comfort. He was privileged to work with, and be influenced by, many notable master saddle makers in some of the most prestigious saddle shops. With a deep commitment to fine craftsmanship, he believes that decoration is secondary to function, and yet there is pure poetry when both function and beauty can exist simultaneously. Keith believes that tooling(decoration) breathes life into any leather project, enhancing the form and function of the piece. His style, artistry, and eye for design has made his work so appealing to his many discerning customers. Keith has a passion for perpetuation of the trade, which has led to his teaching classes, and apprenticing saddle makers. His latest venture was a saddle making apprenticeship program at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. Keith’s awards include 2018 Wyoming Governor’s Arts Award, 2012 Saddle Maker of the Year Award by Academy of Western Artists, and other numerous Trade Contest Awards.