Bonnie Chase (left) and her apprentice Linda Hussa.
Photos courtesy of Bonnie Chase
Saddle blankets are essential equipment for ranchers and wool blankets are the best type of saddle blankets for horses because the natural fibers allow the horse’s skin to breathe. Traditionally, cowboys used hand-woven wool saddle blankets personalized with their brands, names, or favorite designs. Today there are few makers of wool saddle blankets in this country, but Bonnie Chase has worked to keep this art form alive. She and her apprentice Linda Hussa are members of the ranching community of Surprise Valley in Northeastern Modoc County. Linda is a Churro sheep rancher and Bonnie Chase is teaching her to process her sheep’s wool into yarn, to color it with natural dyes, and weave durable saddle blankets that can be used by the local community. Each blanket takes three or four months to complete. Linda has already woven four simple blankets and she is eager to learn more complicated designs.
top
