Welcome to Word of Mouth Leather, Reid Flatten, Maker. Specializing in hand made saddles, Wades in particular, but other styles as requested. I also make custom chaps, chinks, leather split riding skirts, wrist cuffs, belts, holsters and scabbards, cartridge belts and historical reproductions. Please take some time to view completed projects I have posted here.
I consider myself to be a source for quality custom western saddles and hand crafted leather goods, both modern and historical. The goods I produce are equally at home being used every day in the mountains of Montana, the arena or a weekend in the big city. Some people have called what I do “functional art”, I believe that to be true. While my creations are pleasing to the eye, they are all built to be used.
Like a lot of people who work with leather, I got started as a kid. I grew up around horses and cattle so there was always gear that needed fixing. As time went on, I started making things for myself and as I got better at it, people started asking me to make things for them. I was making chaps and chinks, headstalls, spur straps, gun and knife leather and fixing saddles and gear. In 2004 I went to a saddle school to get some professional training in saddle construction. Since then my past time has become a profession.
I am located at 403 East Park Street in Livingston, Montana. I have been in Livingston since 2007 and my current location since 2009. This location that allows space for me to have finished goods on hand and make it easier for people to stop in and see what I have to offer. If you are passing through, stop in, or contact me to see what have on hand and available. My hours are 10 to 5:30 Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and 10 to 1 on Saturday. While it may sound like bankers hours, I am at the shop a lot working on orders. Other times can be made by appointment by calling or through e-mail.
Since my work is custom in nature, feel free to contact me with any project ideas that you may have and would like to have completed. Call or e-mail me for pricing information. I also do repair work on saddles and related gear for horse and rider.