Nancy Martiny’s foray into the world of saddlemaking was not planned; it was a serendipitous journey fueled by passion and necessity. The first saddle she crafted took nearly a year to complete, with countless stolen moments interspersed between her responsibilities of ranching, rodeoing, and raising three children in the heart of rural Idaho.
Guided by the expertise of renowned saddlemaker Dale Harwood, Nancy was able to create a saddle that exceeded her expectations. Her unique perspective as a genuine cowgirl, who not only rode in her creations but also actively participated in producing rodeos and working with cattle, lent her a level of credibility that resonated with her customers. In an industry predominantly occupied by men, her knowledge and experience set her apart.
“I was out amongst my customers,” Nancy recalls. “And that gives a man the confidence that I know what I’m talking about.” This authenticity allowed her to forge strong connections, and soon enough, the orders began to pour in. For over three decades, Nancy has built a thriving business, becoming one of the few female saddlemakers in this traditionally male-dominated field.
At 65 years old, Nancy embodies the spirit of the West. She often dons pearl-snap shirts tucked into her well-worn blue jeans, and her speech is marked by a thoughtful cadence sprinkled with dry humor. Nancy resides with her husband, a dedicated rancher, in a charming log cabin nestled in the picturesque town of May, Idaho. Their home is set against a breathtaking backdrop of lush green mountains that loom like ancient, slumbering giants.
It is in this tranquil workshop that Nancy recently celebrated a remarkable milestone: the completion of her 500th saddle. Despite the growing demand for her craft, with wait times for a new “Nancy saddle” stretching to approximately six years, she made the decision to close her order book in 2022. Remarkably, last year, she fulfilled an order from a customer who had patiently waited nearly two decades to receive his custom saddle.
