Kent Frecker
Kent started in the saddle business in Oct. 1981, at Smith & Edwards Co., and have been self-employed since April of 1990. He worked with Dale Harwood making the “Ray Hunt” saddles for a year. Dale has probably made the greatest influence in his saddle making, and he is grateful for his help. Others who have influenced on his work are Bob Ray and Randy Hansen.
It has been his honor to have made several saddles for Buck & Mary Brannaman, Shayne Jackson, Dave Gamble, Kip Fladland, Ray & Carolyn Hunt, Curt & Tammy Pate, Roland & Robin Moore, Tom & Jillie Selleck, and many more. He sent saddles all across the United States Alaska to Hawaii, Canada, Austria, Ireland, Scotland, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark, Switzerland, Germany, England, Italy, Australia, New Zealand, Dubai, Czech Republic, Costa Rica, Japan, France, Spain, Belgium, Africa, and Brazil.
Sadly, Kent passed away in May of 2021 but his legacy lives on.
Karsten Frecker
Karsten is Kent’s youngest son; He is living the legacy of his father. He bought Frecker’s Saddlery in 2021, in Dillon Montana. His dad has been his best friend his whole life. Ever since he was a kid he would hang out with him in the shop everyday until the day he could do more and help his dad. Karsten has been working in the shop for years. He started apprenticing with his dad making saddles in 2011, and is excelling in this trade, sending saddles all over the world as well. He is very knowledgeable about western equipment and can help you with your question and needs. Karsten is married to Jolly Ann and together they have two beautiful daughters, Pearl and Ruby.
Jolly Ann Frecker
Jolly Ann Is married to Karsten and is originally from the Philippines. She keeps busy in the shop making a variety of tack. She does most of the custom tooling like breast collar, headstall, water bottle holder, and cellphone case. She also makes custom paracord mecates with tooled poppers. She is in charge of keeping the Frecker’s website all up to date.
Tyler Frecker
Tyler is Kent’s son, and has been working with leather most of his life making chaps, belts, saddle bags, and bucking rolls. Tyler is an excellent saddle maker; he started making saddles for his dad in 2003 and does most of the wildlife carvings in the shop. Tyler is also the tree maker for Frecker’s Saddlery. He has three beautiful children Andrew, Eli, and Zsophie.
Emily Rix
Emily is Kent’s daughter and is married to Porter Rix. Emily has been doing tack for years, and she enjoys working with leather and turns out a great finished product. Emily also keeps the store neat, clean and orderly. She has two beautiful kids, Olivia and Orin.
Each custom saddle is stamped with the saddle maker’s name on it. We take pride in our work and put our name on it to prove it.