Buckaroo Buys: Bridgit’s Bohemian Bunkhouse
- August 2, 2017
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- Savanna Simmons
Posted in: Featured, Horse Care, Horse Supplies, Ranch Life
Bridgit Carone, of Bridgit’s Bohemian Bunkhouse, makes incredible hooked wool pads that are a must-have. She comes up with the most original, unique designs and can work with anyone to get a pad looking just right. Her Facebook page can be found by searching Bridgit’s Bohemian Bunkhouse or by clicking here.
Here’s Bridgit’s story: 
I grew up in British Columbia, Canada. We always had horses and my Mom had a pulled wool saddle pad when I was younger. I always thought it was really neat, and if the opportunity would come up for me to learn I would jump at it. I did, jumped right in.
I learned to make pulled wool saddle pads, from Jean Spratling and her daughter, Amelia Wakley. Together they hosted a workshop with the Western Folklife Center in Elko Nevada, during cowboy poetry in 2014.
I have been making pulled wool saddle pads ever since. Each pad takes approximately 20-50 hours from start to finish. I dye all the colored wool myself and that can take a while to process. Now I’m nearing 200 pads made. A lotta loops!
A pulled wool saddle pad from Bridgit’s Bohemian Bunkhouse is 100% wool. Wool is the best fiber for using as a saddle pad. Wool sweats a horse evenly it has great strength and is very durable. The wool breathes and with the construction of the continuous loops it helps to provide air flow and reduces sores caused by trapped heat. I make a lot of pretty saddle pads, but I make more that are functional, for working cowboys, horse trainers and other riders who spend long hours in the saddle.
I usually build custom orders and offer a standard size, 32 inches by 32 inches square and between 2 – 2 ½ inches in thickness. They will compress with use, and be 1 – 1 ½ inch in thickness when used heavily. When people rope a lot they often request a super thick pad 3-4 inches in thickness. The pads can also be made larger or smaller than 32 x32. My pads average 7- 8 lbs in weight. While these pads are awesome, they will not compensate for a poor fitting saddle.
I include cleaning and care tips with the pads. They are pretty low maintenance, just use them.
The name…… Bridgit’s Bohemian Bunkhouse, well honestly I didn’t realize how many saddle pads I would be making and how much I would have to use that moniker. I chose it because I am a genuine hippy / cowgirl, transient, vagabond … saddle tramp…. Gypsy/buckaroogirl and bohemian was not in popular use, so I came to learn that is because so few people can spell it! It’s a handle that’s for sure, but now it’s really sticking and I’m getting people trained to it. What’s a business without a one of a kind name? I grew up in Canada, spent time on some big outfits there, cooking and riding when I could tag along. I went to California to work for a cutting horse trainer. I met my husband over there at a wedding. He was born and raised in Nevada. We have worked at ranches in Idaho, Oregon, Washington and Nevada. We have lived in a lot of bunkhouses!
At the bunkhouse, I also offer handmade cinches, made of mohair or alpaca fiber and some of wool. I do leather work and repairs and some braiding. I offer kits and a book to learn to make your own pulled wool saddle pad. I sell wool and alpaca fiber, which can be used for many purposes such as spinning, weaving, felting, stuffing, yarn and of course saddle pads and blankets. I am adding a lot to the plate this coming season as interest continues to grow.
When placing an order you can expect to be booked in 2-6 weeks. I would like to offer a promotional discount of $25 off each custom ordered saddle pad with the mention of reading this on the Cavvy Savvy Blog.
I am taking orders from September, 15, 2017. I am taking some time off through August as we are on the move again. Washington to Nevada we hope to settle down for a while and let our boys (Ace and Cash) go to school in Wells, Nevada. My husband is foreman of the Big Springs Ranch, near Wells, Nevada, a division of Elko Land and Livestock.
This is a continuation of Buckaroo Buys, posts that feature my personal favorite makers and artisans. I am not paid or reimbursed to recommend these products and makers.
I am a collector of all things beautiful. I generally don’t care for trade-show bits or manufactured saddles. Ok, ok, I’m a bit of a snob. But we don’t have endless amounts of tack like this, just an occasional larger purchase for anniversaries, birthdays, or Christmas. Or a must-have once in a while when we see something and happen to have the cash handy. Our boys are going to receive some fine tack down the road, and that’s pretty exciting to me.
This is a lifestyle and commitment for these makers and they rely on you. I hope you will check out their gear and maybe send some business their way if you see something you like. Be sure to tell them Savanna and Cavvy Savvy sent ya!
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Posted in: Featured, Horse Care, Horse Supplies, Ranch Life
About Savanna Simmons
I'm Savanna Simmons and I live north of Lusk, Wyoming, on the Four Three Ranch with my husband Boe and our sons, Brindle and Roan. I grew up evolving my horsemanship with clinicians like Ray Hunt, Joe Wolter, and Jack Brainard, but not within a...