Watching Ross Gruenwald of the Double G Saddle Company at his work gives the impression that one is watching a scene from 100 years ago in the Old West. That’s because Gruenwald, 42, of Enterprise, is a traditional saddle-maker who preserves a centuries-old craft that, while not necessarily an endangered species, is still a pretty a rare breed these days.

With the Double G Saddle Company, you can still get the quality materials and craftsmanship that you won’t find in a mass-produced factory saddle. Handcrafted saddles are also more comfortable for the horse and more comfortable for the rider, Gruenwald said.

“It’s a long involved process,” he said of his saddle-making process. He has a very traditional style and even hand carves flowers into the leather.

In addition to custom saddles and custom leatherwork, he does a lot of saddle repair work. He also has done carvings for custom leather bound books.

Gruenwald came to Enterprise last August and brought his business with him from Burns, where he started out in 1990. His shop, located at 117 North River Street, features various hats, chaps, ropes and other leather crafted items.

Gruenwald began working for ranchers in Nevada and the Great Basin country and took an interest in saddle-making. He started out small in his basement and picked the brains of saddle-makers with whom he came in contact through the years.

He gets all his rawhide leather from Herman Oak in Saint Louis, Mo., because, he says, it has offered the best quality domestic skirting since 1881.

For further information, one may call 426-0230.