Tracking the traveling saddle

A “traveling saddle” that dates back to before the Jefferson Fair and Rodeo existed by that name will continue its long tradition of recognizing good horsemanship this week.

The Howey Traveling Saddle will be awarded again this Friday to the high point all around winner during the fair’s Kids Horse Show and Rodeo.

Local leather craftsman Bert Howey built the saddle in 1978 and it was raffled to benefit the revival of the local rodeo, then named “Western Weekend.” Local businesswoman Billie McManus, proprietor of the Windsor Bar at the time, held the winning ticket and decided to donate the saddle’s use to the Boulder rodeo queen for her reigning year.