Russell Yates, Bit and Spur Maker from Rotan, TX, USA
Russell Yates
West Texas native, Russell Yates has spent his entire life in Rotan, Texas, and is part of the third generation involved in farming and ranching. In the early 1990’s, with some help from other craftsman including Max Stapleton and Tommy Sprayberry, Russell started making spurs and bits. At first, like many Texas makers early on, he emulated the styles of Adolph Bayers and Billy Klapper, as he became more accomplished, he developed his own style. He gives credit to J.Martin & Jean Bassinger for challenging him to ”think outside the box.” Although he still manages his family’s interest in the farming and ranching operation, he has been making bits & spurs full-time since 2000.
As California and Great Basin Vaquero style horsemanship has become intermingled with Texas style horsemanship, so has the gear. California and buckarro style equipment excites Yates and he implements some of those techniques into his spurs & bits. While he still makes some traditional Texas-style pieces, by blending in the buckaroo styles, his work has developed into a very appealing, high-quaility hybrid of the two. Prior to his acceptance into the TCAA, Russell Yates received the coveted ”Best of Show” award at both the 2007 and 2008 Trappings of Texas in Alpine.
Russell likes the idea that for many years, bit and spur makers were just tool makers for the horseman, but today they are considered artists. Indeed his pieces are works of art. He uses intricately engraved overlay and inlay in his work, with lots of gun-style engraving. In an effort to develop his creativity to its full potential, Russell no longer takes custom orders, but aspires to design and make high-end museum quality pieces that are sought-after by both collectors and working horseman alike.
Contact Information
Mailing Address
Russell Yates708 East Burnside
Rotan, TX 79546
USA