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About the Braider, Gail Hought
Full-time artist, businesswoman and equestrian,
Gail Hought is a native Californian, mother and grandmother.
Gail's love of riding began at an early age on the family dairy
farm. What does a little girl do who wants to ride, but does
not have a horse? Of course, she rides her favorite cow. Gail's
enthusiasm and passion for riding swayed her parents to purchase
a horse for her. Thereafter she participated in gymkhana, rodeos
and horse shows. Over the years, Gail's equestrian interests
have broadened to include four Levi Ride & Ties and endurance
riding. A lifelong dream of competing in the Western States Trail
Ride-Tevis Cup-a one day 100 mile endurance ride, earned her
three completion buckles between 1999 and 2001.
After her marriage to Eric in 1966, Gail continued
her education and became a registered nurse. After working in
the nursing field for some time, the need to stay home became
increasingly important, though it meant a financial sacrifice.
Her household had expanded to four children, thus the decision
to stay home was made.
Gail had an interest in leatherwork even before
her decision. With the thought of someday learning to braid,
she purchased Bruce Grant's, Encyclopedia of Rawhide and Leather
Braiding, but it sat on a shelf, unopened, in her home for
over ten years. As the children grew, more free time became available
for the pursuit of her own interests, one of which was a continuing
attraction to leatherwork. Using the tools from a previously
purchased Tandy Leather Kit, Gail decided it was time to try
her hand at braiding. With Bruce Grant's book as a guide, she
taught herself to first braid rawhide and then leather. She discovered
she truly enjoyed the process and found she had a talent and
a facility for the skills it required. Since Gail continued to
feel the need to financially contribute to the family, an in-home
business combining her love of horses, aptitude for braiding
and gift for art seemed like a logical next step. Thereafter,
Gail's talents flourished and Hought Western Tack, now Hought
Fine Art and Leather, was established.
Gail is primarily known for her artistic leather
braiding skills. The western world recognized her exceptional
talents, when the first of several articles appeared in WESTERN
HORSEMAN magazine. Featured were examples of braided tack that
included bosal sets, for which she is most noted, romal reins
and several styles of headstalls.
The art community acknowledged Gail for her
watercolor paintings with honors at the juried show at the California
State Fair. Her braided work received the People's Choice Award
and Best of Show Award for three dimensional art at the Big Bend
Trappings, Sul Ross University at Alpine, Texas. She juried the
braiding category on two occasions at the "Trappings of
the American West" in Flagstaff, Arizona, and was an invited
guest speaker in 1998 at Sul Ross University's annual show. Collectors
have recognized Gail as a leading creator of complete sets of
artistically braided tack. Those with a knowledgeable eye, who
collect her work, have seen it rapidly appreciate in value.
Gail has written three articles for WESTERN
HORSEMAN magazine and a project oriented braiding series for
LEATHER CRAFTER'S JOURNAL. In the last several years, photographs
of her work have appeared in many horse related magazines. In
2002 WORLD ENDURANCE NEWS featured an article focusing on her
watercolor painting.
Since 1996, Gail has taught numerous braiding
workshops. Encouraged by interest shown in her work, she has
written an illustrated series of braiding books for the braiding
enthusiast: The Art of Braiding, The Basics, The
Art of Braiding, The Bosal I, The Art of Braiding,
The Basics-Revised Edition, The Art of Braiding,
The Bosal II and The Art of Braiding Romal Reins I.
Gail's many artistic talents have served her
well over the years, braiding is but one. She creates pencil
drawings, pen and inks and watercolor paintings with a focus
on animals. Web site design is another of her interests. Gail's
understanding of art and the computer has given her the tools
to create interesting and innovative web sites for herself and
others. A passion for endurance riding combined with the knowledge
of the sport and tack construction skills, has motivated Gail
to create attractive functional biothane tack that is comfortable
for the horse and easily used by the rider.
Eric, a retired teacher, has been married
to Gail for over 40 years. He became interested in leatherwork
in 1973 along with Gail. In the early years, Gail continued her
braiding craft while Eric taught school. He contributed his leather
skills, as time would allow, until he retired to devote his full-time
energies to creating tack. His strapwork has been the foundation
for Gail's braiding. Today Eric, an accomplished horseman, devotes
most of his time raising and training horses for himself and
others, and writes many training technique articles.
By combining artistic talent with her skill
as a horsewoman, Gail brings individuality to her craft. Her
unique qualities have given her the ability to produce superior
products that are not only beautiful in appearance, but functional
and easy to use. |