The ability to create equipment that working cowboys and professional horseman can appreciate comes from having ‘been there, done that’ and knowing first hand what works. “Cowboy correctness” & functional design have become trademarks of Joe Spiller’s work. The flawless craftsmanship & extraordinary beauty is a result of a tireless quest for self-improvement, culminating in a product coveted by even the most discriminating collectors.
Joe J. Spiller
Spur & Bit Maker Extraordinaire
Having grown up on some of the largest ranches in West Texas, tools of the cowboy trade come natural to Joe J. Spiller.Born in Paducah, Texas, Joe considers Dickens County home. He has been involved in the livestock industry his entire life. His experience includes hosting riding clinics, bit clinics, training horses for the public, roping, horseback hunting trips, ranch foreman and day work for various outfits in Texas and New Mexico. Having ridden all his life, Joe realizes the importance of correct balance and function, so his spur and bit-making techniques are tried and tested. No matter how unique the style or ornate the mountings, every piece that leaves his shop is meant to be used. He is proud his products are handcrafted one piece at a time. With over twenty years experience making custom spurs and bits, his clientele includes ranchers, cowboys and horseman in all disciplines of western riding from Canada to Texas, California to Europe and Australia. Joe & his wife, Baru have a small ranch near Wingate, Texas.
Joe Spiller, Spiller Spurs & Bits was featured on 'Ride Smart with Craig Cameron' on RFD TV on Monday, January 26, 2009, filmed on location at the Spiller Ranch, Wingate, Texas. To view the segment, click on the movie reel below.
Craig Cameron & Joe Spiller at the Spiller Ranch.
Spiller Carpenter spurs made for Craig Cameron, Bluff Dale TX
Newly released book of Spiller Spurs & Bits NOW AVAILABLE!!!!
SPILLER SPURS & BITS Volume I 1998-2005
By 2005, Joe J. Spiller had been making spurs & bits for over twenty years. This book is the first in a series and includes pieces Joe made between the years of 1998-2005. This classy 9" x 11 1/2" book comes with a full glossy jacket and includes information on his life's work and over 165 full color photographs. It does not include all pieces made during that time but is a great overview of his work during those years. It is being offered solely for the availability and enjoyment of customers and other folks interested in the artistic talent and craftsmanship of quality spur & bit making. The price of the book is around $125 plus shipping to your location. If you like more information on this first volume of Joe Spiller's work, please click the link below. For information on SPILLER SPURS & BITS book
Joe’s work has been featured in several publications: · Ranch World Ads Magazine, Spring 2008, “Featured Gear Maker” · Western Horseman, March, 2008, “Featured Spurmakers” · Abilene Reporter News, January 17, 2006"Custom-made Cowboy" · Horses 'n' More newspaper, August 2005, "Function, quality key to spurs, bits" · Texas Style Bit & Spur Makers newsletter, Spring 2005, Featured Artist · Western Horseman magazine, May 2004, “Cowboy Craft Corner” · The Farmer-Stockman magazine, May 2004, "Earned his spurs" by J.T. Smith · Lone Star Horse Report, March 2003, cover photo by Baru Spiller · Cowboy Magazine Fall 2003, "Spurred to Excellence" article by Baru Spiller · "Bits & Spurs, Motifs, Techniques & Modern Makers" coffee table book by Ted & Jody Martin published by Hawk Hill Press. · Farmland Industries Jan/Feb 2002,”Jingle, Jangle, Jingle” by Jim Tucker · Delmarva Farmer Newpaper, Spring 2002, “Horsin’ Around” Mid-Atlantic newspaper · Fort Worth Star Telegram, Aug 2000, "Spurmakers Art Rings True” · Western Horseman, December 2000, “Cowboy Craft Corner”
The Spiller Ranch was named the 2009 Outstanding Conservation Ranch of the Year for Taylor County, Texas by the Middle Clear Fork (of the Brazos River) Soil & Water Conservation District.
Spiller Spurs & Bits, 2702 CR 209, Wingate TX 79566 Tel: 325.743.2461 Fax: 325.743.2464 e-mail Joe: joe@spillerspurs.com Vist the Spiller Ranch for information on Spiller Ranch horses or Baru's silverwork.
