My Story — The Maker Behind Gray Eagle Leather

From Rescuing Horses to Handcrafting Leather Goods

Gray Eagle Leather started in a way I never expected.

Years ago, I rented a field from an elderly lady so I would have somewhere to keep my own horse. Along the way, I kept coming across horses that had nowhere else to go. Before I knew it, one horse had become several, and over the years, more than a dozen horses passed through my care.

One of them was Daryl, a horse I rescued in 2015. He arrived terribly underweight, but with time and care, he recovered and went on to enjoy a lovely life. His before-and-after photographs are a reminder of why I did it.

Of course, caring for horses isn't cheap! I had learned leatherworking skills and was regularly repairing tack and equipment. With horses to feed and care for, I needed a way to bring in extra money. And that's how Gray Eagle Leather began.

During that same time, I lost my grandmother. She loved horses, and I think I probably got my love of them from her. When it came time to name my business, I chose Gray Eagle — the name of her childhood horse. It felt like a fitting way to honor her and the love of horses we shared.

Still Working With Horses, Still Working With Leather

Horses are still a big part of my life. I still wake up every day and care for a dozen horses, feeding them morning and evening. No matter how busy life gets, horses have always been part of my daily routine.

In between, I'm busy in my Maryland workshop, making leather belts and other leather goods.

I hand-cut my belts from leather hides, finish the edges, and make them to order. Because I cut my own straps, I can offer custom sizes and widths that aren't always easy to find, including narrow ½-inch and ¾-inch belts.

I work with quality leathers, including Hermann Oak, Wickett & Craig, and Water Buffalo, and I believe in making things that are meant to last.

A Small Business I'm Proud Of

What started as a way to help pay for rescued horses has grown into a small business with more than 26,000 Etsy sales and 8,500 five-star reviews.

But Gray Eagle Leather is still a one-person leatherworking shop. Every order matters to me, and I appreciate the customers who choose handmade over mass-produced.

I never planned on becoming a leatherworker with customers across the country. I was simply trying to take care of some horses who needed a home.

It's funny where life takes you.

Thank you for supporting Gray Eagle Leather and the work I love doing.

Handmade in Maryland, USA.