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Chester A. Reynolds Award
Awarded in 2012
Jerry Cates
Born in 1938 in Foard County, Texas, Jerry Cates grew up in a farming and ranching family, surrounded by the working gear and cowboy craftsmanship that would shape his life. After moving permanently to Amarillo in 1959, he cowboyed and worked as a brand inspector before discovering the passion that would define his career: bit and spur making.
In the early 1960s, while working on a large ranch in the Texas Panhandle, Cates began repairing gear for fellow cowboys. What started as simple repairs grew into an artistic calling. In 1969, he made his first pair of spurs and soon partnered with Bill Handley, working part-time to meet the rising demand for quality handmade gear. By 1980, Cates devoted himself full-time to his craft.
Living only 15 miles from legendary maker Adolph Bayers, Cates credited Bayers not only with inspiring him, but also with teaching him the standards of precision, function, and style that define great spur work. He admired the classic Texas patterns of McChesney, Crockett, Kelly Brothers, Bayers, and Billy Klapper, yet built a distinctive style of his own—one that blended tradition with artistic originality.
Cates’ pieces became highly sought after by working cowboys, collectors, and Western craftsmen across the world. His dedication to quality and his deep respect for the heritage of spur making earned him a reputation as one of the finest Texas-style makers of his generation. Just as important as the work itself, however, was the generous way he shared his knowledge. His shop door was always open to the curious, and he established a formal apprenticeship program to train and encourage promising new makers each year. Many contemporary craftsmen credit him as a mentor and major influence.
His artistry and leadership were recognized throughout the Western arts community. In 1997, Cates received the Academy of Western Artists Spur Maker of the Year award, and in 2007 he became the inaugural recipient of the Adolph Bayers Memorial Award, honoring excellence in traditional bit and spur craftsmanship. He also founded the Texas Style Bit and Spur Makers group, helping bring makers together to preserve and promote the craft.
Respected for his talent, admired for his generosity, and beloved for his commitment to Western heritage, Jerry Cates stands as a defining figure in the world of handcrafted spurs and bits. His work—and the artisans he influenced—continue to carry the Texas tradition forward.
Born in 1938 in Foard County, Texas, Jerry Cates grew up in a farming and ranching family, surrounded by the working gear and cowboy craftsmanship that would shape his life. After moving permanently to Amarillo in 1959, he cowboyed and worked as a brand inspector before discovering the passion that would define his career: bit and spur making.
In the early 1960s, while working on a large ranch in the Texas Panhandle, Cates began repairing gear for fellow cowboys. What started as simple repairs grew into an artistic calling. In 1969, he made his first pair of spurs and soon partnered with Bill Handley, working part-time to meet the rising demand for quality handmade gear. By 1980, Cates devoted himself full-time to his craft.
Living only 15 miles from legendary maker Adolph Bayers, Cates credited Bayers not only with inspiring him, but also with teaching him the standards of precision, function, and style that define great spur work. He admired the classic Texas patterns of McChesney, Crockett, Kelly Brothers, Bayers, and Billy Klapper, yet built a distinctive style of his own—one that blended tradition with artistic originality.
Cates’ pieces became highly sought after by working cowboys, collectors, and Western craftsmen across the world. His dedication to quality and his deep respect for the heritage of spur making earned him a reputation as one of the finest Texas-style makers of his generation. Just as important as the work itself, however, was the generous way he shared his knowledge. His shop door was always open to the curious, and he established a formal apprenticeship program to train and encourage promising new makers each year. Many contemporary craftsmen credit him as a mentor and major influence.
His artistry and leadership were recognized throughout the Western arts community. In 1997, Cates received the Academy of Western Artists Spur Maker of the Year award, and in 2007 he became the inaugural recipient of the Adolph Bayers Memorial Award, honoring excellence in traditional bit and spur craftsmanship. He also founded the Texas Style Bit and Spur Makers group, helping bring makers together to preserve and promote the craft.
Respected for his talent, admired for his generosity, and beloved for his commitment to Western heritage, Jerry Cates stands as a defining figure in the world of handcrafted spurs and bits. His work—and the artisans he influenced—continue to carry the Texas tradition forward.
