About Circle Y

The Circle Y Saddle Craftsmen

At the heart of Circle Y’s success is not just a brand, but a family — the dedicated craftsmen and women who pour their passion into every saddle. With more than 1,500 combined years of experience, our team carries forward a tradition of artistry, innovation, and pride that defines Circle Y.

“Our greatest achievement isn’t simply the decades we’ve been in business — it’s the extraordinary people who build our saddles,” says Mark Jemelka, Senior Leader and Shipping Manager of Circle Y Saddles. “The longevity of our workforce speaks volumes about the integrity of the brand and the pride our makers take in their craft.”

A Legacy Built by Hand

From generation to generation, the Circle Y makers embody the spirit of Yoakum, Texas — a community bound by heritage, hard work, and a shared commitment to creating the finest saddles in America. Each stitch, cut, and carve tells a story of dedication and authenticity. What began as a small team of skilled hands has grown into a legacy of craftsmanship, where tradition meets innovation to serve riders across the world. The result is more than a saddle — it’s a testament to the people behind it and the passion that keeps Circle Y’s legacy alive.

A Legacy that rides on

When Steve Tucker and his business partner, Darrell Nephew, acquired Circle Y Saddles in 2003, he brought not only years of saddle-making expertise but also a vision to elevate the brand while staying true to its Texas roots. Already respected as the founder of Tucker Trail Saddles — celebrated for their unmatched comfort over long hours in the saddle — Steve guided Circle Y with the same dedication to craftsmanship, innovation, and the rider’s experience. Under his leadership, Circle Y flourished, earning the trust of riders across disciplines and solidifying its place as America’s leading saddle brand.

Steve’s influence reached far beyond the shop floor. Known for his wisdom, generosity, and faith, he eagerly shared his knowledge and invested in others. To him, saddlemaking was more than a craft — it was a way to serve riders, foster community, and carry forward traditions worth preserving.

In 2021, tragedy struck when Steve’s life was cut short in a plane crash — a profound loss to Circle Y, the Tucker brand, and the entire Yoakum community. Yet even in sorrow, his legacy endures. His deepest passion was his love for Christ, and knowing he is with Him brings peace to those who cherished him.

Today, we honor Steve Tucker by carrying on the mission he lived for: building saddles of excellence, innovation, and integrity. Every saddle we craft reflects not only the skill of our makers but also the enduring vision of a leader whose faith, passion, and spirit continue to ride with us.

Carrying Forward the Welhausen Legacy

In 2023, Circle Y Saddles entered an inspiring new chapter when it was acquired by nearby Kaspar Companies, a fifth-generation, family-owned business led by the descendants of the Welhausen family — the same family who founded Tex Tan in 1919. Tex Tan, short for Texas Tanning and Manufacturing Company, was one of the earliest pioneers in American saddlemaking, known for producing world-class saddles, tack, and leather goods that carried the spirit of Yoakum across the nation. The Welhausen family’s craftsmanship, business integrity, and dedication to their community helped establish Yoakum as a proud cornerstone of the western industry — values that still define Circle Y today.

That legacy came full circle in 2024 when Kaspar Companies and Circle Y proudly repurchased the Tex Tan name, reuniting two historic Yoakum brands under one family once again. The return of Tex Tan represents more than a revival of a respected brand — it symbolizes the restoration of a century-long tradition of excellence and the enduring “Welhausen Legacy” in Lavaca County. Together, Circle Y and Tex Tan continue to champion the artistry, innovation, and craftsmanship that have defined Yoakum’s saddlemaking heritage for over 100 years.

But Circle Y’s story doesn’t stop with the past. In partnership with the Town of Yoakum, the company is helping to renovate the Yoakum Rodeo Arena, breathing new life into local rodeo events and creating a gathering place that honors the town’s western roots. It’s another way Circle Y continues to stand beside the riders, ranchers, and neighbors who have supported them for generations — ensuring that the legacy of craftsmanship, community, and cowboy spirit lives on for years to come.

Where tradition meets innovation

At Circle Y, we believe the future of western saddlery is built on a foundation of tradition. Every saddle we create carries the hand-touched craftsmanship, pride, and artistry that have defined our brand for generations — yet it’s also shaped by forward-thinking innovation that keeps us at the forefront of saddle design.

Our makers blend time-honored leatherworking skills with cutting-edge design tools, advanced materials, and continuous research to craft saddles that meet the needs of today’s riders. By combining decades of experience with modern technology, we’ve achieved a new level of precision in saddle fit — producing saddles that move in harmony with the horse, distribute pressure more evenly, and offer superior comfort for both horse and rider. Every curve, stitch, and contour is guided by data, expertise, and the deep understanding that no two horses — or riders — are exactly alike.

But innovation at Circle Y isn’t just about technology; it’s about purpose. Our advancements are born from listening to riders, studying movement, and honoring the partnership between horse and human. We’re continually testing, refining, and educating — ensuring every saddle reflects the perfect balance of heritage craftsmanship and modern performance.

From the ranch to the arena, Circle Y continues to shape the future of western saddlery — proving that true innovation doesn’t replace tradition; it rides alongside it.