Leland Hensley

A native Texan, Leland Hensley developed a passion for the art of rawhide braiding while attending Sul Ross State University in Alpine. After graduation in 1985, he took a job as a ranch manager but continued to polish his braiding skills. To this day Hensley sees his braiding, not as a job that needs to be done, but an enjoyable activity that he looks forward to at the end of each day.

Hensley’s work has developed a high reputation amongst collectors and working cowboys alike for unique design, beauty, and rugged functionality. Drawing on international influences is one of the characteristics of Hensley’s style that sets his work apart. In addition to South America, Hensley draws from the traditional styles of Spain, old Mexico and the unique motifs that have arisen from the blending of styles along the Texas/Mexico border.

A set of split reins for instance, common in Texas, but braided in rawhide and mounted with silver are transformed into a treasured museum quality piece of Vaquero gear. A member of the Traditional Cowboy Arts Association, Hensley’s work has also been exhibited in “The Trappings of Texas”, a show hosted by the Museum of the Big Bend, where Hensley has been the guest curator of gear since 2002.

https://lelandhensley.com/about.php