Russel Yates

West Texas Native, Russell Yates has spent his entire life in Rotan, Texas, and is part of the third generation involved in the family farming and ranching tradition that includes cow/calf and yearling operations.

Yates grew up using lots of cowboy gear, and in the early 1990s, with the help from Max Stapleton and Tommy Spraberry, he started making bits and spurs. At first he emulated the styles of Adolph Bayers and Billy Klapper. He credits J. Martin Basinger for challenging him to “think outside the box” which has allowed him to create a style all of his own. Although he still manages his family’s ranching and farming interests, he became a full-time maker in 2000.

Russell likes to integrate the California and Great Basin style with the traditional Texas style. His work has become a hybrid of the two styles. His work is highly sought after by collectors because of his unique and intricate style. Russell was awarded the prestigious "Best of Show” for cowboy gear at the 2007 Trappings of Texas exhibit at the Museum of the Big Bend in Alpine, Texas.

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