The Best of Western Horseman Awards are finally here.
A rancher’s homestead is where family gathers and work endures. Quality materials ensure longevity and efficiency in trusted, lasting products.
Best of Livestock Management Winner: Priefert Manufacturing
When Marvin Priefert built a headgate in a one-room shop on his farm, he had no idea that his first piece of ranch equipment would help revolutionize the livestock handling industry. Now in its third generation of leadership, Priefert Manufacturing is still family-owned and -operated. Considered the leading innovator in the livestock handling industry, Priefert continues to develop and produce safe and durable equipment for both the animal and the operator. What began with a simple cattle headgate has transformed into one-stop shop for all your farm, ranch and rodeo needs.
Located on the outskirts of Mount Pleasant, Texas, the family’s ranch is the first proving ground for the vast majority of Priefert products. Durability, versatility and functionality are combined with first-rate craftsmanship and an eye for detail as products are made to fit the needs and demands of a growing market. A lot has changed since that first headgate, but decades later, one thing remains constant: Priefert’s commitment to producing quality products.
Best of Livestock Management Runner-Up: Powder River
Since 1983, Powder River has built a reputation for excellence in the livestock equipment industry. With more than 80 years of innovation, durability and trust, the company continues to serve ranchers and cattle producers nationwide with equipment designed to last. It’s not uncommon to hear stories of ranchers still using the same Powder River gate or chute they helped install decades ago, which demonstrates the brand’s commitment to quality.
Powder River chutes, working systems and gates are recognized for their ability to withstand generations of heavy use. Many pieces remain in daily operation after 40 years or more, showcasing the craftsmanship and thoughtful design that go into each product. From small family ranches to large commercial cattle operations, Powder River equipment can be found throughout America.
Looking to the future, the company’s mission remains clear: to provide ranchers with reliable tools that make cattle handling safer, easier and more efficient. At Powder River, “America’s ranches are our showroom,” and this philosophy drives the brand toward another century of excellence.
Best of Livestock Management Honorable Mention: Moly Manufacturing
For nearly 40 years, Moly Manufacturing has designed and built innovative livestock handling equipment. Focused on safety, efficiency and animal well-being, Moly offers custom solutions and the Flight Zone Avoidance System, featuring the following trademarked products, SILENCER, TurretGat, All-Purpose Corral, PowerGate and Hydro-Dragon.
Best of Furniture and Décor Winner: Adobe Interiors
We believe furniture should be more than something you sit on — it should be something you live in, gather around and remember,” says Tanner Dipple, who oversees the Fort Worth, Texas, operation started by his father, Jerry, in 2012. “We often say, we’ll create the furniture; you create the memories.”
Built to last generations, Adobe Interiors began with a vision to create heirloom-quality furniture that carries the spirit of the American West into every home. Much like the antique bedroom set that traveled West on a covered wagon, pieces built by Adobe Interiors are intended to be passed down as pieces that tell a family’s story.
With collections that reflect the many landscapes and lifestyles of the West, Adobe Interiors has a design that speaks to every outfit. Most importantly, they reflect the authenticity that’s a hallmark of the Western way of life. Also important, each piece is handcrafted to stand up to real life while remaining beautiful in the process.
Best of Furniture and Décor Runner-Up: Pendleton Woolen Mills
Weaving iconic designs since 1863, Pendleton remains one of America’s few family-owned textile houses, operating two of the country’s last woolen mills in Pendleton, Oregon, and Washougal, Washington. The company traces its roots to founder Thomas Lister Kay, an English master weaver who established his craft in Oregon before the mills expanded. Six generations later, Pendleton is committed to preserving weaving expertise, innovation and heritage while producing lifestyle products of lasting quality and design.
Pendleton continues to produce exceptional goods that are recognized worldwide and is proud to give back through donations, contributions and philanthropic partnerships.
For 160 years, Pendleton has inspired customers with blankets, apparel, and home goods distinguished by signature native motifs and rich colorways. Its products are sold through Pendleton’s own stores across the U.S., in select retailers worldwide and online.
Best of Furniture and Décor Honorable Mention: The Pioneer Woman
The Pioneer Woman line, inspired by Ree Drummond’s Oklahoma ranch lifestyle, offers kitchenware, home decor and cookware with a rustic yet colorful style. The products reflect everyday practicality while celebrating comfort, family traditions and the charm of country living.
Best of Outdoor Living Winner: YETI
YETI was founded in 2006 by Roy and Ryan Seiders based on a deep-seated love for the outdoors and a belief that if something doesn’t work, it should be fixed, and if it doesn’t exist, it should be built. Growing up in the Texas Hill Country, the brothers were shaped by hunting, fishing and their obsession with the outdoors, which led them to design products that get others outside, too.
Their approach to design was simple: focus on quality, design for durability, and never cut corners on form or function. Even as YETI expanded beyond coolers, that philosophy remains the same. Their slogan, “Built for the Wild,” means their products are ready to be put to the test on whatever trail life takes you down.
Best of Outdoor Living Runner-Up: Blackstone
Since its founding, Blackstone has redefined the outdoor cooking experience with products designed to bring people together around food, family and community. Known for its innovative flat top griddles, Blackstone has built a reputation for delivering versatility, performance and durability to both backyard chefs and professional cooks.
From weekday family meals to large gatherings, Blackstone griddles provide the flexibility to cook everything from breakfast favorites to steakhouse-quality dinners, all on a single surface. Built with solid craftsmanship and thoughtful design, Blackstone products make outdoor cooking approachable, enjoyable and endlessly creative.
The company’s commitment to innovation extends beyond design. Blackstone continues to introduce new features and accessories that elevate the griddle experience while maintaining ease of use. This customer-first approach has fueled remarkable growth and loyalty, positioning Blackstone as a leader in outdoor culinary equipment.
Best of Outdoor Living Honorable Mention: Traeger Grills
Traeger Grills introduced the first wood pellet grill, changing the way people cook outdoors. Known for wood-fired flavor and steady heat, Traeger Grills are used for everything from slow-smoked barbecue to everyday meals, blending tradition with modern outdoor cooking.
Best of Horse Trailers Winner: Bloomer Trailers
When 34-year-old trailer dealer Randy Bloomer pitched the concept of a safer trailer to his employers, the idea was dismissed. But Randy knew his vision was worth pursuing, and he sketched the first design for a Bloomer trailer on a Denny’s napkin. Pooling their resources, Randy and his wife, Kim, began their own trailer company, Bloomer Trailers, in LaMarque, Texas, in 1998. They moved their company to Salado, Texas, in 2003, into a custom building fashioned after the historic Alamo.
Trust and reliability were the founding principles of Bloomer Trailers and they remain the cornerstones of the company as it rounds out 27 years in operation. Bloomer Trailers offer features that not only make life on the road easier but also safer. This includes LED loading lights, Dexter Airflex Air Ride Suspension and spin-balanced premium tired. With a Bloomer Trailer, customers can feel comfortable and safe.
Best of Horse Trailers Runner-Up: Elite Trailers
Elite Trailers is where excellence meets innovation in the world of trailer solutions. With a commitment to quality, durability and superior service, the company provides top-of-the-line aluminum trailers that meet the diverse needs of customers.
Founded in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, in 1995 with a passion for production and an understanding of modern transportation demands, Elite Trailers quickly became a leader in the industry. In 2004, based on increased demand, Elite opened a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility with more than 300,000 square feet under roof dedicated to building and servicing custom aluminum trailers.
The company’s extensive range of products includes horse and livestock trailers as well as specialized trailers for commercial and recreational use. Each trailer is designed and built with high-quality materials and cutting-edge technology to ensure performance and durability. Elite Trailers remains dedicated to delivering innovation and craftsmanship that customers can depend on.
Best of Horse Trailers Honorable Mention: Hart Trailer
Since 1968, Hart Trailer has built safe, reliable trailers that last generations. Family-owned and led by CEO Tracy Hart Graham, the company honors its Oklahoma roots with craftsmanship and integrity.
“As a horse owner, I know Hart will always put safety first.” — Tracy Hart Graham
Best of Equipment Winner: John Deere
It doesn’t matter if you’ve never driven a tractor, mowed a lawn, or operated a dozer, John Deere is working for you. It all started nearly 200 years ago with a steel plow. Today, John Deere drives innovation in agriculture, construction, forestry, turf, power systems and more. As John Deere himself said, “I will never put my name on a product that does not have in it the best that’s in me.”
As a company, John Deere has played a commanding role in producing food, fiber, fuel and infrastructure for the global population. It’s both an honor and a privilege for a company synonymous with hard work and gold-star standards since making its first tracks in 1837. John Deere is proud of the relationships forged along the way, such as that with Western Horseman magazine, and is committed to ranchers, horsemen and women, and Western culture.
Best of Equipment Runner-Up: Smarty Rodeo
Smarty Rodeo is a company that shares a passion for rodeo and Western sports by bringing products and people together for a common purpose of giving back to the way of life that has given so much to so many. Smarty prides itself on authenticity, integrity and faith. The daily mission is to cultivate champions in the arena and in life.
“Smarty is honored to be chosen for the second year as a top three contender for the Best of Western Horseman Award,” says Amanda Shaffer, vice president of business development.
Smarty creates innovative roping and rodeo training equipment, tack and apparel built for today’s Western athletes. Smarty also supports youth development through the Smarty Young Pro team, helping young athletes pursue excellence in rodeo while staying grounded in the Western lifestyle. Smarty partners with the Western Sports Foundation to provide resources for rodeo athletes to succeed in and beyond competition. As a family of brands, Smarty is committed to building community, promoting responsible competition and giving back to the sport and culture that defines Western life.
Best of Equipment Honorable Mention: Kubota
For more than 50 years, Kubota has grown alongside America, evolving from newcomer to trusted partner. With reliable equipment, Kubota keeps farms, fields and construction moving, shaping and growing, helping people pursue the American dream with strength and innovation.
Best of Retail Stores Winner: Cavender’s
In 1965, James and Patricia “Pat” Cavender took the first of many chances when they opened a small Western store with a big dream in Pittsburg, Texas. What started as a single storefront has grown in size and scope as Cavender’s has become synonymous with the well-dressed Texan. Built on grit, integrity and a deep love for the Western way of life, Cavender’s Boot City boasts 100 stores and a reputation for being America’s go-to destination for the finest Western boots, jeans and hats.
Combining a little of the old West with a lot of the new, Cavender’s offers the latest and most affordable styles in Western wear. The extensive selection of brands and styles for work and play ensures customers’ wardrobes are as authentic and enduring as their lifestyles. Despite their growth and success, the company remains true to its family roots.
Best of Retail Stores Runner-Up: Teskey’s
Teskey’s has grown into one of the most trusted names in the horse industry, offering more than 1,000 saddles along with bits, spurs, boots, clothing, ranch gear, farm equipment and equine medical supplies. With one of the largest Case Knife selections in Texas, Teskey’s continues to expand its home decor, apparel and ranch equipment lines, building a reputation for quality and service.
Housed in a facility exceeding 100,000 square feet, Teskey’s is more than a retail store — it is a destination for families, horsemen and horsewomen. Customers can find custom saddles, everyday tack and a wide variety of products to fit the needs of both ranch and arena life.
The company’s dedication to craftsmanship, selection and customer service has remained central to its growth. From saddles and tack to home goods and apparel, Teskey’s represents a commitment to Western tradition while continuing to meet the needs of today’s horse owners and ranching families.
Best of Retail Stores Honorable Mention: Heritage Horseman Supply
Nearly 30 years ago in Paisley, Oregon, Scott Grosskopf began selling ropes from his pickup. Today Heritage Horseman Supply stands as one of the West’s most respected tack suppliers — built on tradition, craftsmanship and a deep love for the buckaroo lifestyle.
