A history of the Visalia stock or 'Walker roper' saddle may be found in Lee Rice and Glenn Vernams They Saddled the West (Rice and Vernam 1975, 53-62). There are quite a few different designs that were used over the years but some are shown on our Marks page.Ĭlick here for information on Visalia Maker’s Marks. Walker, although many other makers and users contributed to the design. Visalia contracted out its production of bits, spurs and silver items and gave maker’s mark stamps to its makers. There is also a three piece buckle, tip and keeper. There is one (1) large center concho that measures 2.25, three (3) large scalloped 1.75' conchos, and two (2) large 1.5 conchos. It's loaded with big sterling silver conchos and a three-piece buckle set. The most famous of the Visalia products is the Visalia Humane bit which is very popular with riders and is still produced today. Here's a really nice vintage Visalia Stock Saddle martingale made circa 1930s-1940s. The company has been bought and sold numerous times through the years passing hands through at least 8 owners and is still currently selling saddles, bits and other goods. The company would move to San Francisco in 1887 and was primarily known for its saddles, but its catalog also carried other supplies and tack, including bits and spurs as well as saddlery hardware like conchos, buckles. Visalia employed expert craftsmen and some of their bits and spurs are among the most valuable on the collector’s market. Walker started the Visalia Stock and Saddle Company in 1870 in Visalia, California after buying out an existing saddlery business started in the 1860s. Precursor companies that would eventually become Visalia employed makers like Herrera, and bore names such as Walker & Wade, Walker & Wegener before being name Visalia Stock Saddle Company. The company would move to San Francisco in 1887 and was primarily known for its saddles, but its catalog also carried other supplies and tack, including bits and spurs as well as saddlery hardware like conchos, buckles, and other silver items. Visalia is a storied company that has employed some of the most famous names in spur making. Walker started the Visalia Stock and Saddle Company in 1870 in Visalia, California after buying out an existing saddlery business started in the 1860s. While the company was sold four more times, in 1958, 1964, 19, the Visalia Stock Saddle brand has retained its reputation as one of the finest saddles made.