Headquarters

Located in a rugged portion of Mendocino County in northern California. Mentioned in several books including "The Last of The West" by Azbill and Shawley and also in The Mendocino Outlaws. For a short time the ranch was listed as a post office which may explain it's still being found on most U.S.Geological Survey Maps of the area.

Time changes everything. In this picture, to the left, taken in 1934, Paul Grothe is riding a horse named Tony. Tony was raised and trained on the ranch. To the right in the picture marked by an arrow, is a small walnut tree. I don't know the name of the dog but he was probably a McNab or a McNab cross.

In this picture, to the right, taken in 2009 the walnut tree has grown. Today most of the limbs have reverted back to Black Walnut. This was probably due to snows which broke off the original graft. In the foreground is a ranch fire truck built in response to the lightning strikes in 2008, which started fires in the area. The truck is still being modified, but is operational in the event of an emergency.

The Saddle Maker

My name is Jeff Daniels. My business name is Bluerock Ranch CA. I raise beef cattle and in my spare time, working in what is possibly the smallest shop in the west, I build custom saddles, repair saddles, do a little braiding, tool a few leather belts and build custom tack. My first teacher was the late Norm Allenbaugh of Laytonville, California.

I now build saddles using Pete Gorrell's methods as shown in Leathercrafters and Saddlers Journal with a few minor variations. Additionally I use John Hoppers book "Cowboy's Complete Guide to Saddle Making" for a reference. I strive to put out a top quality product with U.S.A. made materials that fits the horse and the rider. Occasionally I may have a saddle on hand ready to go.

Contact me for a test ride: