FORT PIERRE, S.D.(DRGNews)- For nearly five decades some of the best rodeo saddle bronc riders in the USA– and beyond– have made their mark while riding in a saddle that’s hand made in Fort Pierre.

Dave Dahl says he made his first saddle for his brother Gene.

Dahl says there’s a lot of precision work involved in making a bronc saddle.

Dahl also does all the leather work.

Dahl stamps his name and the saddle number on each one he makes, but he also includes some signature features that let people know it’s one of his saddles.

Dahl started making saddles in 1974. He’s closing in on making his 2000th bronc saddle.

Hear more from Dahl by listening to the DRG Media Group Beyond the Mic podcast titled Agriculture In-depth with Dave Dahl.