Shelly started braiding her own gear to use on her horses in 1976. She progressed into custom rawhide and leather braided gear shortly thereafter, and started making her own gear to show in, which led to a few custom orders. It wasn't long before word got out, and slowly a business developed.

In 1987, she purchased all of the chap patterns and dies from Bob Haley of Bobs Custom Saddles, when he reorganized his business. For 20 years, until 1996, braiding and building chaps was a side business to the horse training business, in which she helped Bruce.

Shelly started to devote more time to the braided gear, chaps, etc, until, in 1998, the family moved to their current location, an 80 acre horse facility in Mineral Wells, TX. At that time, she went to work for Calvin Allen Saddlery in Weatherford, where she learned to build saddles, and continued to braid - it was also about this time that she quit training horses publicly, concentrating on her leatherwork and making the decision to become a non pro. She shows her horses in NRHA NP classes, as well as AQHA and APHA Amateur classses, when time allows. She also has developed a passion for raising and showing Toy Fox Terriers - her dogs can be seen on this site as well!

In the fall of 2000, Joey Jemison, a well known and respected saddlemaker, also in Weatherford, approached her about coming to work for him in his shop. She was flattered that he liked the work he'd seen her do, and she was eager to expand her knowledge and abilities in floral carving and saddlemaking.

While at Jemisons shop, with his encouragement, and her background in the horse industry, she has had many acknowledgements of her success in her chosen field. She has been juried into the Working Cowboy Arts by Women Assoc., has been invited to exhibit her gear at the Cowboy Trappings Show in Alpine, TX, won a scholarship from the TCA, and was selected by her peers as Reserve Champion in the Saddle Contest in Wichita Falls in October, 2003 (Novice). The coordinator commented that many people felt the saddle should have been in the journeymans division!

In January, 2005,Shelly opened the doors of MJ Liggett Saddlery & Braiding, LLC, at the ranch. With the easy access and high visibility of Hwy 281 at her doorstep, business has been good from the first day! The shop takes in repairs, and, depending on what is needed, turn-around is quicker than most places. Pick up and delivery can be arranged as well, if within a 30 mile radius of the shop. Shelly's clients have had much success in her saddles since she opened her doors - Chad Bushaw has won over a million dollars riding MJ Liggett Saddles, and top riders/trainers such as Matt Budge, JP Bell, Ronnie Rice, and Eddie Flynn, to name a few, show and win in them as well!!

Media:
Article by Sandy Harrison, Fort Worth Business Press, December 3, 2005

Shelly's unique perspective assures her clientele of only the very best - call or email for more information. Saddleshop: (940) 682-5657 Training Stable: (940) 325-9400 Email: shelly@liggettenterprises.com Write: 4065 N. Hwy. 281, Mineral Wells, Texas 76067