Since 1876
Six Generations.
One Standard.
The oldest same-family-owned Western retail business in the world.
Our Story
"What began as a small leather harness shop has evolved into a renowned establishment known for its exceptional craftsmanship and dedication to the Western heritage."
For nearly 150 years, Burns has been crafting the tools and attire of the American West. Not because it's trendy, but because it's who we are.
Every saddle, every hat, every buckle that leaves our workshop in Salina, Utah carries with it six generations of knowledge — passed down from father to son, from mentor to apprentice, from one pair of hands to the next.
Our History
150 Years of Craft
1876
The Beginning
Miles Lamonie Burns—a cowboy, fine leather craftsman, blacksmith, musician, husband, father, and visionary—founded Burns Saddlery in spring 1876, opening the first retail shop near the gateway of Capitol Reef in Loa, Utah. He built saddles, harnesses, and frontier necessities by hand, establishing standards of durability and function that would define the brand. What began as a small leather harness shop quickly earned a reputation for heirloom-quality work and a commitment to craft meant to be passed down. This founding year marks the start of a six-generation family business and the long-running legacy of Western retail and manufacturing excellence.
1898
A New Chapter
In 1898, Miles’ son Vivian Burns opened a new shop in Salina, Utah, expanding the family trade and meeting growing demand for highquality saddles and harnesses. Vivian’s skill in cutting, fitting, and production drew so much business that he hired three men just for hand stitching—yet demand still outpaced capacity. To keep up, he modernized the workshop, and by 1912 purchased his first footpowered harness stitcher. This period reflects Burns’ early blend of tradition and innovation—scaling handmade production without compromising quality.
1930s
Through Hard Times
In the late 1920s and into the 1930s, Vivian introduced a new style of horse pack bags featuring a strapping arrangement that replaced the old Diamond Hitch—an innovation later adopted by the U.S. Government. During the Great Depression, Vivian and his wife, Ida, opened a new store on West Main Street in Salina, strengthening the business during hard times. Their sons, Vern and Don, learned the trade in this era. The decade became a proving ground for resilience, craftsmanship, and the family’s ability to adapt while staying rooted in quality.
1940s
Forged by War & Change
In 1944, Vern partnered with his father and helped guide Burns through a period shaped by war and shifting Western life. In 1946, he purchased a building on Salina’s Main Street, creating the third Burns location—still on the same block as the earlier stores. The family also endured loss when Vern’s brother, Chad, was killed in WWII at Iwo Jima. Vivian retired in 1952, and Vern led the business into a new era as work horses declined and saddle horses gained popularity. He shifted the focus toward saddles, riding equipment, and canvas products—adapting the craft to what customers needed next.
1960s
Innovation Takes Hold
In 1959, Vern’s son Dan returned after eleven years in the U.S. Army and joined the family business, becoming a partner in 1962—the same year Vern patented the Pik Poket. Dan and his wife Donna helped make and sell the Pik Poket nationwide, adding a new product stream beyond traditional saddlery. In 1969, Dan and Donna bought the business, then invented and launched the saddle blanket-style seat covers in 1971. Demand grew so quickly the operation expanded into a two-shift manufacturing and shipping business. Dan died in 1988, and Donna later retired in 2014 after more than 50 years of service.
1980s
Embracing Change
In 1978, fifth generation leaders Danna and Scott joined Burns, helping carry the business from its manufacturing-driven era into a broader retail and experience brand. In 1984, Scott oversaw construction of a new retail store, and Danna shaped the in-store experience—adding clothing, more hats and boots, and western lifestyle gifts and accessories. In 1993, Danna spearheaded development of the Blackhawk Arena, which helped launch Burns Events and a mobile equestrian business that travels to shows nationwide. Luxury retail followed in Park City (2008), and Carmel & Newport Beach (2010 now closed). During the California years, Burns acquired the historic Sunset Trails Silver company and relocated it to Salina, expanding heirloom-quality buckles, hat bands, belts, and jewelry, while Danna grew wholesale, including a seasonal PopUp Shoppe in Jackson Hole.
Present
Legacy in Motion
Today, all three of Danna and Scott’s children (and their spouses) work in the company, carrying Burns into its sixth generation. In 1997, Braydan Shaw began his journey with the family business and now serves as owner/president, overseeing all operations with a focus on manufacturing. Under his leadership, Burns expanded production into a new facility in 2021 to meet growing demand for handcrafted saddles, hats, boots, belts, and silver. New retail operations in Sun Valley and Pendleton. His wife, Misty, runs Burns 1876 Media—publishing Illume Magazine and building education and community through Illume. Destiny Shaw Crane and her husband, Dru, lead Burns Events, producing major equestrian competitions including the Xtreme Million Finals, while Tegan Shaw Peck and her husband, Tommy, support the Park City store and wholesale accounts, keeping the family’s standards in every stitch and every piece.
Our Legacy
The Oldest Same-Family-Owned Western Business in the World.
That's not just a title — it's a responsibility. Every piece that leaves our workshop carries 150 years of accumulated knowledge, refined technique, and unwavering standards.
We don't make things to sell. We make things to last. Things worthy of being passed down.
150
Years
6
Generations
1
Family
Come See Us
Become Part of the Story.
Whether you're looking for your first hat or your fifth saddle, we'd love to welcome you to Salina and show you what 148 years of craft looks like in person.
Visit Our Workshop
Location
85 West Main Street
Salina, Utah 84654
Hours
Monday – Saturday
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Phone