Hand-Tooled Heritage
Leatherwork Meets Legacy at Heritage Country Leather
Tucked along a quiet stretch of county road, Heritage Country Leather isn’t just a leather shop, it’s the continuation of a family legacy, stitched with care and pride. Gary Hostetler, a multi-generation leatherworker, took over the family business three years ago from his uncle, blending tradition and craftsmanship in every piece that leaves his workshop.
“I’ve always been intrigued by leather,” Hostetler says. “From how hides are tanned to what they can become, you can make some really cool stuff with it.”
His curiosity evolved into a craft and now has become a growing business. Originally intending to run a wholesale operation, Hostetler found himself shifting to more direct customer work as demand for custom orders increased. Word-of-mouth referrals from satisfied customers, many of them 4-H participants, rodeo riders, and local pet owners, have fueled the shop’s momentum.
Specializing in Western-style tack, Hostetler creates custom headstalls, reins, chaps and breast collars, along with dog leashes and collars. Each item is handmade, often featuring added touches such as German-sourced silver appliqué or intricate beading.
His favorite piece to date? A breast collar featuring five hand-cut curves, multi-colored inlay, and intricate bug stitching.
“That one took me about an hour and a half, maybe more,” he says. “But it turned out really unique. That’s what I like most about this work, every piece is different.”
Hostetler emphasizes the importance of choosing the right leather for the job, noting that not all hides are created equal.
“The key is knowing what leather works best for each product,” he says. “It’s not one-size-fits-all.”
The tools of the trade matter just as much. Hostetler relies heavily on hand tools, particularly his favorite, a moon-shaped cutting knife that allows for buttery smooth turns and precise control.
“Sharp tools are everything,” he says. “They reduce mistakes, they make your labor easier, and they protect the quality of the design. Once you make a wrong cut, it can’t be fixed. You’ll have to start all over again.”
While many large manufacturers rely on mass production, Hostetler focuses specifically on individual craftsmanship. Every order is a conversation. He asks pointed questions, gets to know the customer and their needs, and then tailors the work accordingly.
“I like to know what they’re using it for,” he says. “Whether it’s for the show ring, to train, or everyday use, I want it to work for them and last.”
The shop doesn’t have a website or social media presence, and that’s by design. Hostetler operates in the quiet, intentional rhythm of rural life. The best way to order from Heritage Country Leather is the old-fashioned way: by physically stopping into the shop.
Afternoons are best when the sunlight cuts through the workshop and Hostetler can be found hand-tooling leather, surrounded by rows of bridles, reins, and collars in various stages of creation. Though he sometimes considers expanding, his heart remains with the hands-on nature of the work.
“This kind of craftsmanship takes time,” he says. “And I enjoy the challenge. There’s always something new to learn.”
For Indiana’s agricultural and local communities, Hostetler’s work offers more than functional gear; it offers a story. Each hand-tooled piece is a quiet heirloom in the making, designed to withstand the elements and the test of time.
Heritage Country Leather is located at 9040 W. 250 N. in Shipshewana. Afternoon visits are welcome, but hours may vary. For questions or custom orders, call 260-293-1816 or email heritagecountryleather@gmail.com.
