On the ridge of the Nogal Canyon, the sound of engraving can sometimes be heard from the shop of spur maker/silversmith, Jayson Jones. Jayson has been making bits, spurs, buckles and other hardware for the working cowboy and collectors for more than 26 years. Born and raised into a ranching family in Grayson County, Texas, Jayson worked on various ranches, including The Beggs Cattle Company and the Douglas Cattle Company, making his way in life as a cowboy. Like any cowboy, a day’s wages from working on the ranch does not enable you to buy “fancy” spurs and buckles, so Jayson wanted to try his hand at making some on his own. Over the years, he has worked on his craft and built a name for himself, but he also had a calling for making music. His passion for music led him to South Plains College in Levelland, Texas, where he completed a degree in music and sound technology. He spent a few years in the early 90’s playing with the world famous Flying J Wranglers in Ruidoso, New Mexico, and loved being part of that family of musicians. Later, he also became a member of the Flying W Wranglers in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Eventually, he reconnected with a childhood friend, Zetta. They fell in love and married in 2012. As fate would have it, the Flying J Wranglers asked him to become a permanent member of the band in 2019 and he and Zetta made the move from Texas to New Mexico. In 2020, they were invited to represent New Mexico at the White House for the “Made in America Product Showcase,” which showcased American made products from each state. Together, they create works of art that are specially made for each customer.
On a summer night in Ruidoso, you can hear Jayson singing or playing the bass fiddle and mandolin at the Flying J Ranch and you can make custom orders year-round with him and Zetta at Jayson Jones Bits & Spurs.
Please check out our short documentary produced by PBS New Mexico