Billy Klapper

Billy Ray Klapper (April 19, 1937 – September 10, 2024) was a spur and bit maker known for creating and producing many unique spurs and bits for the ranching community.^[3][4]

Billy Ray Klapper
Born	April 19, 1937[1] Lazare, Texas, United States[1]
Died	September 10, 2024(2024-09-10) (aged 87)[1] Pampa, Texas, United States[2]
Occupation(s)	Bit maker, Spur maker
Television	Yellowstone (American TV series)

Early life and career

Klapper began his career as a ranch hand at the Buckle L Ranch in Childress, Texas and later at the Y Ranch in Paducah, Texas, and transitioned to spur and a bit making in 1966 under the mentorship of Adolph Bayers, where he observed and learned the craft.^[1][3]By 1968, the demand for his work had grown significantly, leading him to pursue making cowboy equipment full-time. During his career, Klapper developed 682 spur patterns and 816 bit patterns.^[1]

Craftsmanship and technique

At age 25, Klapper built his first bit while working on the Y Ranch. The long wait times for custom-made equipment from established craftsmen such as his future mentor, Adolph Bayers, inspired Klapper to start making bits.^[5]

In 1968, Klapper became a full-time bit and spur maker due to the high demand for his work. He started his business near Childress, Texas, before eventually relocating to Pampa, Texas.^[5]

Klapper was known for one-piece spurs built using a technique that set him apart in the industry. He was one of the few craftsmen who made spurs from a single piece of steel rather than welding pieces together.^[4] His dedication to traditional methods limited his production to approximately 200 spurs annually.^[4] His crafts were known for durability and suitability for working cowboys while having high collectible value; his spurs or bits cost as much as $2,100.^[5] While apprenticing, Klapper adopted Bayers’ blacksmithing techniques, including hammering out one piece of steel without welding, using pre-1949 Ford axles as raw material for spurs (though this became harder to source over time), and employing a trip hammer to shape the steel.^[5]

Notable designs

• The “27” bit: One of Klapper’s most popular designs, featuring snake-like curved shanks and a solid, high-ported mouthpiece
• The “299” bit: A lighter version of the “27” created for horseman Don Dodge^[5]

Notable clientele

• Matlock Rose (NCHA World Champion)^[5]
• Shannon Hall (cutting horse trainer)^[5]
• Carol Rose (AQHA Hall of Fame breeder)^[5]
• Charles Philip Arthur George (Polo Player) (Prince of Wales) (King Charles III)

Yellowstone appearance

In his cameo on Yellowstone, Klapper played himself, appearing in a scene with the character Rip Wheeler (Cole Hauser). The scene takes place in Klapper's workshop in Pampa, Texas, where Rip goes to pick up a bit ordered by Lloyd years ago.^[6][7]

Klapper's craftsmanship is highlighted during this interaction, and he gifts Rip a pair of his handmade spurs. This moment is meant to serve as the passing of the torch from the old generation of cowboys to the new.^[8]

The episode ends with a tribute to Klapper, reading "In Loving Memory of Billy Klapper," honoring his contribution to Western heritage and his brief but impactful appearance on the show.^[9]