Billy Klapper: The true life of the legendary spur maker celebrated in Yellowstone
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Yellowstone is back on Paramount+ for the beginning of its last season, and the first episode included a tribute to Billy Klapper.
The comeback of the show, which was developed by Taylor Sheridan, has sparked quite a bit of debate because of the missing lead actor Kevin Costner. He departed from the series amidst speculation about conflicts behind the scenes, choosing instead to focus on his own project, the film series Horizon.
In the opening episode of season 5B, there's a moment where Rip, portrayed by Cole Hauser, visits a harness maker to buy a horse bit for Lloyd (Forrie J. Smith).
While visiting the loriner, Rip is struck by a beautifully made set of spurs, crafted from a single block of metal. These spurs were actually made by the late Billy Klapper, a highly respected figure in the cowboy and ranching circles known for his exceptional skill.
The loriner shown in the scene is actually Klapper himself, who sadly passed away earlier this year on September 10 at the age of 87. During the episode, the official Yellowstone X/Twitter account posted: “Billy Klapper is a LEGEND!”
Klapper started crafting spurs in 1966 after learning the trade from the renowned spur maker Adolph Bayers while he worked as a ranch hand. His skill and products quickly gained popularity, leading him to pursue this craft as a full-time career.
Klapper, originally from Pampa, started his job at the Buckle L Ranch in Childress before moving on to work at the Y Ranch in Paducah.
He tied the knot with his spouse Roberta in 1973, and they stayed together until she passed away in 2021.
In his obituary, it was written: “Billy will be fondly remembered as a kind soul, a friend to everyone, and above all, a genuine cowboy. His family and friends will feel his absence profoundly. For many years, Billy embodied the spirit of western culture, and now he has become a part of that legacy.”
Before he passed away, Klapper shared in an interview with Western Horseman magazine that he had reached a stage where he had so many orders that he faced a tough decision: he would either need to stop making bits and spurs or give up being a cowboy.
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"I know I might need to put in some extra effort, but I figured I could earn more money and keep warm during the winter. I enjoyed being a cowboy, but it didn’t pay well, and I needed to support my family. It felt like I was just getting by from one paycheck to the next."
