Newsletters

Hall Saddlery Newsletter

August 2009



What's HOT This Year

Jude Bauer,
Hall Saddlery Store Manager

Ok, so now that show season has started, we can start seeing what everyone, including horses are wearing this year. The first thing I noticed at the Hunter shows in this area are the helmets. It's no longer the GPA, "Charles Owens has taken over." One of the first questions parents ask me is, "is one helmet more safe then the other?" My response is no, as they are all certified SEI rated helmets. I do like the Tipperary helmet because it seems to come down lower behind your head. There was a different helmet which advertised that it had Titanium in it but actually, the Titanium was included in just the stripe down the center. Our policy at Hall's is unique in that we actually let you ride in the helmet for one week. If the fit isn't right, you can bring it back for a refund or exchange it for a different helmet.

Breeches are still tan or khaki and Taylored Sportsman is still #1 with Ariat coming in a close second. Side zip is popular but I'm told that front zip breeches are HOT out east and in Florida. Hunt coats are conservative with blue being the most popular. Black is getting HOT in the Quarterhorse Circuit according to my niece (Alisa). Blouses are again conservative white, or light colors. No dark or "bling" blouses. Another trend is monogrammed collars and NO to stock pins. Tall boots with Zippers and Ariat dominates this category.

Heritage Tall boots are the most popular because of the cost at $259. The next Ariat boot, the Challenge is priced at $359. This one has a higher cut (olympic) which makes your leg look longer. Finally, there is the Monoco at $900. I have been seeing a lot of these lately. They have a very soft leather, are tight around the ankles, have a comfortable stretch panel along the zipper, and once customers put them on - they are in love.

The "Perfect Pad," a locally-owned pad, is really getting HOT. The pad is a square pad and is used more for your everyday riding or eventing. It's longer then the Poly Pads from England so it fits the 18 inch saddles with room to spare. There are not any seams to cause pressure points on the horses back/withers, and it's MADE IN AMERICA. I have one and it's PERFECT.

P.S. Don't forget to sign up for our Birthday Club. And, there are only 29 days left to sign up your favorite trainer for our gift basket.

 

Refreshing Your Horse

Kathy Hansen,
Hall Saddlery Assistant Manager

You know how good if feels to take a shower when you're all hot & sweaty, to get that sticky sweat off of you? Well, we  have a product that  basically gives your horse that same "refreshed' feeling. It's Absosrbine's RefreshMint - a natural body wash and leg brace. This product cools, refreshes, and cleans with all natural cleaners. There is no soap, suds, or residue - so no need for rinsing.  RefreshMint cuts through tough dirt and sweat and provides a brisk and cool tingle, with its unique blend of spearming, menthol, witch hazel, and all-natural grain alcohol.  RefreshMint helps cool down your horses muscles and keep them supple. As a body wash, you only need 2 oz. added to one gallon of water. As a leg brace, it is gentle enough so that you can apply a porous wrap to the leg after using it full strength. A 32 ounce bottle sells for $17.85.