Newsletters

Hall Saddlery Newsletter

September 2009

What's Your Passion?

Jude Bauer,
Hall Saddlery Store Manager

So have you ever talked about "fabric" at the barn? Believe it or not we talk fabric - BIG-TIME. Hall's employee Joline Palatino is a big fan of fabric, she has won many awards for quilting and we like to joke around about her rolling around nude in her fabric rolls. So when Klaus Krehan (designer of TrainerChoice and Klaus Krehan tights) came into our store, I was ready for the fabric discussion. I don't care what you're involved in, but if you show me your passion for something, I listen. Let me tell you Klaus LOVES his fabric. This is a man that is enthused about his work, is dedicated to quality and knows breeches.

Many years ago, I carried Klaus's breeches. Unfortunately I had shipping problems with his product coming from Europe (and we American's like our products fast). I told Klaus about our shipping issues and he assured me deliveries are fast (not Jimmy John's fast, but fast). So, for this fall, I bought some wonderful, well-made and tough fabric breeches. The quality is as good as or better (Klaus says) then Taylored Sportsman breeches and they cost less. We invite you to come in and try a pair on!

Another winter breech coming in from English Riding Supply is the fleece lined, waterproof breech. We mostly carry winter tights and this is nicer looking, front zipper breech. Irideon winter tights were my personal favorite last year. I used the 3-season breech and yes they are a bit more expensive at $119, but when they last over 5 years, it comes to only $25.80 per year so I say, "WHAT A DEAL!" Plus, they are very warm and are waterproof.

Last weekend I organized a Dressage/Hunter show at Whisperwood Farms. It was a great time! Our Dressage judge was great and we had around 3.5 hours of dressage/combined training (intro and 1st level). In the afternoon, we had flat classes and jumping. I did talk a few Hunters (Jenny Robinson) into doing Dressage and I LOVED watching them TRY to go straight down centerline, TRY to do a round 20 m circle and TRY to have contact with the horses mouth. When Jenny Robinson was done, and got to read her individual comments about each transition on the test. I think she had a new appreciation for Dressage (she did have a nice round 20M circle). I think this could probably be reversed also. It would be fun to watch Dressage riders get over a jump with contact. (Ok don't send me email if I insulted anyone - I LOVE BOTH SPORTS).

The highlight for me personally was Carol Perkins on Nickers doing combined training (Dressage and jumping). Carol is an older rider like me and has always wanted to do a combined test. She did it and won it! She was so excited that she hugged the show organizers (Kelly and I). Carol set a goal and accomplished it - GREAT JOB.

See you at our FALL STOREWIDE SALE - this weekend, October 3 and 4th.

Jude

New Gifts! MORE Gifts!

Kathy Hansen,
Hall Saddlery Assistant Manager

I'm happy to say that very soon, we will have many new gift items in our store, just in time for the big holiday shopping season (even though a lot of us don't even want to think about Christmas yet, I know). We will be getting a line of purses and wallets in from Trenditons; new jewelry from Chippendale Collections, gift and decor items such as throws, pillows, signs, picture frames and toys. Of course, we have a great selection of Breyer model horses including the Christmas display as well as books, Montana Silversmith statues, belt buckles and jewelry. Some of these items will be available during our Fall Storewide Sale going on this weekend, October 3 and 4, so come in and start your holiday shopping here!