When I was growing up in the SF Bay Area, a very special occasion was a trip to the “big” saddle shop, Christensen’s, across town. One of my favorite memories with my mom and dad occurred when I was about nine years old. My parents were non-horse people, but they always tried their best to support and understand my love for horses. On this particular Saturday, both my both my mom and dad made an event of taking me out to breakfast and driving me to Christensen’s so that I could purchase my first “new” headstall with money I had saved from a recent birthday. I still remember the smell of the new leather as I carefully held the coveted purchase in the back seat of the car during the entire drive home. These events with my parents remain priceless.
Today, we have many options to purchase clothing and equipment for both our horses and ourselves. I am the first to admit that I love shopping online due to the simplicity and breadth of products offered. In fact, a large portion of my career has been involved within the e-commerce industry. When the opportunity arises, though, I make an effort to support both local tack stores and the regional tack trailers that frequent the horse shows I attend.
It is important to recognize that these purveyors are passionate about the equestrian way of life and that they are an integral part of the horse show experience. I enjoy when I walk into a few of my favorite boutiques and the owners are excited to see me, especially since I only see them a few times a year if I am lucky. Regardless if I am just stopping in to visit or shopping for a specific item, their friendliness is so enjoyed. When I need to make a “big” apparel purchase, like a hunt coat, these are the people I call upon because they know both my personal style and body type. They are our personal shoppers; I know with a quick phone call or email they will go out of their way to assist me and locate the item that will best fit my needs.
This week’s GENEROUS giveaway is sponsored by Alta Hills Tack Equine Boutique of Sandy, Utah. Owned by Holly and John Dwyer, Alta Hills is predominately a mobile tack store that specializes in high quality brands including Le Fash, Schockemohle, Fior Da Liso, Kastel, EQUILINE and more. Holly not only ensures that we have access to these brands in our region, but she also is extremely dedicated to perpetuating our hunter/jumper community. She has been a driving force in delivering USEF/USHJA approved shows to the intermountain region through the Wasatch Horse Show Series. Like many of my favorite regional boutique owners, she truly cares about our sport and this passion is exemplified in both the service she provides and the generosity she demonstrates.
While supporting local and regional might not always be possible, please try when you can. You in turn will be sustaining your local equestrian community and the people that assist in making our way of life enjoyable!
Salut!
Alta Hills Tack is GENEROUSLY supporting this week’s Facebook giveaway that consists of a pair of EQUILINE D-TEQ BLACK OSTRICH FRONT BOOTS with COLORED TRIM!
(Details Below)
To connect with Holly and Alta Hills Tack:
Facebook: Alta Hills Tack
Instagram: Alta_Hills_Tack.
Website. www. AltaHillsTack.com
Phone: 801.664.2500
Holly also regularly conducts trunk shows for stables in Utah and the surrounding states. Please contact her directly to schedule.
To enter the EQUILINE D-TEQ GIVEAWAY, visit the K.M. Thornton & Co., llc Facebook page or CLICK HERE.