When I went to Minnesota a couple of weeks ago, my brother took me to a little hole in the wall tack store in Sherburn. He warned me, "This guy likes to talk and is a little strange." When we pulled up, he was up on the roof and I yelled "You open?" And he smiled and said "As soon as I get down!" He let us in and began to tell us about all his treasures, a story behind every piece of tack.
Some historical pieces, others just impeccably made. Racks of harnesses to old branding irons, the little Mom and Pop Tack store had it all. He apologized for not having more things in stock, but he was busy doing historical re-enactments around Minnesota on his trusty steed. I really enjoyed the visit. What was "strange" to my brother, I took as passion for all things "horse." I could appreciate how he gently picked up a saddle from 1860, and pointed out the craftsmanship.
I bought two chin straps and my mom bought a neat set of old hames. I could have bought more, but with the airlines cracking down on only having one bag, I was limited in my take. It was a nice stop, off the beaten path. As you can see by the photo, my mom enjoyed it too, learning a bit about old harnesses. I look forward to stopping in again for a little history lesson.
When I went to Minnesota a couple of weeks ago, my brother took me to a little hole in the wall tack store in Sherburn. He warned me, "This guy likes to talk and is a little strange." When we pulled up, he was up on the roof and I yelled "You open?" And he smiled and said "As soon as I get down!" He let us in and began to tell us about all his treasures, a story behind every piece of tack. 
Some historical pieces, others just impeccably made. Racks of harnesses to old branding irons, the little Mom and Pop Tack store had it all. He apologized for not having more things in stock, but he was busy doing historical re-enactments around Minnesota on his trusty steed. I really enjoyed the visit. What was "strange" to my brother, I took as passion for all things "horse." I could appreciate how he gently picked up a saddle from 1860, and pointed out the craftsmanship. 
I bought two chin straps and my mom bought a neat set of old hames. I could have bought more, but with the airlines cracking down on only having one bag, I was limited in my take. It was a nice stop, off the beaten path. As you can see by the photo, my mom enjoyed it too, learning a bit about old harnesses. I look forward to stopping in again for a little history lesson.
9 comments:
NEAT!! Will have to look into it!! :) Thanks for sharing!
What fun! I love historical stuff and horse stuff ... so that's a great combination. It's always fun to talk to people who are really passionate about what they do. Of course, that's why we all blog...
I had to chuckle when I read this. I have been to a place that many would consider a "strange" tack shop too! But the place has about everything you need. If you aren't afraid of the dark, lol! No prices, you just have to ask him. It's dirt cheap. And sometimes not the best quality. Other times, great. I got a nice wool show pad for $35, that I've seen in Rod's for $150! He also makes saddles. Pieces of hide and leather everywhere.
My sister wants to build a barn someday, and decor it up a little with some antique tack. She has a few pieces from her b.friend's grandparents farm.
Sounds like an interesting guy with great old stuff. I'd love to find a place like that around here. Once up in Cape Cod I bought an old horse collar that I still have. I just love the antique tack.
What an awesome nat/sound piece that could make - you should pitch it to Don! It could happen, right? Ha. Love the pics anyway...
Sounds like just the store for a girl like you! :)
Oh that sounds like fun! I'd love to visit a place like that!
There used to be a great place in Newberg but now its gone, I think the lady may have relocated but not sure where. I save myself for when I go to Eastern Oregon there are some great stores etc around there. Hope Maddy is doing well and are you still taking dressage lessons?
What a great side trip.....definitely cool.
Post a Comment