Sign of the Times

Unfortunately, the sign says, "Going out of Business."

Today I decided to head down to Paul Taylor's for a bucket of Sand Clear and to look for nylon halters with an adjustable noseband. I never made it past Sergeant's, which is maybe a half mile or so north of PTs. It was packed. There were people parked along the highway and a line to get in the parking lot. The person behind me probably would have been pissed at my impromptu turn, except he decided to check it out himself. I had heard they were going out of business a couple of weeks ago, but I haven't gone home that way in awhile, and was unaware of the sale.

I'll be honest and say that I have not been a regular Sergeant's shopper. I bought my helmet and a set of stirrups there, but not much more. Their stuff is nice enough, but half the store is boots and apparel, so they don't have nearly the selection of horse products and tack that Paul Taylor has. PT has no clothing and very little "fluff," and I haven't found any place cheaper.

The sale must have just started, because there was still a good selection of everything. All the grooming and health products were 10% off, so I bought some stuff I needed anyway: the last 2 buckets of Sand Clear and 2 quarts of Bronco fly spray. Believe it or not, on days when it's not windy, the flies are still a nuisance.

Almost everything else was 20% off. All the gift items were 40% off.

I bought a pair of black seamless breeches. They are heavy, soft cotton jersey and spandex, with microfiber reinforced thigh/knee and seat patches. The brand is Kerrits.

I bought a Wahl cordless clipper. Right now, I just roach Jaz's mane, but maybe I'll get more adventurous with grooming next spring/summer. I would not have bought it had it not been on sale, or at least I would not have bought such a nice one. I've been borrowing Heather's.

I found nylon halters with adjustable nosebands to replace their ill-fitting ones,

a nice pad,

and a beautiful new bridle. I wish you could see the tooling better. It's sort of a basket weave pattern, which matches the tooling on my saddle. My near-antique camera's not great at close range.


I think I'll start coming home that way every day for awhile to see how far they mark down the saddles. Today they were only 20% off. I know the discounts will get better, but then you run the risk of missing the best selection. Not like I actually have the money for a new saddle, mind you. But if the price is right, it might be worth thinking about.

If there's a Sergeant's near you, I suggest you check it out before all the good stuff's gone.