I was in Utah last week, for the graduation of my daughter from Brigham Young University. It was a nice visit. Had a nice time with a lot of family. While I was up there, I decided to find a good boot shop, since my old Tony Llamas are pretty well worn out. Ended up at Ream’s Boots and Jeans, in Lehi, Utah. I couldn’t find a website for them, so no link. Sorry.  Anyway, I was pleasantly surprised at their selection of boots and the prices. I picked up a pair of Tony Llama bullhide boots for $150.

The sales rep told me that about 10 years or so ago, Tony Llama was bought out by Justin Boots, along with several other brand names. In an effort to keep up with Ariat’s low prices on boots made overseas, Tony Llama also outsourced boots to China. They come with lower pricing, due to lower labor costs. Tony Llama retained their production in El Paso, Texas as well, though, so you can still buy U.S made boots, although at a slightly higher price for comparable boots. Everybody seems to have gone with throw-away boots, now, though. They come with rubber soles and sell them as “slip-resistant” on wet or oily surfaces. Problem is re-soling a rubber sole. On many, particularly the ones from China, you can’t replace the sole once it has worn out, making the boot a throw-away. Personally, my boots usually last through three half-soles and heels before the tops begin to wear out…then they become work boots.  I like leather soles.

However, since I currently live in Virginia, and wet conditions are common, I put aside my aversion to rubber soles on cowboy boots and bought a pair of El Paso-made Tony Llamas with rubber soles and leather heels. The rep said these boots CAN be resoled and heeled. I like them. They are very comfortable. I have narrow feet, so I normally go straight to the Tony Llama rack when shopping for boots, as Tony Llamas tend to be narrower in a D width than other makers.

As I was ready to check out, I noticed something I just could not resist. They had the largest set of saddle bags I have ever seen. They measure approximately 12″ X 12″ X 6″ and are made of a woven nylon product sometimes known as “Iron Cloth”.

I’ve been told you simply cannot wear out, or even damage, this material. I’ve been keeping my eye out for a set of such saddle bags. They were marked $74, but were marked down to $51.99. That’s the lowest price I have seen, even on the Internet, and no shipping charge. They are made by Smith & Edwards, measure 12″ X 12″ X 6″, and are labeled as model 19229W, Nylon Saddle Bag X-Large. I am looking forward to giving them a test-drive.

I also picked up a curb bit for my mare. I am getting ready to transition her from the bosal to the bit. It is a simple grazing bit with a copper curb and stainless steel shanks. It is made by Metalab. It has a medium port, and 6″ cheeks, and a 5″ mouth, which is pretty common for the average horse. It ran $26.99. I elected to go with a copper bar, as I have been told helps keep a horse’s mouth moist and lubricated while riding. I suppose it somehow causes their salivary glands to activate a little. I like the look of the bit and I look forward to seeing how my horse likes it.

On the way back to my folk’s place in Eagar, AZ, we stopped by Loa, UT and met West and Kami Taylor, of Extreme Outlaw Rides | Wild West Mustang Ranch, Fremont, UT. West is a member of our WTR forum. West and Kami are currently involved in creating a TV pilot for a new cable network series about outlaw stories of the old west. The have a funding drive on Kickstarter, which you can find here. West is also a certified bronc stomper for the BLM, to help them in their efforts to get mustangs in captivity adopted. West breaks and trains them, after which the mustangs go for public adoption.

We enjoyed a nice lunch at the Country Cafe, which is the only eating place in Loa. Food was great, as was the conversation. Stupid me, forgot to get a picture to post. Oh well, go check out their facebook page and their Kickstarter project. It’s a worthwhile project, well worth funding. I think I’m going to be seeing more of the Taylors. Once I get relocated to Utah next year, I plan to get in some good trail riding time with them.

On the trip home, Dad and I decided that at some point we are going to have to do some horseback exploring of the area between Blanding and Hite, UT. Absolutely amazing country, full of indian ruins, deep canyons, and awesome views. Overall, a very productive and enjoyable trip.