John Wayne Commemorative Saddle

Over the years, several saddle companies have come out with a “Limited Edition Collector’s Saddle.” Some of them have been nice saddles, but I never considered them to be truly “collectible.”

With all of the excitement over “100 years of John Wayne,” it only stood to reason that there would be a John Wayne Collector’s Edition saddle. I was one of the first to see this saddle at the Denver trade show last week, and I must admit that even I was impressed.

Circle Y Saddles was selected by Wayne Enterprises to craft this special saddle. Just in time celebrate the 100^th Anniversary Birthday of John Wayne; the saddle was inspired by the original on display in the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City.

I feel very fortunate that Outfitters Supply is one of the few authorized dealers for this beautiful saddle. The design and workmanship of this saddle are remarkable, and the package that Circle Y put together adds even more appeal. You can see more information about this saddle on our website, or better yet, come by our store in Columbia Falls. We should have our own numbered editions before too long!

Albuquerque to Reserve

Bernice has sent us another letter! It’s always quite the treat to receive a letter from Bernice on her grandiose adventure through the United States as she rides with her horse, Honor, and dog, Claire.

Her current letter details the ride from Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Reserve, New Mexico, where she braves snowstorms and temperatures below zero through the hospitality of those she has never met. It is amazing that people can be exceedingly kind to strangers, trusting them and understanding their situations. Bernice finds this compassion again and again. Perhaps people find the humanity in their hearts for Bernice because she is so polite, even likening asking someone to use their computer to rudely talking on a cell phone in a restaurant.

Bernice tells us that Claire, Honor, and she are doing well. She even says she’s received a number of compliments on the condition of Claire and Honor! She maintains her wellness on a mere $20 to $25 a week!

For her next journey, Bernice has been approached about a trail from Missouri to Oregon! She says, however, that we will see. Only time will tell to see if she continues to her exciting adventures. For now she continues her adventure to Stafford, Arizona along Highway 78.

We hope to hear from her as soon as possible, and as always we’ll keep you updated on the latest happenings.

READ BERNICE'S LETTER!

News from the Trail

We finally received word from Bernice, who is doing well and slowly but surely making her way toward Arizona. She truly is an amazing woman, having made her way from Northwestern Montana to Minneapolis, then rode from Minneapolis to her current location in mid-southern New Mexico. I've written a summary of her most recent letter; for the complete entry, please see our updated "Where's Bernice" web page.

Bernice, Honor (her horse) and Claire (her dog) actually are enjoying the New Mexico winter, as it brings shorter days, cooler riding weather, and a relief from bugs. She does confess that she loves her evening fire, and has to bring the water bottles into the blankets with her to keep them from freezing.

She spent Thanksgiving in Las Vegas, New Mexico with family and friends, and enjoyed a planned three week "vacation". From there, she started her next 800-mile stretch. First main stop, Madrid, NM. Once there, she spent another (planned) rest week with the Adlers. Last we heard, she was well on her way toward Arizona.