June 2010

Western Saddlery Sign

I don’t know about you, but I get the “Costco Quivers” when I walk into Western Saddlery as my senses become overloaded with the amazing inventory of fabulous horse items available for me to purchase with the swipe of a VISA Card.   I do need to exercise restraint and pace myself as the EB CDS Western Saddlery sale is a semi-annual event after all!  This year’s first sale celebration was held on May 15^th and it was a great opportunity for Members to visit, shop and snack on goodies graciously provided by the Chapter.  Tinsley Davis-Cohen, our Education, Clinics and Events Co-Chair, organized the event and coordinated the volunteers:  Jan Bauman, Amy Mezey, Robin Katherman, Dayle Kuhn, Ann Zerega, Emily McDonald, Ruth Shirkey and Linda Stalcup.  Thank you all for your contribution to make the event a success.

Dayle Kuhn and Jan Bauman Hosting the Check-in Table

Additionally the East Bay CDS Chapter would like to take the opportunity to thank Frank Wipfli and his tremendous family-staff for hosting this special Sales Event for us.  Western Saddlery and Frank Wipfli were honored at this year’s Awards Dinner also, but we were able to spend a few moments with Frank before the sale to learn a bit more about him, his family and his long-standing business.  We are pleased to feature Western Saddlery as our first Sponsor Profile!

Loading up on the good stuff!

Check Out Table

WESTERN SADDLERY

7038 Commerce Circle

Pleasanton, CA 94588

925-460-0373

800-833-5085

“Wow!  This establishment has everything for horse owners plus some.  The people who work there are knowledgeable and extremely helpful.”

“They know their line of work like the back of their hand!”

“The best place ever for horsemen!” (and women! Editor’s note.)

These are just a few of the on-line customer quotes and reviews one can read when Googling Western Saddlery.  Any of you who know Frank Wipfli, would correctly guess that these complements only make him blush; Frank is as shy as he is generous.  Frank has been serving the needs of horse people since 1974 and his family-staff include his son, Adam, sister, Betty, brothers Pete and Charley, and nephew Eric Blasing.  The only non-family member of the staff is Carolyn Crocker, who has been with Western Saddlery over 10 years.  I think she has earned her Family Stripes!

Western Saddlery Crew

Although originally specializing in supporting the needs of the horse racing community when located in San Mateo, Frank has had the doors of the Pleasanton Western Saddlery store open to the general public for over 15 years, and has been the host of the of the EB CDS Chapter Semi-Annual Sale for approximately 10 years.  We discovered the after-hours sales event is unique to our Chapter Members, although several other organizations do hold special Western Saddlery discount cards.

In his spare time, Frank and his family enjoy an occasional fishing trip or attending NASCAR events.  When asked about his own equine interests, he says his wife is really the horse person, showing Quarter horses and driving, while he prefers motorcycles.  Additionally, Frank and his wife have a local Boarding Facility with about 14-15 horses, and host a Hunter Jumper trainer, Royal Stables.

With no plans of retirement in the near future, I think the EB CDS Chapter is fortunate to have Frank Wipfli and Western Saddlery as a most generous sponsor and undoubtedly, a friend.

Frank Wipfli and Eric Blasing

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