Horse owners need professionals and various businesses to help them out—veterinarian, farrier/trimmer, trainer, stable, etc. Here’s who we currently use and why we like using them.
Veterinarian
Tom Keck, DVM, Dallas Animal Clinic, 503-623-3943
Courteous, good stall-side manner, advocate for horses being horses, good educator.
Riding instructor
Beth Weaver
Our previous riding instructor, Kelsey Prudhomme, decided to go to college, leaving us without an instructor for a couple of months. Beth was suggested to us by a stable-mate, so I watched a couple of lessons and liked what I saw. Taking a lesson from her proved to be even better. She is an excellent instructor. She is positive, goes at the student’s pace, and has a very keen understanding of horse psychology, drawing on the work of Pat Parelli and Buck Brannaman.
Boarding stable
Abiding Acres, Independence, Oregon
I cannot say enough nice things about AA and the folks there. Very clean, well maintained facilities with lots of room for horses to be horses. Not cheap, but an excellent value. Jenn and her staff pay attention to little details and don’t nickel-and-dime boarders for every little service.
Feed store
Champion Feed, Salem, Oregon
Friendly staff, good service, reasonable prices.
Old Mill Feed and Garden, Dallas, Oregon
Great staff, service, and selection.
Tack stores
Champion Feed, Salem, Oregon
Friendly staff, good service, reasonable prices, decent selection.
Double H Western Wear, Ranch, and Feed, Salem, Oregon
Friendly staff, great selection.
Long Riders Gear (online)
Very personal (and personable) customer service and a nice selection of tack and accessories for trail and endurance riders—including a few things big enough for drafts.
Schneider’s Saddlery (online)
Draft-sized horse blankets! Prompt service.