Sierra Saddlery & Mercantile is a full service tack store located in Auburn. Owner Sandy Ballou is a fourth generation horse trainer and enjoys helping people solve their horse challenges. Sandy was in the store, known formerly as Auburn Tack & Feed, six years ago buying a hat when he overheard it was for sale. He snapped it up and hasn’t looked back.
With nearly 250 new and used saddles in stock, Sandy is confident that he can fit most horses and riders. They stock an assortment of saddles for english and western disciplines including reining, roping, hunter/jumper and recreational trail riding.
In Sandy’s experience, it’s important to find a saddle that is compatible with a particular horse’s back and suits the rider’s needs as well. “Customers sometimes say they don’t care if the saddle is comfortable for them,” explains Sandy. “But I think that if they’re not comfortable, a rider is going to be out of balance and that negatively impacts the horse too. So it has to work for both horse and rider.”
The ideal combination is a well-bred, well-developed horse paired with a good rider and a quality saddle. However, as Sandy points out, people sometimes buy horses because they love them and not for their conformation. And novice riders take time to develop good form. In those instances, the quality of the saddle plays an even bigger role in compensating for these areas.
Sierra Saddlery & Mercantile offers a complete line of tack and clothing. “My goal is to have quality, functional gear,” Sandy explains. “I don’t do a lot of the bling tack because I want good stuff that works well. A good product will fit a horse well.”
One of the biggest rewards Sandy has experienced in owning the store is being able to help people. “Someone comes in and says they need a bigger bit because their horse won’t stop. I suggest they take that $30 and get a lesson instead,” says Sandy with a chuckle. “As a trainer myself I know that gear isn’t a quick fix.”
Sandy and his wife, Grand Prix jumper Sarah Ballou, also own and operate Emigrant Springs Ranch in Grass Valley. Sandy’s brother-in-law runs a cattle ranch in Nevada and Sandy ropes, too. So horses are everywhere in the family and all aspects of riding are well represented. Customers are in good hands at Sierra Saddlery & Mercantile.
For more information, contact Sandy Ballou of Sierra Saddlery & Mercantile at 530-823-5594 or via email at sierrasaddlery@oro.net. Visit the website at www.sierrasaddlery.com. Or visit the store at 12015 Shale Ridge Lane, Auburn, CA 95602.
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