The Smart Rider: September 2013

Today is September 3! I have just one question...where did the summer go? Actually, I am glad that summer is fading into a distant memory. The number of days of scorching heat is coming to an end. In fact, this morning, for the first time since spring, temps were still in the 70's when I rode Tucker at 9:30 this morning! Last week, it was already in the mid 80's by 9:00. It still may be climbing into the 90's during the day, but our mornings at least are actually enjoyable!
As many of you know, I attended AETA last month. I loved being able to say hello to you and showing you our new products. I am glad that those of you who saw our new items are just as excited as I am!
It was a glorious 3 days in Pennsylvania. While I was across the state from my home city of Pittsburgh, it was wonderful to be back in the state of my family and the weather could not have been better! Highs were in the 70's and I got to spend an afternoon at Valley Forge, a place I have not been to since I was a kid. It is a beautiful park and the locals are lucky to have such a wonderful place for hiking and biking!

Yes, George Washington did sleep here! His winter home at Valley Forge!

So what is new from Devon-Aire?
I am glad you asked!

Signature Woven show breeches:
You asked, we delivered! These are stylish and affordable! With a retail of under $100, these were very popular and well received at the show. We are offering them in 3 colors: Black with red trim, grey with black trim and beige with chocolate trim. They are a high tech fabric and have the popular euro seat. We are expecting delivery dates of mid November, just in time for the holidays.

Spectrum Ultra Light Helmet:
Also widely received. This helmet is LIGHT!! These helmets are made by the same factory as Ovation. Most dealers have acknowledged a trend in sales towards more expensive helmets. Everyone loved the high tech look and the glitter safety reflector bar, which looked like bling, until closer examination. This is the latest in-mold technology, has a removable cool max head liner, generous air flow vents, the turn dial adjustment system and a carbon fiber textured finish that resists scratches. Approved by both SEI and meets European standards and are marked with both approval stamps. Comes in black and grey. Did I mention how light it is? They will be available in mid October and your cost is $44.95.

Prism Helmet:
The latest addition to our exclusive Patented Cone Head Technology; The Prism provides lightweight performance with the latest Patented Cone Head Technology. An advanced shock absorbing technology utilizing high density and low density foam layers to maximize shock absorbing efficiency. In addition, the benefits include a lighter helmet and a softer , shock absorbing foam closer to your head. This technology absorbs the energy of the impact and forces it out sideways and away from the neck and skull resulting in a lower G force for your head.

The Prism also has a generous 6 vents for maximum air flow and three of them can be opened and closed for temperature control. Fully lined mesh headliner can be removed for easy washing. Devon-Aire's famous dial fit retention system ensures a custom and comfortable fit with the turn of a dial. Four point nylon harness with quick snap buckle for easy on-off. Sizes: S,M & L Colors: Matte Black/Charcoal combo. Delivery is early Spring-2014--est. Early February. Retails for $99.99

Sensation Tights:
We are adding a cell phone pocket to the very popular Sensation kids tight. This is the water repellent fabric with an SPF50 UV finish. We are also adding new colors. Starting in spring, you can order the tight with pocket in black, tan and charcoal! Your price point is $27.50

All Pro Spectrum Show Breech:

We think this will surpass the #509, the All Pro wide waistband breech. It is exactly the same, except we have added two front pockets instead of the one zipper pocket. AND, it will feature the euro seat back. it retails for under $80! It is available in the spring.

North Park Field Boot:

We introduced this in kids sizing!! It has a two insert system to accommodate growing feet. As the foot grows, simply remove one of the inserts, to accommodate the bigger foot. The calf is XS and it retails for $99. Kids can school in these, bathe their ponies in them and rinse them off....no maintenance! And for the beginner rider, they are the perfect first tall boot! Your parents will appreciate not having to break the bank for a pair of boots that their kid will outgrow before they wear them out. They will not crack or split. We put a gusset in them along the back zipper, too. Available in early spring.

Cool Max Show Shirt:

This will retail for under $50 for ladies and $45 for kids. It is a tone on tone high thread count fabric with moisture wicking control. Hurray!!

Fleece:

For my northern stores, don't forget to place orders for fleece pants. And for my stores a little more south, don't forget that we do get cold here in parts of Florida and your customers will appreciate having the option to ride in something warmer on those cold days.

324 Ladies Full Seat: Pro 300 Stretch Fabric. Anti-Pill and Water repellent finish. Smooth face with velour inside. Velcro ankles, zipper front, plush waistband, belt loops. Black only. Sizes: 24-34 Reg. & Long. Reg. Price: $44.95. Your cost $36.50 Suggested Retail $74.99- 51.3%

325 Ladies Pro 300 Stretch Tights: Pro 300 Stretch Fabric. Anti-Pill and Water repellent finish. Smooth face with velour inside. Drawcord waist, Clarino patches, gripper elastic ankles. In Black & Beige. Sizes: S-XL. Reg. Price: $32.50, booking price $24.95, suggested retail $49.95- 50%.

326 Ladies Classic Pro 300 Stretch Breech: Pro 300 Stretch Fabric. Anti-Pill and Water repellent finish. Smooth face with velour inside. Plush elastic waistband, Clarino patches, front zipper, Velcro ankle closure, belt loops. Colors: Black & Beige Sizes: 24-34 Reg. & Long. Reg. Price: $37.50. Booking price $32.50. Retail $64.99- 50%

327 Kids Pro 300 Stretch Pull-on: Pro 300 Stretch Fabric. Anti-Pill and Water repellent finish. Smooth face with velour inside. Drawcord waist, Clarino patches, gripper elastic ankles. In Black & Beige. Sizes: S-XL. Reg. Price: $29.95. Booking price: $22.95. Suggested retail $45.95- 49%

WHAT IS NEW FROM EPONA?

Epona introduced 3 new items at AETA.

Upon popular demand, she is bringing back the hand beaded purse. Great for kids, or to use to hold change, credit cards or business cards.

Jeweled Tool Groomer:

Perfectly molded dome conforms to the curves of your palm and it is adjustable! Extra deep grooves deliver gentle stimulation while collecting dirt for one fast one tap removal.

And of course, there are 2 new introductions to the sock line:

Hilton Herbs:
I came back from AETA and promptly headed to Dallas, Texas, for an expo, to represent Hilton Herbs. It was my first trip to Texas, and I will say, the people of Texas sure know how to run an expo, with food provided for all, including drinks being served at 5 and a band to entertain the shoppers into the evening hours!
We continue to have much success with the Bye Bye Itch products. Word is getting out how amazing this product is!