Clothing Carson's cowpokes for 30 years

After 30 years of walking into the Hitchin' Post Western Store every day for work, owner Sonya Schuler is used to the musky smell of leather.

Her mother, Elaine Smith, opened the store Sept. 1, 1974. Dave and Sonya Schuler bought it in 1980.

Walking through the 3080 Highway 50 E. store, she stopped at the rack of Western clothing.

"We carry a complete line of Western clothing, boots, Wranglers, Lee and Carhartt jackets," Schuler said Tuesday.

The Hitchin' Post will celebrate its 30th anniversary Friday and Saturday.

In addition to carrying the usual straw and felt cowboy hats, ruffled dresses and snazzy boots, the store has several noteworthy gift items. One is a line of $15 cowgirl pillar candles in glass containers. Hitchin' Post also carries John Wayne lunchboxes and plastic horses from the movies "Spirit" and "Hidalgo."

Dave Schuler and his son, Pete, make custom-made saddles and leather supplies. In the saddle shop, Pete Schuler hammered down the seam of a pair of furry, white, sheepskin chaps for a performer who does trick shooting.

The Schulers used to make products for people whose jobs were on a horse, such as a buckaroo, but their numbers are dwindling. Pete Schuler said his products are now made for those who show horses, performers or regular folks who need a new watchband. He recently completed a leather pouch for a global-positioning system device.

"This is an artistic outlet," he said. "In the end, you have something to show for it. You have this feeling of accomplishment."

One of their saddles sits in the showroom beside a large collection of Circle Y brand saddles from Texas. The Schulers make six to 12 saddles a year. That doesn't seem like a large number, but it takes about 100 hours to complete one. Their saddles usually sell for $3,000.

Pete Schuler and his wife, Audrey, are also silversmiths. One of their pieces is featured in this fall's Range magazine.

Schuler, 64, said Hitchin' Post is one of the few complete tack stores in the area. Lassos, spurs and other products of the cowboy business line the walls.

That's something the Schulers know well: selling to cowboys and cowgirls. Dave Schuler was a horse trainer for 20 years. He also did rodeo and showed horses. Sonya Schuler worked for her mother in the store, showed cutting horses, and ran the barrels.

The Hitchin' Post is open 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. For information on the anniversary, call 883-3633.

IF YOU GO

What: The Hitchin' Post's 30th anniversary

When: Friday and Saturday

Where: 3080 Highway 50 East

Details: Sale includes - storewide 10 percent off

Ladies' Wranglers, Rocky Mountain and Posted jeans 20 percent off

Horse blankets, sheets and hoods 20 percent off

Men's sport coats and selected leather jackets 40 percent off

Selected Circle Y Saddles 20 percent over cost

Contact Becky Bosshart at bbosshart@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1212.