Sue Willows of Up in Stitches runs a "Made in Canada" equine business from her home in Winfield, AB. Sue and two employees produce top-quality horse blankets, slinkies, boot bags and other equine products.
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Sue Willows shows off a slinky, one of her popular equine products at her Mane Event booth.
Photo: Heather Grovet
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Not only is Sue a competent seamstress, but she also is a horsewoman with experience in many disciplines. She owns and shows Quarter Horses which compete all across North America in halter, Western and English pleasure classes, driving and reining. This experience allows Sue to be capable of offering expert advice when purchasing her products.
One popular product is a slinky — a stretchy hood that protects show horses' heads and necks from dirt while also producing a desirable flat lying mane.
"I only use heavy-duty Spandex material," Sue said, holding out a slinky in a bright pattern. "This material washes well and holds its shape. Don't waste your money buying a slinky in thin material; it just won't last."
Sue can give expert advice on proper sizing when purchasing a slinky. I considered buying a medium slinky for my 1,000-lb Paint mare, but Sue asked a few questions and then quickly suggested I buy a regular size instead of medium.
"Your mare has a long neck, but her face is really feminine," Sue said. "A medium will be too wide for her muzzle." If customers have a horse in an unusual size, Sue can also custom make a slinky that will fit properly. "
A Quarter Horse stallion with a huge jowl won't fit an off-the-shelf product," Sue said. "I can sew him one that wide enough for his jowl but not baggy on the rest of his face."
For further information on colours, sizing and prices contact Up in Stitches at (780) 682-2250.