Thieves Scarf Up Western Show Clothes from Hobby Horse

The robbers got away with more than 300 pairs of high-quality leather riding chaps (priced at about $220 per pair) and several pricey show blouses from Hobby Horse's San Bernardino County facility.

The take included several custom and high-end designer garments for Western horseback riders. Apparently, most of the Hobby Horse merchandise had arrived at the facility within the past 12 hours and awaited shipment in response to Hobby Horse catalog and website orders.

The Hobby Horse corporate offices seemed to be completely untouched, including expensive electronics, computers and other equipment.

Hobby Horse Responds

Suzi Drnec, Hobby Horse Clothing Company president, issued a public plea to the entire equestrian community, asking folks to watch carefully for Hobby Horse items in the marketplace. If any individuals spot brand-new Hobby Horse Clothing items appearing in bulk online or elsewhere, they are urged to contact the company directly. An unspecified reward will be offered by The Hobby Horse Clothing Company.

"We will survive, but this is a serious setback," Drenec said. "Most thieves are never caught, but Hobby Horse chaps and show apparel are such distinctive apparel to try to fence, we may have a chance of possibly recovering some of our inventory."

The Hobby Horse Clothing Company website will list the missing chaps, show tops and other items on the company website, as soon as a total inventory has been compiled.

About Hobby Horse

Well-respected in its field, the Hobby Horse Clothing Company designs and offers high-end horseback riding and show apparel, specializing in garments for rodeo and Western pleasure horse show competitions. Many Western riders and horse show leaders and participants regard Hobby Horse as the market leader in distinctive Western equestrian show attire.

Hobby Horse products include Western show accessories, riding blazers, equestrian blouses, leather and suede chaps, cowboy hats for men and women, slinky tops, horse show tunics, Western show vests and more. Hobby Horse apparel is available in regular and plus sizes, as well as custom-tailored offerings for men, women and children.

Hobby Horse also markets traditional and stylish casual wear (in men's, women's and children's sizes) for ranch and social settings.

Although Hobby Horse Clothing Company products are sold in major tack and equestrian apparel stores, the company also offers its lines through its own website and catalog business.

In April 2008, Massachusetts-based equestrian tack and apparel cataloguer and retailer Dover Saddlery purchased a non-controlling interest in the Hobby Horse Clothing Company.