Greetings from Germany

It's late at night in Germany and afternoon in the U.S. and I'm just back from the big German trade fair, Spoga, which takes place in Cologne.
This is where the world of the equestrian trade meets and greets. I've met some really interesting folks this time around. The first time I went I made the acquaintance of a Swedish distributor, and if I hang around with him, I meet the rock stars of the saddle making universe. Frank Baines, Monsiuer Butet, and so forth. Of course the Germans, Italians, Dutch, they know how to make wonder tack--rich leathers, well stitched, made with care and quality, displayed in a beautiful. It makes you feel like you NEED it all.
When it comes to breeches and boots, jackets and so forth, the German brands rule the roost. But the Italians make beautiful saddles--companies like Prestige has been giving the German companies a run for the money. If you ride English in the U.S., believe me, you've only seen a tiny iota of what's available in the market. That's what I find so fascinating... how there is so much choice here...