Well, here we are, so very close to the end of the strangest year I can remember. It's safe to say if someone had tried to tell me what 2020 held for us this time last year, I would probably have laughed and offered them a strong drink and a lie down! But here we are, frantically planning for Christmas and dreaming about what 2021 might bring. I think we can all agree that we would like it to be a safer, kinder and hopefully more sociable than this year has been! Fingers crossed...
But despite the uncertainty, fear and gloom that a global pandemic brings with it, 2020 has seen AMZ Saddles move forward and grow as a business, which makes me so very proud. Even without so many of the events where myself and my team would normally meet customers and new friends, we've managed to keep going. Taking a saddle fitting and making business digital was very tricky but we managed to do it. We were so grateful for the short period of time when there were some events to head out to. During 2020 we've also invested in new photography to ensure that people on social media can see exactly why they need to give us a call. And why is that - AMZ Saddles is great at what we do, and our saddles make horses and people very happy indeed!
I know so many of my customers and brand ambassadors found the 'will we or wont we' nature of a return to competitions very tough and I've been amazed by how hard they worked to keep their horses fit and well. They've had to be flexible and keep plugging away even in the face of that uncertainty. You can definitely say that about horse folk - we might be a little bit mad, but we can always put the welfare of our horses first. At least even under the current regulations it looks as though we can carry on competing - hopefully that doesn't change.
I launched the AMZ Saddles branded products this year and have been delighted with their popularity. There's everything from saddle cloths, fly veils and saddle covers, to t-shirts, jackets and baseball caps. As a small business owner, I can tell it is just amazing seeing people and their horses wearing my brand. Having said that, I've worked hard to ensure that first and foremost they are of excellent quality and will stand up to the rigours of a busy yard life. The fact that they are beautiful and feature the most gorgeous navy AMZ Saddles branding is just the most wonderful bonus.
From the AMZ Saddles team and I, we hope you have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. It certainly feels high time for some rest and relaxation after a strange and stressful year. We can't wait to see more of you all in 2021 - stay safe and well.
Amy x
