Shelbyville Times-Gazette: Local News: Perfect fit (09/02/10)

Mounted Patrol Officer Ernie Brewbaker, left, holds Shadow, who is modeling the new saddle pad, girth, saddlebags and horn bags donated by Equi-Tech Labs. From left are Brewbaker, Equi-Tech owner Jim Williams, Mounted patrol Chief David Williams and Bedford County Sheriff Randall Boyce.
(T-G Photo by Mary Reeves) [Order this photo]

The slogan for Equi-Tech's specialized riding gear, Tacky-Tack, is "Nothing Slips By Us."

That includes opportunity.

Company owner ("Manager, CEO, janitor, you name it," he says) Jim Williams read about the Bedford County's new Mounted Patrol in the Times-Gazette and saw the opportunity to help out his adopted community.

"We donated all the tack and some of the monogramming," said Williams. "We wanted to help the mounted patrol."

Helping hand

The donated equipment includes 12 sets of saddle pads, girths, saddlebags and horn bags, all made with the patented, reinforced PVC foam that promises durability, comfort and safety for horses and riders. When the pad is under the saddle, it stays there.

"I've been riding horses all my life," he said. "I got tired of having to keep pulling the saddle blanket up."

He was already in the PVC business and began experimenting, eventually discovering a way to cover foam PVC and create a durable material. He got the patents in 1997 and moved to Bedford County in 1999 where he set up shop in the heart of horse country.

"I sell to all the horse businesses in town," he said. "We sell nationwide. Made in the U.S.A."

Important task

Williams said he believes in the importance of the mounted patrol.

Mounted patrol officer Bobby Taylor on Bronky, left, and Benny Burton on Cocktail prepare to patrol the Celebration grounds last week for the first time as the Bedford County Mounted Patrol.
(T-G Photo by Mary Reeves)

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"The horse is a unique vehicle," he said. "It can go places cars and trucks can't. I think it's important for the county, and eventually, a search and rescue team. As closely tied as the horse is to Shelbyville, the city ought to have a mounted patrol, too."

Although he has been selling the Tacky-Tack nationwide for yeas now, the Bedford County Mounted Patrol is the first law enforcement agency to benefit from its qualities.

"They look a lot better now," he said, admiring some as they rode by at the Celebration. He was talking about the uniform appearance of the tack, with its deep forest green background and gold lettering, but the tack isn't just to make the officers look better. It's practical, easier on the horse, and durable.

"This is a great thing," said David Williams, chief of the mounted patrol.

Smooth surfaces

"The saddlebags and horn bags are padded with the foam, too," said Jeanie Haynie. "That way, if you've got a can or a bottle in the bag, it's not going to bang against the horse and hurt it or spook it."

She and Jim have a son together, Brock, and although the couple is now divorced, they still work well together, making up about a third of the company's work force.

The saddlebags are big enough to hold extra gear, from ropes to raincoats, and the small horn bag, which hangs over the pommel, or saddle horn, is handier, giving the officer a place to store things such as drink containers.

Lasting value

Williams expects the gist, valued at about $2,500, to last a while.

"We've got pads in barns that are used 40 times a day," he said. "For five years now. Unless people cinch them up with metal (which can tear the foam covering) they'll last a long time. I wish people would use this stuff for dog beds -- they wouldn't have to throw them out and get a new one every year."

Does he make dog beds with his patented process?

"No," he said.

Not yet, that is. Williams is hardly on to let something like opportunity slip by.