TnT Harness & Tack filled with unique equipment
We had the distinct pleasure of visiting Theresa Early, owner/operator of TnT Harness & Tack, at her shop at Holland.
I was wowed!
As soon as you open the door, the intoxicating fragrance of leather meets you and makes you never want to leave.
The shop is filled with a huge variety of tack in all sizes and colours, racks filled with a collection of harnesses, collars, bridles, and other equipment, much of it hand made by Theresa.
This lady is a true artisan.
She started the business 28 years ago after buying out Ken Adams.
“My dad always had a chore team so I spent a lot of time at Ken Adams shop, the local harness maker at the time. When Ken wanted to retire it made sense to buy his equipment and do it myself. He was really great and showed me everything I needed to know.’
In January 2005 tragedy struck when a fire broke out and the entire contents of the shop and the building was destroyed.
It was a huge blow and most people would have just given up, but not Theresa. When the dust had settled, it was time to get new equipment and supplies and get back to work.
Slowly sourcing the correct equipment took some good detective work, but by June of the same year operations had resumed.
The shop is filled with unique equipment. A very aged treadle driven British United Shoe Machinery sewing machine with the ability to bind just about any density of leather sits at the ready. Another sewing machine is used for working with nylon. Leather splitters, cutters, stuffers, molds, and so many more pieces of equipment, each tasked with a specific purpose. Then there are the specialized tools, too many to even fathom, but each piece used to complete a different job.
Huge hides on shelves, waiting to be transformed into works of usable art for another customer.
A length of soft pliable, blue ribbon leather lays on the counter, soon to be made into a pair of chaps.
Theresa discusses upcoming projects in such a matter of fact way, seeming to not fully realize the incredible quality of work she does. I can only look on in awe of her talents!
When asked what the biggest seller in the shop was, she seemed almost sad when she said, ‘people seem to want synthetics now. Nylon comes in so many different colours and people seem to like that. I prefer leather, you can be so much more creative with it.’
Her nylon creations are gorgeous, but I do have to agree, leather does have a different and more earthy feel and look.
Theresa said that the COVID -19 pandemic brought out a change with people getting back in touch with their animals and spending more time with them. She admitted she became quite busy with custom orders and sales during that time.
Although TnT doesn’t stock any veterinary supplies, they have everything you need to outfit your equine, canine, or feline.
If you don’t see something you like, just ask Theresa and she will work with you to create the perfect item.
TnT Harness & Tack can be found on Facebook at TnTHarnessandTack or call the shop at 204-526-2263.
PHOTO CAPTION: Theresa Early of Holland in her harness shop which is filled with unique equipment. PHOTO BY SUZANNE PADDOCK
