Disappointing Mixed Messages

I have been waiting for a dress and a purse that I ordered March 13. Yep, ten days before Kalamazoo. A very long time ago.

The purse went on back order immediately and its delivery date has been pushed back twice. The dress arrived but didn't fit, so I filled out the exchange form and sent it back. Weeks went by and finally on April 10 I received word that they'd received my returned dress and that a replacement would be shipped ASAP.

I waited and I waited. And then I waited some more.

Finally, 18 days after being told that my exchange would be shipped, I called customer service and asked where my dress was.

"We don't do exchanges," I was told. "Only refunds."

I pulled up the email I'd received and read it to him, then asked why, if they didn't do exchanges, they'd allowed me to do so AND put it in writing that they would do an exchange and ship it to me ASAP.

The rep couldn't answer my question and kept insisting that they did not do exchanges while I kept pointing out to him that I had been told that they did, had written proof, and that I had been waiting 18 days for my dress.

Tired of arguing, I finally asked if I had received a refund for the dress I had returned. I had. I then cut my losses and canceled the order for the purse that has been on back order since March 13. I'd been waiting nearly 50 days; I'd find a purse elsewhere.

Probably a good thing I did. After I finished our conversation, I went to the business's Facebook page and then their web site. 

Both sites said that the store was closing. No wonder they were not doing exchanges. No wonder my purse was on back order. And why did the rep not tell me that? Why did they email me and say my exchange would be shipped ASAP?

I've bought a lot of clothes and purses from Back in the Saddle over the past fifteen years or so. I've recommended their clothes and other things to horsey friends. I've always had good service and good quality products from them.

Sadly, though, my last order with them was a frustrating one and I have neither item that I ordered. Plus, now I need to find a new purse. Maybe a dress, too. 

Anyone have any suggestions for a good western wear store?

I May Ride Again!

I am three days post-op from my spinal fusion and doing really well. I have regained a lot of the function in my right leg, a surprising amount. (It was very weak; I limped when I walked, and I had to use my hands to lift it when getting into the car. Stairs were taken slowly and with both feet on each stair, sort of like how a two year old ascends and descends.)

Me, one day post-op.

I have a long way to go to full recovery, but got the good news from my surgeon that I could go home  from the hospital this afternoon.

And, the best news is that I may be able to ride again! When I brought it up to Dr. Jackson, he said I could, but not until next year at the earliest to allow for full healing.

"Wait, what?? But I LIKE being a pasture ornament!!"

The good news for Abby is that I may have to start on someone quiet and gentle.

 Like Hokey, who is an experienced older gelding who falls asleep after just a few good scritches.

I haven't been able to ride for years - this is certainly a goal to work toward!