Arizona in the Saddle | Page 20

Gets a Makeover from New Owners By Vicki Szaszvari I f you haven’t been to Anderson’s at Turf Paradise in awhile, you’re in for a surprise because there have been some big changes. The former owners of Andersons decided to sell the store, and they approached Mel Coleman about purchasing it. Mel already owns Black Mountain Feed and C&H Hay Barn, and he took over Anderson’s on May 15. Mel’s entire staff is excited about the new adventure. “The nice part is that we’re like one big family,” says Terry Willson, manager of all three stores. Girls from the other stores will also be at Anderson’s along with some new personnel who understand the racing industry. There has been much cleaning and reorganizing going on, and the store shows it. Inside it looks larger than before with much added inventory. Mel hopes to be stocked and ready for the track opening. Terry admits that she has much to learn about racing. She’s had horses her entire life, but never been around the track. “Racing equipment is entirely different,” she acknowledges. “The summer has given my staff time to learn from employees like Peg, who has been in the racing industry for many years 20 October 2014 The store will continue to stock the very popular items such as Anderson’s Poultice, Miracle Freeze Mudd, Anderson’s Sweet Feed, Equus, Respond with Beet Pulp, etc. They will also be adding new items as requested. Terry mentions that one thing she has noticed that is fun is all the vibrant colors that the track uses. “We’ve ordered every color available in racing bridles, vet wrap, tape, girths, polos, buckets, etc. Peg reports that, “customers want to coordinate their own barn color