Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, October 20, 1994 TAG: 9410200093
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: KEVIN KITTREDGE STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Slow down there, pardner.
Come back here with that saddle.
Because if you don't, Center in the Square - which really needs the money for other things - will have to ante up $650.
The saddle belongs to Aztec Rental Center in Salem. It once graced the backbone of a quarter horse named Sundowner.
It is 24 years old.
"It's not like it was bought yesterday," said Darlene Brown, whose family owns Aztec Rental Center. "It's more sentimental value than anything."
The brown, Western-style saddle was rented to add pizazz to Center in the Square's tony, $30-a-head annual fund-raiser, Affair in the Square.
The event, which raised $40,000-plus, took place Oct. 8. The saddle, atop a wooden horse, was part of a western theme on one floor, said Pearl Fu, an organizer of Affair in the Square.
After the party, both horse and saddle were set against a wall to await their journey home, Fu said.
The saddle disappeared.
She figures it was just a prank.
"I always think the best of people," Fu said. "I really think it was someone who didn't know what he was doing."
That is, someone who partied a little too heavily and ended up with a saddle in his den - and doesn't quite know how to give it back.
No problem.
"They can return it, no questions asked," Fu said.
Aztec Rental Center also will accept a used or new saddle as a replacement - although the Browns say they would prefer to have the original one back.
The saddle may be returned by calling Center in the Square at 342-5700 - or simply by dropping by, saddle in hand.
"And no caning," added Fu. "I promise.
by CNB