The Sidney Sun-Telegraph - Serving proudly since 1873 as the beautiful Nebraska Panhandle's first newspaper

At the north end of Hickory Street is a small store with a big understanding of "the cowboy way." It is a store with an assortment of what is needed for a safe ride, maybe what a cowboy didn't realize he, or she, needs until talking with the store owners. Along the way, the customer gets to conduct business in the country way, with a handshake and a steady look in the eye.

Monte and Kathy Decker are opening "Cowboy Connection" at 827 Tenth Ave. The store offers a full line of new and used saddles and tack. What they offer is the knowledge of what is best for the rider and horse and how to make a deal - customer service.

Entering the store, a potential customer can quickly define Cowboy Connection as a store where the cowboy gets what he wants and needs, no quick deal with a minimal return on the price tag, and people who will stand behind their product.

"We enjoy the people," says Monte Decker.

He and his wife Kathy have been in the saddle business for 37 years. They have locations in Ogallala and North Platte.

"We make probably two-thirds of what is in the store," he said.

He said they have one of the largest selections of stirrups and spurs in the region.

"I doubt you'll find any better tack," he said.

Cowboy Connection is light on one thing, and Decker will quickly admit it. Their offerings are "good using tack," meaning for the work horse and its rider.

"We don't sell a lot of bling, but we have a lot of working saddles," he said.

He said the store mostly targets the working cowboy, the man and woman who is concerned about gear doing what it needs to, not just looking impressive.

"I cowboyed for 35 years, so I kind of know what they need," Decker said.

The Deckers came to Sidney with the encouragement of a friend. The friend said real estate and businesses are available at good prices. Additionally, Sidney is on the edge of their market area. They have sold products to locations as far away as Australia, but focus on a 200-mile radius.

"With Cabela's leaving, we decided to come in," he said.

Cowboy Connection is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and are known to open the store after hours if a customer needs something. They are scheduled to open this week.