Welcome to our shop!
We are a mother, daughter run business in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Referred to by many as Virginia horse country, it is a glorious place for horse lovers of all disciplines.
We regularly set-up our mobile shop at the Virginia Horse Center where thousands of riders and their horses come from across the country to compete in local, national, and international competitions. We love the opportunity to meet, cheer on, hear the needs of these riders. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to swap horse tales and tips with old and new friends alike.
Over the years, we’ve spent many weekends at the Horse Center, competing, watching, volunteering, and eventually as a vendor. For us it’s so interesting to see how each discipline transforms the facility, like visiting an alternate universe where only the surroundings are familiar. From week to week, each show has its own banner at the entrance, it’s distinct divisions, preferred breeds, saddles with equally varied ideal “seats”, and after close to two decades ringside, we know one basic thing, we all want to take care of our horses as best as we know how to. Regardless of the differences, everyone is trying to show the best of their horse each time a class is called to order.
By the time most riders come to compete at the Virginia Horse Center their horse showing skills and techniques are well practiced regardless of the specialized skills of each discipline or style. Last weeks equine athletes and riders were expected to navigate over a course of jumps turning, changing direction, judging how many strides to take before another combination.
This week, horses with long flowing tails were awarded for dramatic, bright, leg action as they ride the long sides of the coliseum showing off their movement. Next week the horses might be triathletes bringing bags of gear to run cross country over logs and ditches, “dance” to the classics and then jump colorful stadium obstacles in the ring. Perhaps in the weeks to follow, the next show might showcase horses adorned with silver and riders with sequins or all fired up, ready to beat the clock. With such variety the Virginia Horse Center is always interesting.
Music contributes to the changing atmosphere; rock and roll and top 100 hits are often the standards for jumping, where as other weeks classical music plays for dressage. Then there is show attire. For some disciplines it’s hard to tell who is who without knowing their competition number, only their riding distinguishes one from the other. For other disciplines the riders are like peacocks, multicolored and full of bling to match their horses.
With so many variations, there is one constant, the horses. Every time we set up our shop we meet new riders working to care as best as they know how for their horses, the true heroes of the show ring. Our shop, with its’ brushes, tools, products and rider accessories has something of interest for every group no matter their style, all in the best interest of their horses.
At the end of the weekend we all pack up, head home to rest, to review and look forward to the next time. The horse center lights are turned off, the dust settles and quiet prevails until next time.