Olivia Eyers pictured with Micheal Smyth on Beechhill Flagmount, cob champion at Dublin 2012 and cob champion at equifestival 2013 and
Ashleigh Kirkpatrick on Alfie, a very successful ladies hunter for many years.

A UNIQUE equine business will throw open its doors to the public in Co Down this week. Equishop, located in the thriving town of Saintfield, is the brainchild of local businesswoman Olivia Shannon Eyers. It will cater for the tastes – and pocket – of all horse lovers with an exciting range of new and second hand products.

Just 15 minutes from Belfast, Equishop based in Windmill Business Park, will stock everything for the horse, rider and discerning country fashionista.
After moving here from England, the keen amateur horsewoman realised there was a gap in the local market for just such a venture.

Olivia said: “I moved over to Northern Ireland to discover that there was a lack of modern, vibrant equestrian shops and Saintfield, in the heart of the County Down countryside, seemed the perfect location for Equishop.
“I believe that with my passion for all things equine, combined with the quality and value of the carefully sourced products, Equishop will prove very popular with customers – after all, the Facebook page went viral and clocked up over 1,000 likes in the first three weeks.”

Highlights include a clothing section that stocks not only the well known brands such as Hunter, Toggi, and Caldene, but also innovative and unique UK female designers such as Le Jabot & Stock Co, Georgia in Dublin and Liberty Kelly Brand. Some of the designers themselves are due to be at the grand opening. There is also a wide-ranging second hand section for horse and rider. The plan is to continue to take in items to sell for customers via the website, Facebook page and in the shop.

Ashleigh Kirkpatrick on Alfie browsing the side saddle and showing clothing and equipment on offer at Equishop Saintfield, in the Windmill Industrial Estate.

Olivia has experience in many disciplines including showing at the highest levels, hunting and riding sidesaddle, and is keen to share her passion and knowledge. With the recent resurgence of sidesaddle, she is looking forward to advising new riders and also sourcing rare Victorian sidesaddles and habits, alongside any products that customers may desire.

The grand opening of Equishop will be on Saturday, October 5th, when the public can have the opportunity to call in anytime between 11am and 8pm.
Equishop’s normal trading hours will be Tuesday to Saturday from 9am to 5 pm.

For more information or to contact Olivia on 07825 713673 / 028 97512776
Or log onto Facebook and see the page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Equishop-Saintfield/158807157646738.

So what kind of saddle should you buy? For lower level events, a GP saddle will be suitable to get you through all three phases.  However as you move up the grades, you may want to invest in a more forward cut “jumping” saddle to provide more rider security in the jumping phases.  A dressage saddle can also prove to be a great investment, as they feature a deeper seat and are specially designed to promote a closer contact and allow for riding with longer stirrups.

Old Mill stock many well known brands inlcuding Albion, Prestige, Ideal, Kent & Masters, Wintec and more, in various price ranges. Old Mill’s own Equipro saddles are provin
g to be a bit hit with buyers on a more limited budget. Well designed, well made and of good quality leather the Equipro saddles are comfortable, look great and are exceptional value for money. Currently these saddles are available in both General Purpose and Jump styles, in black or brown in both pony and horse sizes.

Old Mill also offer a great embroidery service where you can personalise your eventing wardrobe including saddle pads, jackets, baseball caps and more! The most popular personalised items however are the Procush Event whip. This patented product designed by Old Mill Saddlery is used by many famous faces including eventing favourite Oliver Townend.
They feature cushioned foam ends which are shock absorbing and kind to the horse.  You can choose any colour or personalisation options you would like on your whip, including stem colours, names and flags. A great addition to your eventing kit or a wonderful thank you to that dedicated “groom” or trainer who kindly videos your rounds!

As any event rider knows the list of tack and accessories required for eventing is rather endless, and some events may have also have rules and regulations as to what you can and can’t use in the different phases.
 If you are unsure, the experienced staff at Old Mill Saddlery have many years of horsey experience under their belts and are always on hand to help and advise whether by phone, email or instore.

The 10,000 sq foot superstore, located between Carrickfergus and Larne has everything you need under one roof, from bits to boots, bridles to breastplates, saddle pads to stud girths. You might also find spy a gorgeous “must have” for the rider, with great competition wear from Ariat, Mountain Horse, Pikeur & more! Old Mill Saddlery wish you all the best with the new season!

Over the years, we have built our online business to become one of Europe’s leading suppliers of equestrian equipment. While our staff are always on hand to help when customers visit our store, you can check our stock and prices online at any time of day or night anywhere in the World with delivery options and prices kept as keen as possible to make sure you get the best deal. We also have a facebook page where you can join us online and hear about our most up to date offers and deals. Click here to view our Facebook Page

Here are our contact details so you know where to go should you need anything in advance of your 2012 spring eventing season.

Our website is www.saddlery.biz Our telephone number is 02893 353268

Our superstore is located on 110 Larne Road, Ballycarry, Carrickfergus, Co. Antrim, BT38 9JN