ABBY SADDLE SHOP
Located in Abbotsford, BC, The Abby Saddle Shop is a small equestrian store with a very big inventory. April 1, 2009 marked its 20th anniversary. Kendra Kowalski is the owner and manager and, in this Business Stable, she shows us that the key to success is doing what you love – as simple (and complex) as that is.
PPHJ: How did the Abby Saddle Shop start?
Kendra: I’ve always loved horses, having grown up with them and competed. In earlier years, I taught riding at the Burke Mountain Riding School in Port Coquitlam. Although trained as a commercial artist, I wanted to combine work with pleasure. As an instructor of merchandising and display in the Business Department of the University College of the Fraser Valley, I gave advice to entrepreneurs and realized I could do it, too!
Shortly after marrying Brian, we settled on a horse property in Langley, and I decided it was time to focus my energies in one area. My beginnings included the odd bandaid, the occasional curse, and even laughter as it all came together, but thanks to Brian, and many friends and business contacts, Abby Saddle Shop “foaled” on April 1, 1989.
PPHJ: Tell us about the Abby Saddle Shop’s location.
Kendra: Abby Saddle Shop is a small store in Abbotsford, the fifth largest city in British Columbia. For almost 20 years, it has been located at the Ware Street Plaza just off the South Fraser Way. Abbotsford is primarily a dairy farming area, but is rapidly growing and seeing many new young families. With the recent rise of several indoor riding facilities, the development of Thunderbird Show Park, and the continuation of the Matsqui dyke trail (part of the Trans Canada Trail), interest in horses has grown.
PPHJ: Where do the Abby Saddle Shop’s customers come from?
Kendra: As Abbotsford is located in the centre of the Fraser Valley, we see customers from as far east as Chilliwack and Hope, to as far west as Vancouver and Vancouver Island. With the Mission-Abbotsford bridge close by, we also see people from Harrison to Maple Ridge. Although we do not have a web site, we service people around the province by email and telephone.
PPHJ: What sets the Abby Saddle Shop apart?
Kendra: It’s the people, cozy surroundings, and long time staff who show a true interest in the customers. The store, although small, is very tidy and stuffed with product. We have a place to sit and try on boots, and a toy box for children. There is a good selection of used clothing and gear, and we offer free magazines for pick up. The bulletin board is overflowing. One of my favourite things is the “brag” board, with photos of our customers, friends, staff, and their horses.
Over the years, the stock mix and services have developed to suit the shop’s and customers’ needs. We also enjoy the benefit of connections to over 100 wholesalers and manufacturers around the world.
PPHJ: Tell us about your team?
Kendra: The store is only as good as the staff. The charms of this little jewel of equestrian retail are the employees who keep things organized and up to date. They share a passion for the horse. They ride, read, compete, pour over catalogues and trade magazines to find what is fun, functional, and topical for the store.
PPHJ: What do you like most about your job?
Kendra: We enjoy hearing what people do with their horses. Our favourites are foal pictures in the spring and stories of accomplishments.
As the buyer, I travel to North American and European markets to shop. This gives me the opportunity to learn from horse people all over the world and bring it home to staff and customers. It’s what makes us unique.
PPHJ: What is the most common question you get?
Kendra: “There are so many saddles to choose from. How do I know what’s right for me?” We stock close to 50 saddles, new and used, and have a catalogue with more. Because there are as many types of “derrieres” and horses, as there are blue jeans and sneakers, it’s important we are knowledgeable. Over the past decade there have been great advances in saddle design and leather production. Global trade and production has also made good quality more affordable.
The best thing we can provide is information. We explain to customers, for both English and Western styles, if a saddle will work for them. For example, have you ever felt your knees burning after riding? This usually indicates that the saddle’s twist is too wide for the rider, turning the thigh bones out from the hips, preventing the leg from lining up through the knee and shin, thus putting torque on the knees.
We also look out for the horse’s comfort. There are basics to follow when fitting the horse to the saddle, and we can recommend a saddle fitter.
PPHJ: Do you have any interesting side stories?
Kendra: For many years I used to bring in my basset hound, Abigail. The shop was named for Abbotsford but Abigail was named for the shop. She held down the couch and listened for the door’s old fashioned tinkling bell. Sadly, Abby is gone but the welcome bell remains.
PPHJ: Where do you see yourself in the future?
Kendra: Having the store is like riding, sometimes a struggle, always a revelation.
My personal plan for yesterday, today, and tomorrow is like everyone else’s - make time to ride! My current barn companion is an eight-year-old tall, black Quarter Horse mare named Cola. Then there is Buster, a large Miniature who keeps everyone amused as he pulls a cart with all the pride of his coal mining ancestors. I use these two as models when I do the trademark hand drawn ads that feature in this magazine.
PPHJ: Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?
Kendra: I’ve always thought that the best view of the world was from between a horse’s ears. I’ve met some great people atop a horse. I’ve galloped the beaches of Portugal, hunted on Dartmoor, ridden the back country of Manning Park and the old trails of Burnaby Mountain, and enjoyed a variety of competitions. The people and horses along the way have helped with the business, by showing the importance of ethics and integrity. I extend an invitation to you, if you are in the area, to come and see the store and meet us!
Abby Saddle Shop is located at 2594 Ware Street in Abbotsford, BC. Phone: 604-859-9997, Email: abbysaddle@msn.com.
Photos courtesy of Kendra Kowalski