About us
The Western Shop is one of the oldest (if not 'the' oldest) Western Tack Stores in the UK. And we are so excited to be celebrating 25 years in 2018.
Originally started in the name of Heathlands Western in 1994. However, following the sad death of Brian Carter of Heathlands Western in 2003 the shop was sold in its entirety.
Starting from such a great foundation we have carried on in much the same vein. We still stock the Brands that Brian and Anne carried at the beginning, These lines have expanded as the business has grown. We have added more quality lines over the last few years, with more on the way.
We hold all the items on the website in stock (except for bespoke items which are made to order) but as things are going out daily sometimes we can run short of a colour or size. However, stock is rapidly replenished from the USA.
We have a simple philosophy of keeping only 'tried and tested quality merchandise' and if we would not use it ourselves, then we won't sell it to you.
Well over a decade later and Fiona and Kelvyn still remain commited to bringing you the very best products that are hand selected and evaluated before reaching the store. Many products are hand picked by Fiona when she is in the States, they are then flown home to the UK. It's just one example of the care that goes into product selection. Just because its a western product, does not mean it will be stocked in the store.
There are big plans in process and as the store moves forward so will our brands. There are no 'Grey Imports' here, so you can be sure that when you buy from The Western Shop, that you have the support of america's leading manufacturers.
2016 was a big year for The Western Shop. We were asked to work with ITV who were filming for a new horse reality TV series with Katie Price which was shown on TLC and we have had some great feedback from our appearance. We are now an authorised Equilibrium Products Therapy Center. So we can give you the very best advice regarding our Magnetic and Massage products. With more great products to come.
2017 saw us sponsoring Para Reining UK and working with the UK's first GB Para Reining Team. The Western Shop will be right behind Sir Lee Pearson, Ricky Balshaw and Fiona Durton as they try their hand at this challenging sport.
2018 had us go all Hollywood and we supplied western equipment for the Holmes & Watson movie starring Will Ferrell and John C Reilly.
Fiona Powley - Owner
"I have been around horses most of my life, having started out riding Classically English I regularly competed in Show Jumping, Cross Country & Preliminary Dressage. If that was'nt enough, I have even been known to ride Racehorses when the need arose with a local trainer. A freak accident Show Jumping crushed my pelvis and how I escaped breaking it is beyond me. It also meant that riding was out of the question and I was advised by my doctor never to ride again!!!
In 1998 I got got back in the saddle and finally changed to western riding. I have been in the saddle ever since and I am a multiple AQHA World Show Qualifier, having qualified in 2003, 2014 2015, 2016 & 2019 and a multiple AQHA International High Point Champion, AQHA UK British Champion, AQHA UK Reserve British Champion & AQHA UK High Point Champion, Show Circuit Champion to mention but a few.
Our talented mare Zippin N Chippin also holds both AQHA Open and Amateur Registers of Merit in Halter and Performance events as well as being an AQHA Open Champion.
Zippin N Chippin and I are also proud to have been selected as members of the American Quarter Horse Team as part of "All The Queens Horses" section of the London New Years Day Parade and we have taken part in both 2015, 2016 and in 2017.
We enjoy a spot of Trail Riding and you will find Zippy and I out and about with the Amber Valley Riders, Sport Endurance and Endurance GB.
Zippin N Chippin took a backseat in 2017 as she headed off to stud in the March, She was covered by outstanding AQHA Stallion The Best Martini and gave birth to A Zip Of Martini (Dory) on the 17th April 2018.
In 2019 A Zip Of Martini made her own debut at Halter and ultimately brought home the European Bronze Medal in Amateur Yearling Mares from Kreuth in Germany and Qualified at both Open and Amateur Yearling Mares for the AQHA World Show.
I'm a regular AQHA competitor and I am always on hand to help anyone who needs it, so don't be afraid to ask.
