Wed, March 27, 2024

Longtime Aiken horse feed and tack supplier expands to a new location

A few weeks ago, Aiken Saddlery packed up and moved, but you won’t have a hard time finding their new digs at 1090 E. Pine Log Road, a short distance from their original place. The main difference is a much bigger location and even more equipment for horse lovers and their four-legged friends.

“We just outgrew the footprint of our old place,” owner, Amy Hebert explained. “The additional space here will allow us to offer even more products.”

Aiken Saddlery has been in business since 1979. Hebert has been the owner, along with her husband, Charles Doremus, for the past eight years. The business has been booming, before and after the move.

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Horses like to eat: Their average daily meal consists of about 12 pounds of hay and 5 pounds of grain. The company offers a large variety of premium grains and hay, including alfalfa from Wyoming, acclaimed as one of the best, and orchard grass.

Horses also like a clean stall free of annoying horse flies. The business carries shavings and fly sprays. Other items include tack, farm supplies, and a variety of health care products.

“We get to know our customers and their horse’s issues,” Hebert said. “We love when we can help solve a problem for them; for example, when their horse isn’t adjusting to a bridle bit, needs worming, or isn’t eating well.”

Owner Amy Hebert is a horse lover who competes in local jumping events.

Hebert collaborates with representatives from Purina, Triple Crown, Pro Elite, and other feed companies to arrange farm visits and provide nutritional advice for the most effective food regime for an owner’s stable of horses.

ABD has it straight from the horse’s mouth that in the brief time at their new location, Aiken Saddlery has unveiled their latest product, Funky Unicorn Treats. They are like sugar cubes but provide electrolytes which are important for hydrating a horse in the summer heat.

Aiken isn’t a one-horse town. There are about 7,400 horses in the area, an industry that adds more than $75 million to the local economy. Aiken has a rich history in the equine world dating back to the 1800s, when wealthy Northerners relocated to Aiken to escape the cold with their horses in tow. The mild weather proved perfect for polo and foxhunting.

Hebert sees new customers weekly at Aiken Saddlery who moved here for the same reason.

“A love of horses is what brought me to Aiken 25 years ago,” she said. “I own four, and compete in jumping events.”

Aiken Saddlery also has the two-legged horse owners covered with everything from apparel to horsey tailgating supplies and gift items. Yes, just like for a Georgia or Clemson football game, tailgating is a big deal for the flat races, Steeplechase, Pacers, and Polo.

For more information about Aiken Saddlery, visit their website or Facebook.

Editor’s Note:
Mitzi Oxford is a veteran broadcaster and features writer who also worked at the same television station in Columbus, Georgia as Augusta’s Brad Means! 

If you have a South Carolina story idea for Mitzi, please email her at mitzioxfordcreative@gmail.com.

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