When equestrian paths cross again - welcome back Carrie!
If you have recently visited the Durban branch, it’s quite likely you would have met the upbeat Carrie. She’s no new face at Western Shoppe nor in the industry, previously having worked with us as a Sales Rep and was part of the Callaho Stud family for many years too.
With great wit and an easy-going nature, conversation is so easy with Carrie and naturally, it finds its way to horses!
Get to know Carrie:
Do you have any mottos you live by?
“Your attitude dictates your atmosphere”. I firmly believe that the energy and positivity I project into the world significantly influences the experiences and interactions that come my way.
Give us a brief history on your life with horses. Early beginnings, disciplines, what is your involvement with horses now?
I’m a passionate animal lover, and my equestrian journey began at the age of 11 on my dad’s Peacevale farm where I rode farm ponies. This early exposure to horses ignited my love for them and led me to pursue formal riding lessons and eventually lease my own pony.
After high school, I ventured into the equestrian world as a rider on a Midlands stud, gaining valuable experience working with young warmbloods and foals. While there, I briefly explored the world of western riding on a Quarter Horse Stud before finding my way back to warmbloods.
In 2019, I had the opportunity to join the team at Callaho Stud where I specialised in foaling and raising top-quality horses. Now, I’ve returned to KZN and am excited to rejoin the Western Shoppe team!
Do you have a four-legged equine friend/s of your own? Share some details.
No horses of my own – for now. But that’s only because I have had the opportunity to work with and love so many young horses so I’ve never felt like I’m missing anything!
How did you find yourself in the equestrian industry and what are some of the key milestones?
I think that my first year out of high school doing stud work really cemented in me that working with horses, in any capacity, was a must. And especially working with young horses, mares and foals. Watching them grow up and learn, watching them being started under saddle and then seeing them out in the world with their people is such a cool experience.
One of the first “milestones” was foaling down my first mare – what an experience helping to bring a foal into the world. But, I think the biggest “milestone” for me was joining the Callaho team. They are such a top class stud and it felt incredible to be part of the team.
What is the best part of your job at Western Shoppe?
The best part of my job is definitely the day-to-day interactions with different people. I love hearing the stories of their horses and seeing how much they enjoy spoiling them with all the different products they find in the store.
Top 3 tips for horse owners?
Hmmmmm…
Firstly, sunlight soap – the green bar – will make dirty socks whiter than white.
Secondly, when working with young horses – less is more.
Thirdly, wherever and whenever possible, let them be horses – let them have down time, let them roll, let them get dirty, let them have friends. Their mental health is so important. Horse first, sport second.
Favourite equestrian product in the Western Shoppe range right now?
HANDS DOWN the Spruced Up Silicon Shedding Block in the neon colours. I am OBSESSED with this product, I tell everyone. Everyone needs one of these, or two or three – one in every colour.
Pop into Western Shoppe Durban to say a happy HELLO to Carrie!
