Horse riders, all welcome at Gwynedd Saddlery

"I always rode from the time I was born," McMullen said. "It's a way of life and it's paid me back."

She ran a tack shop outside Philadelphia, PA for many years, catering to the hunter-jumper equestrian. She has recently returned to the Irma area, where she had lived years ago, and is putting her business sense to work on a new venture.

Gwynedd Saddlery at Irma Hill, a full-service tack shop offering clothing and apparel for both horse and rider, opened Sept. 29 at the corner of Hwy. 51 & J in Irma. The business had been in a different location in the old Birch Town Hall for a year prior.

There are many facets to McMullen's new venture, with horses being the central theme. Gwynedd Saddlery is friendly to both beginners and expert riders. While the shop is ready to serve hunter-jumper and dressage enthusiasts, the focus is on the trail rider.

"We can order all the top show gear that you need, but we love the whole spectrum of riding," McMullen said.

Among the wares is the new Drumlin Overlook trail-riding saddle, exclusive to Gwynedd Saddlery.

Gwynedd Saddlery also features brand names such as 'BIG D', Smith-Worthington, Arc de Triomphe, English Riding Supply, Mountain Horse Clothing and Outback. They also offer a selection of tack, blankets and sheets, leg wraps, brushes and grooming supplies, saddles and saddle pads and more for the care and comfort of their equine consumers. Paddock boots, half chaps, full chaps, rain wear, warm wear, socks, safety equipment (and more) are offered for the care and comfort of riders.

"Everything in this shop is high quality," McMullen said. "We want to be the go-to shop for people who want quality."

The clothing line at Gwynedd Saddlery is geared toward outdoor sports enthusiasts, not just horse riders. Gwynedd Saddlery doesn't want to be seen as a women's only shop, and is growing with a line of hunting and fishing apparel, and the addition of Mad Bomber hats.

The McMullens also plan to make their shop an outlet for the Staghorn Archery custom bows. Staghorn, a homegrown Merrill area business that produced some of the finest handcrafted bows, is now owned by the McMullens, who plan to once again offer the coveted brand.

"In the future this will be the place to come for Staghorn Archery bows and related items," McMullen said.

Along with the saddlery, the business offers a general store, a fenced in area for supervised dog exercise, and free Wi-Fi. Gwynedd Saddlery has also secured a liquor license to sell beer and wine coolers. Convenience food items are also available for the customers to prepare themselves and eat at the shop or take along for later. Cheese and sausage made in Wisconsin are also featured.

"We started the general store for the convenience of our local residents and travelers," McMullen said.

They are even starting a book exchange. Customers can buy a used paperback book for $1or bring a trade-in and choose another paperback for 50 cents.

Staffing the business are Irma residents Sara Colstad and Debbie Gano. Colstad comes from an extensive riding background and was a fox hunter and jumper in her youth. Gano has a strong background in customer service.

"I have the best help in town," McMullen said.

The shop, located in a former residence, has a homey feel.

"I want it to look like you just stepped into my home, but it's a business," McMullen said.

Gwynedd Saddlery is inviting local artisans to display their works in the shop.

Plans for the future include a flea market and farmers market. The shop is also open to input from customers on what items they should carry.

Gywnedd Saddlery will hold an opening sale on Black Friday, with 20 percent off everything in the store, with the exception of saddles and grocery items.

Business hours are 11 a.m.-6 p.m. The business can be reached at 215-646-4222, or visit online at www.shop.gwyneddtrailrider.com.