In the Media

Duo Reigns in horse business success

Liz Black

The store entrance is just the beginning of all the goodies.
Angus the Reign greeter - big enough to saddle up and ride.

Sherry Visser-Fleming has ridden since she was eight. She has put hours on the trail, riding both Western and English. She has shown Saddleseat with gaited horses and has enjoyed learning to jump. For the last twelve years she has been studying the art of dressage.

Monique Charette enjoyed pleasure riding and lively barrel racing when she was a youngster. She left horses to pursue her education, career and family but now finds herself back in the saddle.

These ladies met each other through a mutual friend, and because of their shared love of horses, it was a destined friendship. It wasn't long before thoughts of a local equestrian store were on the top of the conversation list. Monique had previously purchased a character home at 1412 Pelham Street, Fonthill, with thoughts of eventually opening a business of her own. It was in a perfect location for a retail store, downtown Fonthill, the absolute centre of Niagara. They felt the central setting would make the store accessible to the large number of stables and equine endeavours in Pelham and surrounding areas.

In the fall of 2008, they took the plunge and even though the economy was falling, they chose "not to put our heads in the sand and be part of the problem, but to get out there and persevere during these tough economic times and try to aid in the recovery."

Sherry and Monique believe more than ever that people need to look to their own backyard for entertainment, exercise and enjoyment. They believe in what the region has to offer as far as incredible scenery, hiking, biking, walking trails, waterways and more. People need not hop on a plane to enjoy life and recreational pursuits. They believe "those who enjoy a healthy life-style will not compromise when it comes to quality products to aid them in the pursuit of their passion." Horse people are no exception, equestrians of all disciplines need equipment to be able to continue with their sport. Horse shows will go on, and even though riders agenda may be closer to home, they still need equipment for themselves and their stock.

With the fact that people seldom give up their passion and indeed in times of stress usually continue with what makes them happy, the ladies have filled their store with wares that are needed to enjoy such activities. The athletic clothing component was born from them looking at some of their equestrian fashion lines, and realizing that the qualities they possess would appeal to both horse people and people that have nothing to do with horses. They began looking beyond that and found some amazing Canadian and other lines, that have a real overall athletic feel, that are exclusive to Reign in this area. Sherry's husband is a rowing coach, and with the strong influence that the sport of rowing has in the region, gave them motivation to cater to those needs as well.

The ladies are very proud of all of their athletic lines of apparel, all of their distributors are Canadian, and many of their products are made in Canada. Their yoga line, Karma Athletics, is a fantastic line out of British Columbia. They are reminiscent of Lulu Lemon, but one step beyond in that they use a lot of natural fibres such as bamboo and chitosante. Sherpa is also out of the West and comes with a great story. It is tested in the mountains of Tibet and genuine Sherpa guides use all of their products! Arc Teryx is an innovative and superbly crafted outdoor wear, another company founded in B.C. They are world renown for their second-to-none products and styling.

In the equestrian apparel section, they carry Arista Equestrian. These clothes give new meaning to function and form. Not only are they made to ride in, but have the properties of a beautifully tailored athletic line and are conducive for the golf course or a town outing. Horka and Red Horse breeches that have been imported from the Netherlands, best known for excellent quality at very reasonable prices, can be found on the Reign shelves. The main equestrian line of clothing hails from Holland, from a Canadian distributor who makes sure Reign carries the latest European equestrian fashions. The prices are phenomenal; the quality is excellent with workmanship in both saddles and bridles that rival all of the high-end products in their respective categories. They are endorsed by Jill Henselwood and she swears by their products. The store also carries a large variety of horse health items.

The store has unique and beautiful gift wear in stock, Montana Silversmith belt buckles and jewelry, Juniper Ridge incense, Rover Dog 8 collars and leads, made in St, Catharines and sold world wide, Bella Sara trading cards and plushies. Monique and Sherry are also very proud to display art from local artists Geoff Farnsworth and Gillian Farnsworth and pottery by Monique Mulder-Wallace.

And they have specials! April and May the boutique will offer 20 per cent off of any three clothing items that are for schooling or show, when purchased together. They will also be offering 10 per cent off of all Horka breeches and 15 per cent off Karma Athletics.

Reign is making its mark as being very unique and carrying items that reflect the talent and flavour of the Niagara region. Partnership with the Pelham community and beyond is very important to both women. The store is a cozy place to visit, and if you are lucky, you may meet the official greeter Angus. He's a big friendly Great Dane cross that just adds to the inviting heart of the store. For more information about the innumerable items they offer for sale, please call 905 892-9200 or visit their website at www.reignequestrian.com