Spurred to Great Deals at Brumby

By Scott E. Kinney, Atlantic News Staff Writer

Atlantic News, Friday, September 7, 2007

[The following article is courtesy of Atlantic News.]

BOOTING UP -- Barry, Khayya and Colby Van Ry welcome you to Brumby Saddlery and Cactus Boot where you're ensured to find what you need whether you ride Western or English.
[Atlantic News Photo by Scott E. Kinney]

HAMPTON -- If it is at all horse-related, it's likely that you'll find it at Brumby Saddlery and Cactus Boot in Hampton.

The business, which was purchased by Barry and Khayya Van Ry over a year ago, offers a wide array of items for both Western and English riding as well as apparel.

"We try to cater to the Western rider as well as the English rider," said Barry.

There are certainly a lot of items to choose from. Since July, the Van Rys have increased the product lines of the 4,000 square foot store from 50 to 65 percent.

And of course, as the name would suggest, there are boots. Lots and lots of boots. Upon entrance to the store the wall on the left side is home to hundreds of boots in an incredible variety colors, materials and styles.

When it comes to cowboy boots and the cowboy boot consumer it's all about having options. The materials are varied, from typical hide such as goat, pig and calfskin to a host of more exotic materials such as ostrich, kangaroo, lizard, snake, alligator and even shark.

Custom boot making is also a part of the Van Rys' business, as if the variety offered by boot makers Lucchese, Justin, Tony Lama, Durango, and others weren't enough, allowing customers to design their own footwear. Boot fitting and stretching are all part of the package.

Also on the Western side of the store is a host of men's, women's, and children's apparel, as well as hats. The same goes for the English side of the store.

What also comes with the wide variety within the store is the Van Rys' working knowledge of horses and riding. Barry began Western riding as a child, returned to the sport in his mid-20s and has been riding ever since. His children, including his two youngest Olivia, 5, and Colby, 3, have begun riding already, with Olivia riding at this year's Deerfield Fair and Colby just beginning. The family also operates a horse boarding facility in Atkinson.

"I wanted to find a type of business I could retire with," Barry said.

Barry said his first year as owner of the 13-year-old business has been a good one and he attributes the store's early success with the loyalty of his customers.

"We've had so many great comments," Barry said. "They've been very enthusiastic about how the store has changed. They've treated us very, very well."

So whether you're looking for a new hat (or just need the old one stretched, cleaned or even reshaped), boots (or just need to current ones stretched), or a new saddle blanket (or get the one you've got cleaned and while you're at it embroidered, offered custom in the store) head on over to Brumby Saddlery and Cactus Boots and you'll be sure to find what you're looking for.

Brumby Saddlery and Cactus Boots is located at 826 Lafayette Road in Hampton. The store can be contacted by dialing (603) 929-0027 or visit them on their Web site at www.brumbysaddlery.com.