Carol Yunkes is a horse lover and is the owner of Equine Gatherings, a new retail tack store located at 3957 N. Oak Street in downtown Metamora.
As you may have guessed by the store name, Yunkes loves horse folk too.
‘The name has a double meaning,? said Yunkes. ‘I want this to be a place for equestrians to gather, but it is also a gathering of equine related products.
Opening April 2, Equine Gatherings? handicapped accessible store specializes in new tack supplies and equipment; bridles, saddles, and grooming equipment.
In addition Equine Gatherings will carry riding apparel, boots, fun gifts, books, and equine nutritional supplements. As a former horticultural sales person Yunkes plans to bring plants in to sell in the spring and fall.
‘We cater to the English market but will also serve the trail community needs.?
While the store is new to the horse world, Store Manager Kathy Zeeman is a long time horse owners who understand the needs of Equine Gatherings? customers.
Zeeman is also the leader of the local Straight Arrow 4-H riding club and serves as barn manager during the yearly 4-H fair.
Dedicated to a sense of community as well, Yunkes innovatively created a room in the store as a place for visitors to gather. The scent of fresh coffee leads to The Gathering Room which is lined with informational bulletin boards. Visitors are can relax on a cozy sofa to read, watch informational training videos or share afternoon lunch overlooking an expansive backyard and cafe deck.
‘We plan on putting a round pen out in the back, that can be broken into portable stalls, or used for riders to share techniques and lessons for the novice,? she said. ‘It will be great for people to be able to share, learn and have fun out there.?
Being located next door to the legendary historical White Horse Inn has it’s benefits too. Customers may opt enjoy lunch at the White Horse or Yunkes said she would be happy to pick up a carry out and bring it to her customers enjoy in the comfort of the Gathering Room or the outdoor deck and picnic tables while watching outdoor equine activities.
‘Horse people love that sense of community and we are happy to have a way for them to come together.?
Further, Yunkes has plans for a monthly ‘talk to the pro night,? with guest speakers who will cover subjects such as foaling, custom saddle making by a gentleman from England, trainer recruitment, veterinary care, farrier service, insurance, health and nutrition. Resource networking information with professionals such as insurance and attorneys who specialize in equine services will also be available.
Yunkes said ongoing learning clinics and seminars will be also scheduled for the outside area, at least once a month from mid-April through October.
Because the store is conveniently situated in the heart of horse country and right next to the old DUR railroad bed, Yunkes said the trail is traveled by riders and freely invites them to stop and water their horses or treat them to a few carrots while touring the store.
Make Equine Gatherings the destination to start a tour of the lovely downtown shops catering to horse lovers, such as A Bit Used Tack Shop, The White Horse Inn and Design Works Custom Jewlery’s wide assortment of custom crafted equine accessories.
Portable stalls will also be available to riders who wishes to enjoy other downtown horse activities as well. Additionally, Yunkes said there will be parking room behind the store to accommodate two horse trailers.
‘Horse people love to come together and share information, I really want this to be a convenient destination for them to come.?
Beginning April 2nd Equine Gatherings hours will be Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Thursday 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; and Saturday 10 a.m.- 5 p.m., and Sunday noon – 4 p.m. Closed on Mondays.
For more information on Equine Gatherings visit the website at www.equinegatherings.com or call 810-678-8000.