NORWAY – Patti Swan breeds horses, trains horses and teaches riding.

It was only natural that as a businesswoman she should provide all the accouterments that go with show horse riding.

In 1996, she and her husband, Kevin, opened Sunset Saddlery at their ranch in Waterford.

Toward the end of August they moved the business to 51 Paris St. in Norway.

“Exposure and customer convenience,” said Kevin. “People are willing to drive here from Waterford, but now we are getting people from Bethel and Casco.”

Kevin said the store stocks clothes for dressage, three-day events, combined training and all phases of English riding.

He said there is not much competition for the line of products Sunset Saddlery carries.

“There are some small stores within 15 miles of here, located at people’s farms or homes,” he said. “As far as a ‘Main Street’ store, you would have to go to Cumberland, Portland or Rockland.”

He said the store can order Western horse riding gear, but now it specializes in English gear.

Kevin said although some gear is specific to show riding the store carries plenty of general horse care products such as blankets, supplements, and riding clothes and helmets.

The Swans also have a 30-foot trailer used as a traveling store that they take to horse events all over New England, Kevin said.

“There was a need for someone in the area who uses equipment to sell equipment,” Patti said. “I compete, so I know what is legal and what works.”

She said, for instance, that if judges dismiss wearing jackets because of the heat, only short-sleeved or long-sleeved shirts can be worn.

She said wearing a sleeveless shirt would bring a disqualification – valuable information for competitors.

Sunset Saddlery is closed on Sunday and Monday and open Tuesday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. It is open Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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