Cece Welch, store manager and part owner of Long Horn Horse & Pet Supply, 1371 Long Plains Road, in Buxton, said that customers have cut back on non-essential purchases like outfits for horseback riding.
So, this could be a great Christmas for the family equine enthusiast. “We’ve had riding clothes on sale,” Cece Welch said.
Compared to a year ago, overall sales at the store, Welch said, are up for the year. “November was down more than usual,” Welch said.
For people remembering their animals for the holidays, Long Horn carries a selection of items as Christmas presents for pets. “We sell a lot of horse treats and dog toys like chewies,” said Welch, who said the store would be open until 2 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
Wild birdseed sales have remained steady as Long Horn customers haven’t forgotten to feed feathered friends as temperatures dip. Welch also said grain for large animals and dog food sales have been normal this year at the store, which relocated to Buxton from Scarborough six years ago.
Long Horn sells hay, shavings and straw besides grain. Despite the economy and prices of grain that had risen this year because fuel costs went up, Welch said its customers have kept their horses. “Most people take better care of their horses than themselves,” Welch said.
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