Vilano Saddlery Online, just in time for Christmas
Submitted by: Betsy Burke Parker
Phone: 540-364-2929
Email Address: betsyp(at)crosslink.net
Date Added: 12/21/2009
By Betsy Burke Parker
Vilano Saddlery: (540) 222-8052. Www.VilanoSaddlery.com.
If necessity is the mother of invention, the consider Nicole Villers and Molly Forlano its step-sisters. Creators of Fauquier's newest tack supply business, the two local horsewomen saw a need for quality, hand-stitched tack and appointments. They took the bit in their teeth and ran with the idea.
“The founding of Vilano Saddlery was inspired by our discovery that it is nearly impossible to find select, high-quality items at reasonable prices,” said Villers, who co-founded Vilano this year with Forlano. “Our promise is superior craftsmanship, fast, convenient service and fair pricing.” She added that Vilano provides quality, hand-stitched tack and leather products for riders from foxhunters to steeplechase jockeys and everything in between. “We can provide custom tack and apparel made to your exact needs and specifications,” Villers said. “As professional (riders) we understand the value of well-fitting, superior equipment. We draw upon years of experience in three-day eventing, field hunters, and racing to meet specific needs.”
A Charlottesville native who grew up showing and eventing, Villers competes at the top, advanced level of three-day eventing. She lives in Jeffersonton where she operates a lesson, boarding and training stable. She said it was this, running her own professional barn, that made her realize the importance of minute customer service offerings such as delivery and farm consultations. “I understand how hard it is even to get out for a half-hour to run pick something up in town,” Villers said. “That's why feed delivery trucks are so busy, because professional horsemen are so busy. It just takes time out of your day to run around town, when your whole business, otherwise, is out on the farm.”
She said that on-farm measurements and consultations, as well as personal delivery were things Vilano is committed to. “The high-quality leather we are offering is hard to come by,” she noted. “This stuff will hold up to years of use.”
The foxhunting and steeplechasing horsemen in the area will appreciate the handsome wide leather bridles and longer reins with longer rubber inserts, Villers said. Three-day eventers like the array of custom-fitted breastplates in a variety of styles. Show riders might favor the quality of martingales and girths. They use a variety of suppliers, but primarily a custom leather worker who lives near Forlano's hometown of Northbrook, Penn.
Forlano, a lifelong foxhunter and steeplechase jockey, grew up near Radnor, hunting with the Brandywine Hunt. Her grandfather Johnny White was huntsman there for more than 40 years. In addition to riding and whipping-in to the Piedmont Foxhounds, Forlano operates Forlano's bakery and butcher shop in The Plains with her husband.
Villers said another special Vilano's offering would be custom hunt whips made by a West Virginia artisan. Too, they will be importing a few items from England that are “otherwise impossible to find” here in the States, such as lead pads for jockeys.
“We have a tack repair man who can provide great work with really fast turnaround,” Villers said. She pointed out that professional horsemen “need their equipment. Not tomorrow, today. We don't necessarily have another saddle, or whatever, waiting in the wings. We need it fast. That's the sort of customer service we're providing.”
Vilano also markets nylon and synthetic tack, hunt appointments such as wire cutters and sandwich cases.
Vilano currently operates as a custom-order business, with some stock at Peyton's Place in The Plains. Villers said they were currently looking for a retail space, probably in The Plains, for a storefront shop. They also set up stock in a tent at local and regional horse events.
“Starting a business is terrifying and exciting at the same time,” Villers said. “We're very excited about what we're able to provide.” All the items were available, she said, just not in the same place, and not with professional custom-ordering assistance. “I think we fill a special niche.”
Custom orders can be placed in time for delivery by Christmas in most cases, Villers said. Call or log on for details.
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