Lifelong rider and inveterate shopper for all things equine-related, Linda McLaughlin confesses both her summer and winter residences are “chock full of horse stuff.”
“I admit I’m an ‘equiholic’,” she adds with a grin. “Because horse people have such a special partnership with their animals, they like to flaunt their passion. Mine is finding something no one else has . . . and won’t, because it’s one of a kind,” said McLaughlin, who, while competing in Wellington, Florida’s winter horse show circuit, discovered a Victorian foxhunting locket for $1,800, a collectible Sir Walter Gilbey book on ponies (19th century British horse breeder) for $100 and an oil painting of Cheltenham (the home of British horseracing) for “quite a bit more.”
On the practical side, she snapped up a sterling silver horse-head pillbox for a bargain $54.
“I need my Excedrin on lead-line day," McLaughlin joked. “This year I’ll be in the ring leading my four-year-old granddaughter on a pony older than I am. He only has half a tail, thanks to our pet goat. Maybe the judge won’t notice!”
Souvenirs to Cherished Keepsakes
Vendors following the horse show circuit throughout the year cater to exhibitors, owners and spectators in every price bracket, offering a range of merchandise from exquisite hunter/ jumper needlepoint pillows to Pony Pucker Lip Balm.
Traditionally, while most show spectators tend to shop for popular and less pricey equine-themed garden flags, bookends, doormats, T-shirts and mouse pads, exhibitors and owners overwhelmingly favor equine/fox and hound images crafted in jewelry, sculpture, paintings and tapestry, with a special interest in treasured collectibles.
Cherished keepsakes in demand include vintage horseshow programs, posters and even bumper stickers, while traditionalists search for elusive medallions attached to trophy ribbons in days of yore, sculpting them into jewelry; an art lost with the plastic attachments used today.
“Horse people generally have very good taste in jewelry,” said Joy Cully, who draws devoted and newbie shoppers to her Merry Go Round Room (next to the blacksmith shop) at The Devon Horse Show each May.
“Many of our jewelry molds, including foxes, bits and horse heads, are made to order because people like the unique. And I always save my best antique pieces for Devon,” Cully explained.
“What shoppers buy depends on their interest, whether it’s showing, hunting, driving or polo. Cecil Alden and Munnings paintings, rare old books on foxhunting and Devon memorabilia are always extremely popular,” said Cully, whose current collection includes a 1916 Devon Horse Show program and an exquisite championship trophy, circa 1919.
With no small regret, Cully recalls the day Don Frazier, owner of the renowned Derrydale Press collection, picked up a copy of author Will James’ Smoky, The Cow Horse, the famous 1927 Newbery Medal winner, and asked her the price of the book. “I had no idea who Don was, and I told him $10,” said Cully.
“Great,” he answered, immediately handing her a ten dollar bill. “Just so you know, it’s signed by Will James and worth about $2,000.” Still smarting years later, Cully said, “I never again put a book out without checking to see if it’s signed!”
Eclectic to Native
Renown for recognizing what most appeals to horse folk, B.J. Meeks, owner of B.J.’s Huntroom, enjoys an international reputation for the eclectic antiques, artwork and jewelry he brings to top shows across the country.
“Informed customers are very savvy about antique pieces,” said Meeks, who literally travels the globe in search of rare, quality merchandise for customers who give him free rein to unearth the “perfect” thing.
Already in tremendous demand, this season’s star attraction is a selection of turquoise jewelry “crafted by Native Americans who rank among the finest young contemporary artists anywhere in the world,” according to Meeks. “These are the real thing, absolutely beautiful,” said Meeks, who concentrates on top of the line in all things new and traditional.
Returning to Devon for his 38th year, the longest tenure of any vendor at the show, Meeks said he always looks forward to May.
“We’ve made so many friends at Devon over the years; some come to see our latest things and some come just to say hello. And that’s pretty special,” Meeks concluded.
Recognized by seasoned shoppers for her extraordinary collection of antiques, fine vintage jewelry and artwork, dyed in the wool horsewoman and foxhunter Nina Fox confides she’s been most successful selling what she’s wearing.
“Everyone wants what I have on or what’s in my house,” said Fox, who sells from her home base in Birchrunville and via trunk shows. “People also call me if they’re looking for a particular item. This year horse fobs, either sterling silver or gold filled, and old watch chains seem to be very much in demand.”
Agreeing with Meeks, Fox added, “And good Native American jewelry is the hot seller this year.
“My house looks like a museum, and I’m very passionate about my equestrian things, which are getting harder and harder to find. I sell what I like myself,” she confided, “and that has always worked well for me.” -CL-