Out West Saddlery

By Malia Durbano

Out West Saddlery owner Terri Beecher knew advisor Rich Lindblad since they both live in Pagosa. She contacted him for some advice.While most businesses contact the SBDC for help with getting started or growing, Terri had a different problem. After several visits, Rich concluded that the business had great potential for growth. However, Terri explained what a hard time they had finding good help. She and her husband had built a wonderful, successful business, but they were ready to scale down and “have a life again.”

So, Lindblad helped them analyze the various components of their operation. They determined basic overhead and looked at what would happen if some of the business “went away.” The couple looked at which parts of the business they really love and which they could let go of.

They have three income streams in the business- a retail shop of quality, old time style, hard to find horse related items, their custom horse/rider gear including saddle fitting education/service and Terri does evaluations of horses from mane hair samples and sets up herb programs.

Husband Bob loves creating the custom gear especially the saddles. Bob chose to continue doing what he loves.

Terri’s main passion is the whole horse education and horse help with the herb programs – so that will continue.

They decided to scale back on the labor intensive retail/ resale part of the business which will simplify and cut down on the number of employees needed. They are keeping a few items like stirrups, conchos and buckles used for making the custom gear and wild rags/scarves. Terri is proud of “our large selection of ‘wild rags’.” She boasts the largest selection in the U.S. of the square silk scarves that riders fold in a triangle and wear around their necks for warmth and the buckaroo style. “They are just too fun to give up.”

The best place to see their collection of cowboy/horse gear, wild rags and all the items on sale that they are discontinuing is to check out: www.outwestsaddlery.com.

970-264-2524
9 South Primrose Ridge Place, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
http://outwestsaddlery.com/

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