Horse lovers have places to go to shop

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It’s great to own a horse, but it is also a tremendous amount of work You have to feed it, house it, ride it, clean up after it, and so on.

In North Fort Myers, Lee County horse country, there are many places horse lovers can go to help them care for their horses, and maybe even look good while doing it

The country look is in. TV shows like “Yellowstone” and country fashion icons like Lainey Wilson have made even the casual country person want to look the part

Now, you can go across the river to the Hayloft off Palm Beach Blvd. in Fort Myers, which has been in business more than 50 years, or go north to Arcadia

Locally, Mary Lou’s Western Wear, Fed & Tack at 8050 Bayshore Road has everything you need to enjoy the horseback life

Chuck Ballaro

Established in 1978, this family-owned business has been the leading apparel and animal feed store in North Fort Myers.

They not only offer horse feed, but riding gear like saddles and reins, and riding helmets. They also have a countless variety of boots, western wear and can even shape your hat to make you look good if you want to wear it for a night on the town

“We’re more mainstream western We do have some purses and accessories for women and jewelry We also have a whole line of tack, saddles, bridals, halters, pads and anything you need for the equine,” said owner Amanda Duet “The western industry in general is trending I think part of it is Yellowstone Everyone wants a cowboy hat and boots. Also, country music ”

The local Tractor Supply down the road at 5881 Bayshore Road also offers horse feed and equipment for the horse stalls, though they can’t quite match what Mary Lou’s does regarding clothing and riding tack

But places like Purses and Accessories Western Boutique, at 9521 Bayshore Road, is the place to go for the western Boho chic look They have all the outfits, hats, purses and jewelry you need to achieve that trendy look for when the PBR or rodeo comes to town.

And, yes, you can get your feed there for the horses, too

“We’re more boutique style. We have everything for everyone, children, adult, ladies, juniors and all the horse care products you need,” said owner Jenny Vought. “We keep up with the trends. Right now, it’s the country chic look with the boots and shoes and cowhide ”

But if the hat really makes the outfit, you can go to one of the places just mentioned and get a $30 straw hat You can also have a hat that’s custom made for you if you’re willing to spend the extra money.

Halo Custom Hats can create a hat specifically designed for your head and style It’s the hat Margo Crowther wore at the National Finals Rodeo last year and one you can have for your collection that can even be passed down from generation to generation

“We bring a high-end hat according to someone’s wants or needs. From start to finish, it takes about three days to make a custom hat,” said Charlie Rothwell, owner of Halo Hats “A top-of-the-line hat can last 15 years or more and even become heirlooms.”