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New Owner Continues Old Traditions at Middleburg Tack Exchange

New Owner Continues Old Traditions at Middleburg Tack Exchange

By Linda Roberts

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Geraldine Peace invited a visitor into her office at the Middleburg Tack Exchange on West Federal Street, better known by locals as the “back street.” She was surrounded by three of the eight dogs she’s rescued, fostered or that somehow found their way to her nearby farm. Each has a story.

Middleburg Tack Exchange proprietor Geraldine Peace is flanked by longtime employees Norma Thompson (left) and Georgie Summers.

Photo by Linda Roberts

A long-time dog and horse trainer, Geraldine started her Middleburg Horse Management business 12 years ago, helping clients train their horses while also working to help people create their vision for a newly purchased estate or farm.

She rides with the Orange County Hounds, buys and sells horses, and is constantly helping clients with problems they may encounter with their own animals. She took on yet another responsibility when, after some deliberation, she took over the popular Middleburg Tack Exchange when its founder, Jo Motion, retired several years ago.

“I had just had back surgery and was reassessing my world when I learned that Jo was wanting to retire and was looking for a new owner for the business,” Geraldine said. A Brit by birth, she was well acquainted with the Motion family. Jo, now 92, was a long-time friend of her father, Colin, an equine veterinarian in England.

Geraldine also was familiar with the Tack Exchange and its contents—all things equine from a multitude of fine leather goods that include high quality saddles, bridles, boots and riding attire to books, clippers, horse blankets, and even hair nets to keep stray locks looking neat under a riding helmet.

While specializing in everything for the fox hunter, including advice for what is proper and what is not in the hunt field, the store’s merchandise covers the gamut.

In short, this well-stocked business is an equestrian paradise, whether a fox chaser, show rider, or the weekend trail-riding enthusiast who enjoys meandering around the countryside. Many gently used items are constantly being consigned and purchased and new merchandise is also featured.

Jo Motion’s terms of ownership came with one caveat—that the shop’s two longtime employees, Georgie Summers and Norma Thompson, stay on to help run the business and ensure a smooth transition. Fortunately for Geraldine, they both accepted and, she said, “I couldn’t have done this without them.”

Quite familiar with the horse world, Georgie worked in the saddlery business for more than 30 years. She joined the Tack Exchange in 2002. Norma has ridden all her life and makes her home at Earth Borne Farm near Berryville where she breeds quarter horses and Palominos. She joined the shop in 2007.

“I called it a trial by fire when I joined,” Norma recalled. “It was fox hunting season and we were quite busy here with customers.”

Following Jo Motion’s wishes to keep the business the same, Geraldine has only made a few changes, including a computer system she said, “Has made our day-to-day operations much easier for all of us.” Geraldine is fond of “unique and unusual things” and the Tack Exchange’s merchandise occasionally features items reflective of her tastes such as the handsome hunt whips that complete a foxhunter’s attire and the equestrian-themed jewelry in the front window. And, because polo is rapidly growing as a participant sport, she plans to begin stocking more items reflective of this equine discipline.

Catering to the young riders who accompany their parents in the door seeking quickly outgrown riding clothes at affordable prices, the Tack Exchange provides the perfect solution. Geraldine is mulling over plans to expand her current inventory, and possibly store space, to accommodate small size boots, britches and jackets geared toward pint-sized wearers and their older brothers and sisters.

Riders, trainers, owners, and equine enthusiasts— in from all parts of the country for the Upperville Horse Show—are delighted to visit Middleburg in June when no trip is complete without a visit to the Tack Exchange.

Details: The Middleburg Tack Exchange is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Visit www. middleburgtack.com.

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