The Leading Rein • Pflugerville

The Leading Rein • Pflugerville

By Kelsey Wilkinson Friday, 03 July 2009

Tori Johnson is living her version of the American dream. She began riding horses when she was just 9 years old. Her love of the sport inspired her to take a summer job during high school at The Leading Rein, a horseback riding equipment supply store then located in north Austin. Nearly 15 years and a few jobs later, she is back behind the counter as the new owner of the store.

“It sort of happened accidentally,” she said of acquiring The Leading Rein from its original owner. “I knew I wanted to go into business with my dad. He asked me what I wanted to do, and I said, ‘Well, I really want to own The Leading Rein.’ I loved riding as a teenager and I think my parents thought I would grow out of it, but I didn’t.”

Johnson and her father, Steve Rose, bought the business a year ago and relocated it from Dripping Springs to its current location in Pflugerville. She also expanded the inventory to include both Western- and traditional English-style riding equipment, and offers products that range from affordable to high end.

Johnson sells an eclectic blend of equipment to her customers and aims to provide customers with a personalized experience.

“I don’t just sell them something and get them out the door,” she said. “I want to know their horse’s name and something personal about them.”

Johnson went to McNeil High School in Round Rock ISD and grew up riding in the area. She is familiar with various local trainers and prides herself on offering inside knowledge of the local riding industry.

The Leading Rein shares a retail space with Austin Gun Liquidators, a business her father operates. Though the businesses offer very different products, they have been known unintentionally to share clientele. Johnson joked that often a man will enter Austin Gun Liquidators, realize there is a riding supply store next door and immediately run home to tell his wife. The relationship and proximity of the businesses conjures up nostalgia for the Wild West, while also creating a unique one-stop shop for families in the market for both firearms and equestrian supplies.

Johnson said she is happy in her new role as business owner, though she has faced challenges in the sluggish economy. She said many families have transitioned from owning two horses to having just one. Yet she still enjoys immersing herself in the equestrian atmosphere.

“I love the rapport you build with your horse. The horse becomes like your child. They have their own personalities,” she said. “I also love how it’s an individual sport, but with a team aspect. When you’re in the stable it feels like a family, and it’s just a lot of fun.”

Horseback riding styles

The Leading Rein offers both Western- and English-style riding equipment. Both are popular in Central Texas, but have unique elements.

Western style — This style of riding evolved from Spanish conquistadors who came to America and used horses primarily for warfare and ranching. Western cowboys who needed to ride for longer hours at faster speeds adopted it later. Western saddles feature a pommel topped by a horn used to store the lariat, a deep seat and high cantle, which is the hind part of a saddle.

English style — The English style is used around the world and in equestrian competitions. The saddle is much flatter and allows the horse more freedom for movement. It does not include the deep seat, cantle or saddle horn of the Western style.

The Leading Rein, 2000A Picadilly Drive, Round Rock, 458-6637 • This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , www.theleadingrein.com

Open: Tuesday-Friday 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Saturday 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday by appointment