Sarah Killick is a well-known face in the

equestrian world of Hailsham, being the boss of the local horsey store –

Hailsham Feeds and Saddlery. She’s the person you go to when you need anything

and everything to do with riding and horses, and as well as being a very

friendly soul, Sarah knows her stuff.

She should do. She took over the business

in 2002, and had worked in it before that, so what she’s well versed in horse

lotions and potions, bedding and bridles. The stock at her shop is extensive

(check out what’s available here), and if she hasn’t got something, she’ll soon

source it for you.

After the original business closed, Sarah

said she was nagged to step in herself. ‘I used to go into Tesco and bump into

my old customers, and they’d say “Please open it again.” It wasn’t long before

I realised that it was a very good idea.’

Sarah has always been involved with horses,

in one way or other. ‘I’m a Hailsham girl,’ she says, ‘and I was into the usual

horsey stuff, going to gymkhanas and shows, I guess it’s in the blood. I pride

myself in giving good service to people – around here they’re mostly what we

call ‘happy hackers’ rather than competition riders, or leisure riders who may

have one or two horses for the kids. Whoever the customer, we try and give

special service.’

Sarah juggles the job with her family life

– she has a 12-year old son and a husband –‘my maintenance man’, who’s an

electrician in his day job. Looking after the shop is a full time job, but she

also keeps their website and Facebook page up to date, and she’s expecting

business to quicken as Spring approaches. ‘The shows kick off when the clocks

change,’ she says. ‘We’ll see more customers coming in and asking for new

bridles and fly repellent, and fewer for outdoor blankets.’

Sarah stocks hundreds of products.

‘Basically we sell most things to kit yourself and your horse out, plus little

gifts, cards, all things equestrian. We also stock rabbit food, bedding and hay,

and have a delivery service which customers find do appreciate. One of our best

services is rug washing, which we deliver, it’s extremely popular.’ And the

best-selling item? ‘It’s hard to say,’ says Sarah, ‘but our reflective tabards,

with ‘POLITE. Please Slow Down’ is shooting off the racks.’

If you have any horsey needs in Hailsham, gallop this way..!