Been to Catlips for the first time!

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Denzel

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My first post on here, but I've been hanging around reading posts looking for useful local knowledge!
I came across posts about Catlips and went along today as I get my new horse (Denzel, hence the username) on sunday hopefully! He needs everyything and since I havent had a horse for 5 years I dont have anything hanging around anymore!

Well, what an experience! That is the oddest, but most brilliant tack shop I have ever been to! Crazy experience but I got everything I needed!!!
I'm going back to collect it tomorrow.
Turnout, stable and fleece rugs, two numnahs, stirrups and leathers £75. Considering the turnout and fleece are brand new, as are the numnahs, and the stable rug is second hand but in perfect condition I thought that was VERY impressive!

So thanks for the advice in previous posts!!! Very happy with my purchases and rather odd shopping experience! Hehe!
 
I'm not far from Catlips but havent been there for a while. A few years ago when I was looking for a dressage saddle, Sheila was so helpful. She didnt know me but knew my yard so let me take home 2 saddles at a time (no deposit) to try on my pony. One of them was absolutely stunning and she only wanted £75 quid for it ( I think it was Albion and Sheila had her daughter - a saddler make adjustments for me) unfortunately it just didnt suit my pony so I gave it back. No problem and no charges for the alterations. Catlips is a fab shop, if you know what you are looking for.
 
yep another catlips lover right here Sheila is an amazing woman, so helpful and generous with her time and the bargains ive got from there are just brilliant! I couldnt do without catlips ! Probably a better place to go if you have horses and need something quick/cheap , i know some people on their forum have turned their noses up, but poohey to them!
 
Yep, I was really impressed with her knowledge and how helpful she was, if a little unconventional!
I saw some posts with people turning their noses up, but we're in a recession! lol! And a bargain is a bargain!

Cant wait to get him now! He's going to look so smart all in navy blue! Very handsome! 2 more sleeps!!!
 
If you google it you will find the address as Berry Lane, this is wrong though. Set your sat nav for chorley wood. Find Shephards lane, and then follow it AWAY from chorley wood, you will pass a school and then go under a motorway bridge. Its on the right just past the motorway bridge.
Drive up the potholed lane, passed the menage until you reach a load of caravans. Park there and the "tack shop" is in the house behind you. Be prepared for the experience though!!
 
LOL - love Catlips too! I had not been for around 10 years and it was like walking back in time as it had not changed at all! Those of you who have never been will be in for the biggest shock of your lives! Take a tape measure with you!

Directions from Chorley wood station are - with the station on your right you go up the road and the road turns sharply round to the left, you go straight on to the little 1 track bridge, turn right over bridge then 1st left, up to T junction then right, go down there and take a left (think that might be berry lane) then go straight on and catlips is on the left - you can see the M25 in the distance but if you go under it you have gone too far.

Go! You will be amazed!!!
 
Ahhh, can't beat Sheila - she really knows her stuff & is happy to work to a budget!

I keep fearing she'll sell up & retire, but still seems to be going strong at the moment :)

Glad others are also enjoying the 'experience' - just avoid school holidays - queues are too long!
 
Catlips, Shiela ........ right!!
Went there for the first time and was horrified! Thinking that i would never buy my horse anything but the best and still carry on with that theory. I've now warmed to Shiela and Catlips and found out that they do have some very good stuff with a very helpful lady, Shiela always on hand. The little side room heaped with saddle coths, saddles and god knows what else gave me a big shock but around the back there are some great deals on decent saddles and bridles. Just if your going for the first time be prepared if you like to be a very organised person like me!!
 
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I was only talking about this place on saturday with another forum member. ive not been before but intend on going for a nosey in the near future. sounds a interesting experience. Ive Heard about the second hand rug mountain.
 
nicky_jakey said:
Ahhh, can't beat Sheila - she really knows her stuff & is happy to work to a budget!

I keep fearing she'll sell up & retire, but still seems to be going strong at the moment :)

Glad others are also enjoying the 'experience' - just avoid school holidays - queues are too long!
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She'll never retire - she'll live forever. Worth a drive out just for the experience. We visit from Milton Keynes. Although we have some good saddlery shops round here none of the staff beat Sheila for knowledge :)
 
Oh my word, this post has brought back memories! I remember going there with my dad to buy my first pony's saddle in 1976 !!!! I don't live in the area anymore but do remember how helpful Sheila was with letting me take back saddles to try.
 
Ahh Catlips, used to live near there, Shiela's daughter once made me a suede showing saddle, she came out (even though I was slightly further than she would normally) made the templates and 3 weeks later I was in possession of a beautiful saddle (with the square cantle that I had requested) - all for the princely sum of £280, my OH accused me of lying about the price and two years later I sold the saddle for £400 as the horse had changed shape.

Must admit that the tiffany light covered in grime in the hallway distressed me but not as much as the drawing pins in the oak paneling did :p
 
Millreef - very very unlikely ! Imagine driving a lane to a house that's crossed between hammer house of horrors / the Adams family and life of grime (no offence re last one). I would love to get beyond the hall, you could go missing in there for days :) if it ever went up in flames it would take days to put out.
 
carefreegirl said:
Millreef - very very unlikely ! Imagine driving a lane to a house that's crossed between hammer house of horrors / the Adams family and life of grime (no offence re last one). I would love to get beyond the hall, you could go missing in there for days :) if it ever went up in flames it would take days to put out.
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That's decided it for me! I was going to go to a horse auction in Kent during my Easter visit, but instead I think I'll pop along to Catlips! I love bargain hunting so much. I also like the unusual too. I'll take a few photos to remind me of the "rug mountain' perhaps:D

How much spending money do you think my daughter (aged 12 with her own horsey) should have? I read she only accepts cash (my cheque will only cover HOng Kong).
 
Also worth adding don't go there if you expect a browse as it doesn't work like that. You need something specific in mind ie a bit or a show jacket. She does take stuff to sell so worth having a clear out. I taken saddles to jackets to a bag full of bits and bobs. She doesn't take rugs very often unless cleaned or brand new as she half a house / mansion full.
 
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