About Us - Cheshire Equestrian Center

I Love Horses

Carol DiCarlo, owner of Cheshire Equestrian Center, on Modico — Carol DiCarlo, owner of Cheshire Equestrian Center, on her dressage horse Modico.

My name is Carol DiCarlo and I invite you to come bask in my dream come true.

I love horses! My sister got me interested in riding more than 20 years ago. At the time, she lived in Palm Springs, California and kept four horses there. Whenever I visited, trail riding was just an expected part of our time together. One year she even trailered her horses to Pioneertown, a western movie set town founded by Hollywood investors including Roy Rogers and Gene Autry. I loved it.

There’s beautiful horse country here in Connecticut too and I was in love with riding. I bought Harley when he was nine-years-old, a Quarterhorse trained to English tack. We’ve been together for 22 years now. Currently, I board him at Rolling M Ranch in Southbury. One of the things I love about horses is the bond we have formed over so many miles. I am absolutely convinced Harley can read my mind.

Carol DiCarlo, owner of Cheshire Equestrian Center, with Harley — Me with Harley, we’ve been together a long time and I swear he can read my mind.

Eight years ago I decided to tackle dressage. Not Harley’s cup of tea, I found Modico, a 12-year-old Andalusian. He and I have been working hard, three to four days a week, with our trainer. So far I’ve achieved second level status. My goal is to get to Prix St. George.

My Career before Cheshire Equestrian Center

When I wasn’t riding I pursued a career in the medical field, eventually on the business and management side. I have degrees in business and healthcare management. Over the years, I worked for hospitals, an orthopedic surgery group (whew, 17 surgeons and all their equipment and prosthetics) and medical vendors.

Recently, a downsizing at my current company found me out of a job and thinking deeply about my future. Somewhat magically, at the same time, a friend and longtime CT tack shop owner Tracy Arnone of Reins decided to retire. Her tack store fixtures and equestrian expertise were up for grabs.

I’ve always wanted to do this. Cheshire Equestrian Center is literally my dream come true.

I figured my medical business skills would transfer to running an equestrian retail store. I know inventory, management and sales. I love horses and people and horse people. I reached out to the Cheshire Chamber of Commerce, the Service Corps of Retired Executives and the Connecticut Small Business Association. Tracy agreed to consult on a part time basis. Her husband and son helped move her Reins fixtures to my new CT equestrian shop. The even put up the grid walls where I could hang may horse and rider wares.

My Dream Comes True

My tack store opened in September 2018 and was immediately welcomed by the horse community in Connecticut and beyond. I couldn’t be happier.

I strive to find the best products for horse and rider. I offer the best service for my equestrian community. My horses and I try all my products. Therefore I have a knowledge of how they work so I can better inform my customers.

Please visit. I promise to offer you all I know about riding, horses and my personal experience with the products I sell. I can help beginner and novice riders. I love to learn from experienced riders. I promise to suggest cost effective solutions before expensive ones. I promise you plenty of personal attention, or none at all if you prefer to browse on your own. We can share a cup of coffee or tea and talk about how we love horses.

Thank you “Record Journal” newspaper for a wonderful story and pictures about my shop opening. Link on our News Page.

Cheshire Equestrian Center

Come Visit, we’re at 116 Main Street (Route 10) in the center of Cheshire, Connecticut, USA. For more information visit my Contact Us page.

11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday
Closed Sunday and Monday