The horse racing industry in Pennsylvania has provided
opportunities around the state for small business owners to find their niche.
One of those, is the Red Barn
Equine Outfitters – in business since 2009 in Lebanon, PA. Michelle
Jeffries, owner, grew up in the industry, her parents trained horses since the
1960s.
Red Barn Outfitters’ main location in Lebanon has over 3,500
square feet of inventory for all types of equestrians. They offer horse feed,
shavings, pelleted bedding, supplements, other supplies and tack. In addition
to supplying many local trainers and owners with daily supplies, Red Barn also
supplies out-of-state horses visiting local Pennsylvania tracks with the
supplies they need while racing.
Red Barn’s secondary location is in Grantville at Penn
National Race Course, a convenient location for jockey’s in need of supplies on
live racing days! This location sells jockey supplies including race pants,
goggles, gloves and more.
Per Jeffries, without the track they would have to seek
alternative employment to keep their personal horse farm afloat. Approximately
50% of their business comes from Penn National and the racing industry, with
the other 50% coming from the general equine industry in PA. Pennsylvania’s
racing and breeding industry supports small businesses beyond the tracks.
Businesses like Red Barn Equine Outfitters help to keep the industry thriving.