“Horses have always been a passion of mine, so I’m like a kid in a candy shop at the moment,” she said.

Ms Donnelly comes from a family of riders. Her daughter is a trainer, and her father and grandfather were horsemen. 

“I’ve got the support of my whole family behind me,” she said. 

This is only the second time the saddlery has changed hands in over 40 years. Owners Jenny and Kevin Hinton are thrilled they can pass their business to another local. 

“It’s about local customers being looked after by local business,” Ms Hinton said.

The couple has owned the store for 14 years, seeing through a location change and the hardships brought about by the 2007 equine flu outbreak.

Ms Donnelly said she is thankful she has the support and experience of the Hintons to guide her into her new business.