Bits n' Spurs picks up reins from Oros Saddlery in Batavia

BATAVIA – Members of the equestrian community thought a longtime Batavia store catering to their needs would disappear with the retirement of its owner, but to the rescue rode Krista MacLean. In December, she launched Bits n' Spurs in the same site that was home to Batavian Dori Oros' saddlery shop.

In addition to equestrian-oriented goods such as halters, bridles, blankets, saddle pads and leather care products, MacLean has outfitted the shop at 1931 W. Wilson St. with a variety of goods including jackets, shirts, socks, boots and accessories of appeal to the general public. A grand opening is planned Feb. 18.

"What' s nice about this store location is it serves this greater area: St. Charles, Elgin, people from Maple Park, DeKalb, Oswego, Waterman and Yorkville," MacLean said. "We've been already very blessed."

Being an attorney from Hinckley who practices in Sandwich, she said the last thing she expected to do at the end of 2016 was buy a store.

"This has a lot more fun involved than my other job," she said of Bits n' Spurs. "I've never been a retail owner before. It was all new to me."

A former customer of Oros Saddlery, she keeps nine horses at her home.

"We just use them for local shows and competitions," she said. "My husband and I compete in eventing, [which] has three components: dressage, a jumper category in arena jumping [and a] cross-country course. You gallop along in the field jumping different obstacles along the way."

Visitors to her store will discover that Bits n' Spurs is supporting the work of local artisans.

"I'm always looking for artisans who make unique products in the horse community," MacLean said.

Already carried in the shop are handmade wares including designs by a Yorkville crochet artist, Dorella Wilson, who makes hats for girls with pony tails, with a special opening at the top.

Jennifer Hayes of Sugar Grove creates hair bows, commonly worn by riders with braids. The shop offers hand metal stamping, and people can order dog tags, necklaces or bracelets. Jewelry also is made by Chris Vitosh of Leland.

And all proceeds from the sale of jewelry by Marilyn Tebrugge will benefit Equine Dreams, a therapeutic riding program in Newark, according to MacLean.

She said Bits n' Spurs is the first shop in Illinois to carry the Fluff Monkey, an item designed by an out-of-state mom that can be used for such things as wiping off boots before entering the horse show ring or washing horses' faces like a washcloth. It has a clip, so it can be attached to the side of a bucket to dry out.

Running a store can be a little overwhelming at times, MacLean said, adding, "We're inspired by people who are glad we're still here."

So is Dori Oros, who owned the store for 16 years.

"Around the time we opened, Kane County was the most densely populated horse community in the whole state," said Oros, a non-rider who married into a family with a long history in the horse industry in Illinois.

She said the family business still provides a tack supply and repair service at Arlington racetrack, offering everything essential to horse trainers from exercise saddles to medications and shampoos all catering to the thoroughbred industry.

She said the Oros Saddlery in Batavia was an extension of the business her father-in-law began in 1949, and was incredibly rewarding thanks to wonderful employees.

Oros, who left a job in corporate America to operate the store and have more time for her growing family, admitted that in the beginning she was a neophyte.

"I didn't know a bridle from a halter," Oros said.

"I'm excited for Krista," she said. "She has a real good vision for things to come [and] we have a viable need in the community."

Bits n' Spurs is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday; until 7 p.m. Wednesday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; and is closed Sunday. To learn more, email bitsnspurs1@yahoo.com or call 630-482-3240.