“I still enjoy coming to work,” says co-founder.
Ingatestone Saddlery Centre, one of Europe’s largest country and equestrian stores, is celebrating its golden anniversary this year.
The Margaretting, Essex based business was founded 50 years ago by Lynda Mortlock and her brother Barrie Mortlock.
The siblings have run Ingatestone Saddlery Centre throughout its five decades, with Lynda still “first in and last out” every day.
Early days
The business took shape in 1974 when Lynda and Barrie opened a small tack shop called B & J Saddlery in the village of Ingatestone.
In 1983, they changed the name to Ingatestone Saddlery Centre and moved to new 6,000 square feet premises.
Today, the store sits in its own grounds with a large car park, all-weather arena, a feed barn and café.
Lynda and Barrie head up a 60-strong team of staff.
Golden celebration
Ingatestone Saddlery Centre is marking its 50th anniversary with a themed window display. A staff barbecue is planned too.
“I still enjoy coming into work,” says Lynda.
“Barrie and I have been extremely fortunate. We have worked hard and we were incredibly lucky that we had the support of our mum and dad [Doreen and James]. We really couldn’t have done it without them.”
- In ETN June issue, Lynda Mortlock tells journalist Deborah Hayward the full story of Ingatestone Saddlery Centre, and how times have changed over its 50 years in business.
