Charlotte's Saddlery offers items for horses and riders, including clothing, riding boots, and English and Western saddles. Photo by Lyndsey Taylor[/caption]

Charlotte Raisbeck grew up horseback riding English-style in Kansas City and continued her love for equestrian activities well into her teenage years and after she graduated from college.

She spent much of her career in real estate and in 1977 decided to move to Houston to open her own equestrian shop, one that sold both English and Western horseback riding equipment, which are designed to accommodate various riding styles.

Charlotte's Saddlery became a family-owned and -operated endeavor. Mark and Tim, her youngest sons, took over the business after their mother died in 1995. Soon, Charlotte's Saddlery expanded to multiple locations in the Houston area.

"I never left," Mark said. "I decided I really enjoyed [working there] and decided to make a career out of it."

Mark and his wife, Missy, opened the first Austin location Dec. 18. The store offers items for horses and riders, including clothing, riding boots, and English and Western saddles.