CHESHIRE — After losing her job in the medical field last year, Carol DiCarlo found herself reinventing her life and falling into a passion she’s had since her 20s.

DiCarlo’s new store, the Cheshire Equestrian Center, at 116 S. Main St., will offer clothing and riding equipment tailored largely to dressage riders.

“Clothing, equipment, (and) I’m also going to carry consignment saddles and other riding apparel for children and adults,” DiCarlo said.

DiCarlo, 59, will open the store’s doors Sept. 20 at 10 a.m. with a ribbon cutting and grand opening.

As a more than 30-year dressage rider herself, DiCarlo says there’s a lack of resources in the central Connecticut area.

“I have to drive like 45 minutes if I wanted to get any supplies or equipment,” she said. DiCarlo keeps horses in Middletown and Southbury.

DiCarlo plans to use her knowledge of horse riding to help stock the store and assist riders in getting the quality equipment they need.

“I understand what they’re doing and what they need,” DiCarlo said. She said the store will be focused on more English than Western riding.

DiCarlo said she was motivated to open the store because she understands there’s a need in light of so many barns and stables in the area.

“There isn’t anyone that does that close to this area,” Chamber of Commerce President Yetta Augur said, referring to the store’s services. “So we’re very happy to have her here.”

Augur said the chamber is “very excited” to have Cheshire Equestrian Center as a member and plans to help DiCarlo succeed.

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