Whoever knows Chris Emmers, knows Emmers Equestrian... and vice versa! But do all the fans of Emmers Equestrian actually know who Chris Emmers really is? I asked our beloved equestrian shop's manager some personal questions. This way we can all get to know her a bit better.
“People should learn to enjoy life more, you can still stress tomorrow.”Chris Emmers
Starting an equestrian specialty store is not something you do just like that. Every horse lover knows that equestrianism is a world you only get into with a lot of passion. This is exactly how it started for Chris Emmers. At the age of 7, Chris received a pony from her parents. 'I want to ride horses just like my father does' went through her head. And as we know Chris, it all went very smoothly; she was only 9 years old when she switched to a big horse. At a young age, she won numerous prizes in both show jumping and dressage.
A few years later, Chris followed further in her father's footsteps. Only this time, she saw it on a much larger scale. At 18, Chris took over a tack shop in the Netherlands that was going to close. 'I'll make something out of this, you watch!' echoed in the Emmers household. No one could handle this project better than a young driven woman who already had a lot of experience running an agricultural specialty shop. 40 years later, Emmers Equestrian is known worldwide as the equestrian shop for amateurs to the world top!
With a business like this, it is only logical that Chris cannot be found on her horse on a daily basis anymore. However, she still rides regularly, but only on Sundays and in the forest. Her beloved Iblesse, the horse she inherited from her father, holds great emotional value for the Emmers family. The 15-year-old chestnut is the perfect way to unwind from all the Emmers hustle and bustle. Yet, she sometimes also uses this recreational ride to test one of the new saddles.
Chris is the biggest butterfly of Emmers Equestrian. What is a butterfly? This term is used at Emmers for employees who know about all departments and are versatile. 'This is also what I like most about the job,' Chris explains. 'I love all aspects of my job. The fact that I always have variety, that's what I find the most enjoyable. In this way, I can always put the horse in first place.' You heard it right! The health of the horse, that's what Chris and her team value the most. 'If I notice that the saddle doesn't fit the horse well? Then I won't sell it to you. A happy horse comes before selling products.'
Chris’ ideas are far from being exhausted. Ask about the evolution of Emmers Equestrian and you get a resolute answer. 'Expansion of our store in Hamont is definitely coming. And who knows what else is possible. Open a store on the other side of the world? Why not? However, we will need to do the necessary thinking for this.'
What Chris is looking forward to the most, of course, has nothing to do with her business. 'I'm going to be a grandmother! That's what I'm looking forward to the most.' Her long workdays at Emmers will occasionally have to be cut short. Occasionally babysitting or fun outings with her grandchild will be added to her busy schedule. 'Our daughter Lisa's wedding was the happiest day of our lives, but this might just surpass it.'
