NEVER work with children and animals is advice which Samantha Fretwell from Chulmleigh ignored when launching Rocking Horse Equestrian.

She created the online store www.rockinghorseequestrian.com, which sells equestrian clothes for children, after not being able to find suitable riding clothes for her own children.

After promoting the business with a trade stand sporting a pink rocking horse logo at equestrian events over the summer, Samantha is currently working towards the opening of a new showroom in Chulmleigh in October.

Samantha said: "I have two young boys, Max, who will be four in September, and Louis, who is two, and I couldn't find any riding gear to fit them in Devon.

"There is very little available for toddlers, particularly in North Devon. From around 18 months old, children are starting to get interested in horses and they are so keen and enthusiastic, and want to wear the same sort of riding clothes and footwear as older children wear. These clothes need to be comfortable and hardwearing as well as looking good.

"I realised there was a gap in the market and so I decided to set up my own online store selling equestrian clothes and riding helmets for toddlers.

"I designed my own leather riding boots and jodhpurs for toddlers which I had made specially for the company. The unisex design was tried and tested on my own boys and on friends' children until I was completely happy with it.

"The Rocking Horse Equestrian Toddler Riding Boots have been selling well, and I have been approached by shops who are interested in stocking them. The boots are very high quality but competitively priced and available in black or brown leather.

"After setting up the company with clothing for toddlers, I soon developed ranges for older children including teenagers.

"I now offer riding clothes suitable for all occasions, from hunting, showing and competition to everyday riding and related activities.

"What I don't do is to sell any riding tack. I have concentrated on providing good quality clothes, riding accessories and gifts."

Initially, the Rocking Horse Equestrian showroom will open on Saturday mornings for customers to view the clothing ranges displayed on the website.

These will include items for toddlers, such as small riding helmets, jodhpurs and riding boots.

Also on show will be vintage hunting jackets and a range of equestrian gifts. Customers can also opt to collect orders placed online.

As for the company name, Rocking Horse Equestrian, Samantha said that it was an obvious choice: "As a young child I had an old wooden rocking horse that I loved and played with.

"Also, for me, rocking horses sum up children, horses and fun, which really is what my company is all about. I want children to enjoy their horses, and to enjoy their riding clothes."

For details see www.rockinghorseequestrian.com