As your local source for horse and pet supplies, we are proud to carry items from a number of New Hampshire-based businesses. This means that when you shop at The Cheshire Horse, you are doing more than supporting a family-owned and operated business; you are also benefiting small businesses from our local region. Companies like these are truly the heart and soul of our small New England state. Consider shopping from small businesses this holiday season!
Keep reading to learn more about some of the incredible enterprises and entrepreneurs that hail from the Granite State.
Badger
In 1995, Bill Whyte, a carpenter, needed a solution for his dry, cracked hands, and from that objective, W.S. Badger Company was born. Now, the family-owned and operated business in Gilsum, NH, produces over 100 different organic body care products. With entire lines of natural bug spray, FDA-approved sunscreen, lip care, body balm, hair care, moisturizers, and so much more, Badger is dedicated to improving the health of their customers as well as the planet. Utilizing only organic, fair trade ingredients, you can feel good about what you put onto your body and skin when you use Badger products. Shop our selection of Badger products.
Douglas Cuddle Toys
For over 60 years, Douglas Cuddle Toys has been at the forefront of plush toy design and manufacturing. Located across the street from our parent company, Hamshaw Lumber, in Keene, NH, Douglas Cuddle Toys now has global distribution. They are renowned for their incredibly soft and high-quality stuffed animals, coveted by children around the world. The extensive selection of plush toys includes a number of hard-to-find breeds of cats, dogs, and farm animals. With their realistic designs, adorable faces, and durable fabrics, these toys will be treasured for years to come. Check out our inventory of Douglas Cuddle Toys.
Grey Horse Candles
Grey Horse Candle Company was founded in 2016 and now calls the beautiful Mt. Monadnock region of southern New Hampshire its home. This small family-run business has a hands-on approach to candle making—every candle, melt, soap, and reed diffuser is made at their family farm candle studio in Peterborough, NH. All of their candles are made with all-natural soy wax, with equine-inspired scents, including the ever-popular Show Day scent with notes of leather, grass, and flowers. Their soy wax is made from American-grown soybeans, and their jars and tins are manufactured in the United States as well. Additionally, Grey Horse Candles recently launched a soap line made with all-natural ingredients such as goat milk and olive oil. Purchase a Grey Horse Candle here!
J.R. Liggett’s
Created over 40 years ago in Cornish, NH, on the banks of the Connecticut River, J.R. Liggett’s has promoted healthy and earth-friendly hygiene solutions for decades. The company has expanded rapidly over the years, growing from two soaps that were created in a converted 1850s barn to a line of human, pet, and equine shampoos, conditioners, and skincare products. J.R. Liggett’s is proud that they have maintained values and ethics of health, happiness, economy, and sustainability that have made them so successful. J.R. Liggett’s products, including their popular shampoo bars (available for both people and pets), do not use any animal products or testing. Additionally, they are proud that they are a zero-waste company, with their farm and business being over 90% solar-powered! Check out our J.R. Liggett’s Products that we carry here.
Fun Fact! The J.R. Liggett’s farm is one mile from the longest covered bridge in the US, and the longest two-span covered bridge worldwide!
King’s Crafts
At seven years old, Maya King began crocheting with her babysitter… little did she know that it would eventually turn into a small business. Founded in 2017, King’s Crafts’ beginnings included attending craft shows and then moving to produce private orders. Two years after that, Maya began selling her handmade creations at our Swanzey, NH, store location. Now, she sells a large selection of crocheted wares at our stores, including her ever-popular hats with pom poms and her adorable chicken potholders. Be sure to check out her unique products (available in-store only) for a truly one-of-a-kind gift.
Maple Nut Kitchen
At Maple Nut Kitchen in Swanzey, NH, they make delicious, healthy granola that is gluten-free, vegan, and non-GMO. Their unique blends are made in small batches with the best ingredients, and they come in a variety of flavors, including the popular Maple Nut (their claim to fame!) and Eastern Apple Pecan. Maple Nut Farm believes that good health begins with what you put into your body, and at The Cheshire Horse, we’re proud to offer you healthy foods that taste amazing. You can find their current flavors, including seasonal offerings, online.
MetalMazing
MetalMazing is a metalworking company in Alstead, NH, that has been creating unique and high-quality metal products since its inception. They specialize in welcome signs, metal artwork, hooks, ornaments, and custom-made creations. MetalMazing is committed to quality and craftsmanship, and its products are sure to last for many years to come. See the hand-crafted line of metal products on our website.
Pear Tree Studios
In the heart of Harrisville, NH, Pear Tree Studio stands as a testament to creativity and sustainability. Since 1989, a collective of local women have been transforming discarded sweaters into whimsical creatures, each imbued with a unique personality. Using luxurious natural fibers like wool, mohair, cashmere, angora, and alpaca, these forgotten treasures are meticulously hand-stitched into cuddly companions, filled with recycled shredded polyester, and lined with cotton tee-shirts. Each animal is a symbol of the women’s artistry and their dedication to giving new life to discarded items. See the unique, heirloom-quality stuffed animals from Pear Tree Studios.
Sky View Farms Adventures
At Sky View Farms in Pittsfield, NH, author Angelina Natale chronicles the adventures of her (now grown) horse-loving children and their equine companies. The lighthearted stories include real-world lessons, including the importance of patience, respect, and problem-solving skills. Jess Bircham’s adorable illustrations complete the story with images that capture the magic of the main character’s escapades. This local horse book series belongs in the library of every young equestrian!
Scalise Family Sheep Farm
Rooted in a legacy of service, Scalise Family Sheep Farm emerged from a passion for both community and Icelandic sheep. After retiring from the U.S. Army, the Scalise family discovered the profound companionship and love these magnificent creatures offered. Inspired by their natural bounty, Scalise Farm Sheep Farm crafts sheep milk soap, skin balm, and solid perfume with minimal, natural ingredients, free from harsh chemicals. Learn more about the product line here.
Willow & Birch
Willow & Birch is a local Plymouth, NH, company that creates beautiful wooden earrings. These earrings are perfect for any equestrian or outdoor enthusiast. The laser-cut wood material is both charming and lightweight, making them comfortable and easy to wear. All earrings feature hypoallergenic posts that will not irritate sensitive earlobes. These earrings also make great gifts and stocking stuffers! Choose a pair that reflects the passion of your friend, stablemate, or family member. Shop the extensive selection of Willow & Birch Earrings.
Terra Nova Coffee
When you stop into our store, you also have the opportunity to truly taste some local flavor. The coffee we brew at our flagship store in Swanzey, NH, comes from Terra Nova Organic Coffee Roasters. This local, family-owned coffee shop small batch roasts their beans to perfection. We invite you to sit down in our lounge and enjoy a cup the next time you visit.