By Mike Woody
Staff Writer

It’s happy trails for Marcia Deveny in her second year as owner of Cowboy Corner, a feed & tack store conjoined with a full care boarding facility for horses.
The facility brings a little western flavor to Bethel Township with its “all horses, all the time” theme.
Deveny has held a life-long passion for horses and she relishes the opportunity to work with them on a daily basis at Cowboy Corner, located at 7195 Singer Road.

“A place like this is something I have always dreamed of,” she said.
There is a 49-stall barn, with 24-hour access for the horses’ owners to come any time during the day or night.
A spacious indoor arena is also available for year-round riding, no matter the weather outside. The horses are fed, taken out, and have their stalls cleaned every day.

Everything But
The Grooming

“We take care of everything, except for grooming, and the owner can come and have fun with that,” said Deveny.
A popular feature of Cowboy Corner is Rent to Ride. An individual can ‘rent’ a horse in 30 day increments to come and ride. The “rental horses” belong to Deveny, and are show quality quarter horses.
The program is beneficial for those who can’t afford a horse of their own and is a learning experience for those interested in purchasing one.
“We take care of all the equipment, food, medical needs, and everything. All you have to do is ride, but it does show you all the expenses involved if you own a horse,” said Deveny.
Lessons are also available for different skill leveled riders, and anyone who cleans five stalls receives a free lesson.
Deveny is always seeking volunteers to perform such tasks as cleaning stalls and grooming the horses. She has discovered that offering the free lesson inspires people to work towards a goal.
Those with an interest in being around horses are welcome to lend their time and services. It is a dream come true for horse-crazy teenaged girls who may not have the funds to pursue their passion via horse ownership.
The Cowboy Corner store carries food for all types of animals including chinchillas, pigeons, rabbits, ostriches, dogs, and even rats. A wide range of animal accessories and gifts such as saddles, collars, picture frames and beef jerky are also available. The store gives Deveny the chance to hear positive stories involving customers and their pets.

Telling Animal Tales

“People love talking about their horses or other animals. They are excited to tell me about their achievements, and, as a mother of four sons and retired engineer I’m a good listener,” she said.
A former aeronautical engineer for General Electric, Deveny says she knows the importance of listening to others. She is using that skill in order to absorb customer feedback and design a successful business.
Deveny is relishing her time to “ride the range” and helping others do likewise.