In a quiet alcove just off the beaten path at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center, Glenroy’s gift shop sits nestled under a shady walkway next to Dominion Saddlery. Inside the store, colorful displays highlight equine-themed books, gifts and fine art aimed at horse enthusiasts from around the area.
Glenroy’s is the brainchild of the eponymous Glenda McElroy, who opened the store in 1995. Glenda had worked at the Equestrian Center for several years managing dressage shows and other events. (See California Riding Interview, August, 2007.)

Glenroy’s is located in the heart of the Los Angeles Equestrian Center. Photo: David M. Rubin

Her event-management company began supplying trophies for her events and soon supplied trophies for other events as well. The trophy business expanded to include related items, and in 1995 it provided trophies and retail merchandise for the FEI World Cup Finals. Glenda realized that she could apply her marketing know-how and organizational skills to a broader equestrian inventory. But as she describes it, she wanted to sell “something other than saddles and bridles.” A gift shop for “all horse lovers” seemed like the perfect niche, and so Glenroy’s was born.
With its emphasis on horse-related arts and crafts, Glenroy’s is a perfect complement to the sprawling Equestrian Center. Visitors can find an eclectic assortment of jewelry, scarves, candles, books, greeting cards, paintings, ceramics, knick-knacks and other equine gifts. A large wooden rocking horse peers down from a prominent perch in the center of the store, and just inside the front door, dozens of figurines from the Trail of Painted Ponies collection catch your eye with their vibrant colors and intricate details. The Painted Ponies figures from Westland are limited-edition, miniature reproductions of original works of equine art. They’re highly collectable, and as Glenda points out, they’re “consistently the best-selling items we have in the store.” She’s quick to point out, however, that her jewelry collection rates a close second in popularity.
Glenroy’s isn’t only a feast for the eyes; its new coffee bar can satisfy your sense of taste as well. The snack bar offers a welcome opportunity to grab a quick caffe latte or to relax on a hot summer day with an iced coffee or any of various other cold drinks. You can also choose from an assortment of chips, cookies and candy. As Glenda notes, the snack bar “has brought a lot of people into the store.” In fact, it’s been so popular that she’s planning to expand it with more seating and additional food items.
Glenda’s customers come from all corners of the equestrian community. Hunter/jumper enthusiasts are currently a big segment of her clientele followed by specific breed lovers, dressage riders and western fans.
Glenroy’s is open seven days a week 9 to 5 a.m., with extended hours to accommodate important Equestrian Center events. After more than a dozen years in the business, Glenda is still enthusiastic about her store. “I really, really like my gift shop,” she exclaims. “I enjoy it, and I enjoy the people who come here. We try to make sure they have a great experience.” Whether customers are gift-shopping for a favorite horse fanatic, browsing for housewares or equine-themed jewelry, or just in the mood to relax with a cool drink while roaming the Equestrian Center, Glenroy’s is well worth a visit.
For more information, call Glenroy’s Equestrian Gifts at 818-841-3559 or visit www.glenroys.com.