OTTUMWA — Chris Carnahan has been riding horses since she was 10 years old, and that translates into her current business ventures.

Carnahan is owner of Double C-Cowboy Country, a business in Ottumwa that sells everything from horse saddles to Western style purses. The business opened in December and it has been going well, she said.

Carnahan, who grew up right outside of Ottumwa, said there aren’t many stores like hers in the area.

“There is a need in this area,” Carnahan said. “And this is something I’ve always wanted to do.”

There are a lot of ropers and trail riders in the area, which are the main customers who frequent the store. And that has helped the business grow, though Carnahan said it will be a few years before she gets it to where she wants it.

“I started from zero inventory,” she said.

She hopes to start selling boots, Western clothing and cowboy hats; currently she sells boots through a catalogue.

Renovations for the building started in June. They installed a new roof and awnings on the outside, and new floors inside, among other updates. Now, she is renovating the back of the building, which will be turned into a Western consignment shop, specializing in Western-oriented clothing, including hats and boots. That will take a few more weeks of renovations.

Carnahan said her biggest struggle as a business owner is figuring out where and how to advertise on a limited budget. She said it is also difficult to tell whether that advertising has paid off.

Carnahan said she is looking for local people who create Western-style items.

“If we’re going to change the economy, we have to keep things at home,” she said.

Double C-Cowboy Country sells horse equipment such as: saddles, reigns, headstalls, tie downs, halters, spurs, roping, leg gear, masks. Other items include: purses, scarves, blankets, T-shirts, billfolds (wallets), caps, jewelry, greetings cards, blankets and Western style home decorations.

So far, the biggest sellers are ropes and T-shirts, she said.

Pat Shaver can be reached at (641) 683-5360 or via e-mail at p.shaver@ottumwacourier.com.