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Updated: August 22, 2022 @ 7:28 am
MONTGOMERY, Minn. ― Horses have a way of sneaking into your heart. The commitment is huge, but the payoff of companionship is worth it for so many. For spouses Jeff and Ginny Pomije of Montgomery, Minn., horse ownership was only the beginning of their adventure in all things equine-related.
 In 2000, Jeff and Ginny decided to take the leap into the equine world and purchased two riding horses. “Riding horses were fine; I was OK with that,” Jeff said. Ginny grew up with horses on a farm near Blooming Prairie, Minn. Jeff was raised near Faribault, Minn. and didn’t have the horse experience Ginny had.
Finding horses that fit, though, took a little finagling. “I had a horse that liked me ― but not Jeff,” Ginny said. Jeff had a Morgan and they bought another so the two horses could drive. With two horses driving, the third horse needed something to do. “We were looking for a job for him,” Jeff said.
 They visited the tack store in Cannon Falls and got a harness for him. They then took the horse to a trainer. “Wrong trainer, wrong course.”
 After that experience, Ginny found another couple near Cannon Falls who taught a four-day course. “It was a totally different experience.”
Having some training now in driving horses, they decided to purchase Percherons. Outfitting horses that size proved to be a challenge. “You cannot buy tack at Fleet Farm for draft horses.” That was the Pomijes’ light bulb moment. Why not start an online tack store selling items for larger horse breeds?
The Pomijes both have degrees in computer science and were working in that field when they decided to focus on a draft horse store. In starting the business, they collaborated with trainers to become knowledgeable in draft horses. In 2001 The Big Black Horse online store was created, focusing on driving and draft horses. The name was an homage to their Morgan, Titus.
 In addition to horse tack, the Big Black Horse sells various other items from jewelry, pet items and home décor. “We look for products we can make,” Jeff said. That includes harness parts and dog leashes.
Initially, it was draft horse supplies, but customers expressed interest in supplies for miniatures horses. Going to the Horse Progress Days, they could also connect with vendors to have their items on the website. As a result, they started selling tack for the minis in 2005.
 Ginny utilizes her talent in sewing to add more items to the website. “I used to have a sewing business. I make all the horse decorations for the show horses.”
 The Pomijes work with Amish from all over the country; they make the pads for the harness. In addition, The Pomijes offer 200 different bits for sale online. Unfortunately, that impressive number is less than what they usually offer on their site due to a shortage of bits. “This is one of the areas that has been affected by the supply chain.”
Besides internet sales, Jeff and Ginny sold their wares at various horse expos and shows. “We did the Wisconsin expo, Minnesota, Iowa, South Dakota,” Jeff said. They were also at Horse Progress Days held in Pennsylvania, Indiana, Illinois and Michigan, in addition to local shows.
 “When covid happened, everything (shows) got canceled,” Jeff said. “Now we’re primarily the internet.” Their showroom is still available to visit by appointment. “We don’t have too many people come in.” Selling online has allowed customers from all over the country to shop the site for various horse-related items.
 What do Ginny and Jeff enjoy most about horses? “Horses are kind of unique whether you’re riding or driving. It’s more of a partnership,” Ginny said. That partnership equates to trust on both ends. “The horse has to trust you, or it won’t work out,” Jeff said.
 The Pomijes currently have eight horses including draft horses, Morgans, Percherons, minis and an Arabian.
From big to miniature horses, Ginny has a found likeness for them all. She has a particular fondness for mini horses. “It’s nice to get something smaller. They can also drive. They’re a little more horse-like than pony-like,” Ginny said. Nothing fazes the minis. “Pretty laid back.” Jeff likens mini horses to sports cars, and draft horses to SUVs. Minis are quick and the draft horses are built for ruggedness.
 Jeff and Ginny’s advice to people interested in horse ownership? “Seek out a horse club,” Jeff said. “Befriend someone that owns horses.” The more you know about what goes into owning a horse, the more informed you can be when it comes time to purchase a horse of your own.
 There’s much to consider when finding the right breed for what you want a horse for, from trail riding to carriage. “There’s such a wide range of disciplines. You need to understand where you want to go with it,” Ginny said.
 As the prices of goods and services have increased thanks to inflation, Pomijes are watching with optimism what will happen with tack sales. “Horses are kind of a luxury item in many ways. So far, we haven’t seen an impact. Horse prices are staying good,” Ginny said.
 “The whole experience with our horses and driving has given us a lot of interesting experiences,” Ginny said. Those experiences include adventures across the country for horse shows, to have the opportunity to utilize their horses in projects around their hay-producing hobby farm. “We’ve racked hay and spread manure with horses.”
 What started as a simple interest in owning horses for enjoyment has led the Pomijes to a business they love and the customer loyalty from the equine enthusiasts’ community around the country.
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