L.O.F. Apparel & Tack was founded in 2018 by Gary and Leesa Berhow at the Minnesota Equestrian Center in Winona, Minnesota. With decades of horse experience and a deep love for the equestrian community, the store was born out of both passion and timing — and a little leap of faith.
Gary, a career farrier, was looking for a new direction as he approached retirement from the physically demanding work of shoeing horses. Opening a tack and apparel shop felt like the perfect way to stay connected to the horse world while starting a new chapter. What started as one store quickly grew; a second location opened just a few years later in Ridgeland, Wisconsin — close to their hometown of Connorsville.
Running the shops has been a joy for Gary and Leesa. They've loved watching the many breeds and disciplines that pass through the Minnesota Equestrian Center, and they’ve met incredible people along the way — customers who’ve become friends.
As lifelong horse owners, Gary and Leesa spent many years showing Arabians and now enjoy the peaceful side of the equestrian life — trail riding and horse camping — whenever they’re not at the stores.
The name L.O.F. stands for Leap of Faith — a name that perfectly captures the spirit behind their journey.
