A fine eye for innovation, quality and style was a trademark.
Lois Walter, who for many years was central to the success of Beval Saddlery, New Jersey, USA, has died aged 91.
The company was established in 1955, in Bernardsville, New Jersey, by Lois’s late husband, Bev Walter.
From the early days, the couple travelled regularly to the UK, building up connections with English saddlery and equestrian companies, many of whom developed products for them, mainly sold under the Beval brand.
Lois and Bev also introduced Butet saddles into the United States, acting as distributor for the French saddle company for many years.
In time, Beval relocated to larger premises in Gladstone, a few stops further down the railroad into New Jersey.
In 1993, Bev Walter died suddenly. Lois took over the running of the company – and she proved more than equal to the task.
Using her considerable knowledge and business skills, and ably supported by members of her family and a skilled team including Tom Spinks, whom she later married, Lois propelled the company forward.
Her fine eye for innovation, quality and style in both riding clothing and tack earned her the respect not only of her colleagues, but of the whole North American equestrian industry.
Under Lois’s control, Beval expanded. Shops were opened in New Canaan, Connecticut and Saugerties, NY.
They also set up a successful mobile sales unit which travelled to some of the horse shows on the Eastern seaboard and, during the winter, to horse events in Wellington, Florida. Lois’s son Mark managed this side of the business.
Lois retired from the business when she was 80, and she and Tom moved to Arizona.
She was a keen gardener with an enduring interest in art and a deep affection for the city of New York. She always loved New Jersey, in particular its Atlantic shore, a place she liked to visit.
Lois and Tom eventually moved to Utah where her daughter Lori and her family live.
Lois Walter was a much-admired figure in the equestrian industry on both sides of the Atlantic. Her business acumen, her sense of humour and, above all, her kindness made her a very special person indeed.
For me, it was a great privilege and pleasure to have known and worked with her as colleague and friend in a relationship that endured for more than 50 years.
With thanks to Mike Williams.
