Our Story
Seven years of boots, faith, and North Georgia
Take the Reins Western Wear & Tack is a family-run shop in Chatsworth, Georgia — owned by Tex Ruiz, built on hard work, and still standing because of the customers who became friends.
Meet the Owner
Tex Ruiz
Before Take the Reins, Tex was a Sales Manager and Finance Manager in the car business — a career he took pride in since 2004.
He took a leap of faith to open the store, planning to build it while still working at the dealership. Then, the day before his Grand Opening, he was let go from the job he had counted on. What looked like a setback became the push he needed to fully commit — to show up every day, figure it out, and make the business work.
A few months later, COVID shut the country down. With no steady income and a store full of non-essentials, Tex leaned into social media and started reaching customers across the country — and around the world. That hustle, prayer, and creativity carried the shop through.
The Milestone
7 years and still growing
From year one to year seven, Take the Reins has been a lesson in learning, adapting, and never giving up.
Tex celebrates the accomplishments, the friendships, and even the hard moments — because those are the moments that teach. The dream is alive, and the next goal is clear: year ten.
"I always take 1 day at a time, 1 month at a time and 1 year at a time."
Community first
We show up for local rodeos, schools and fundraisers — this town supports us, and we support it back.
Personal service
No pressure, no upselling. Just honest help finding pieces you'll actually reach for.
Family built
Tex runs the store, and his son Ely is there most days working alongside him.
On the road
Tex takes the mobile store out for rodeos, festivals, fairs and private events — with Ely often right there with him.
Thanks
A store built on support
Tex will tell you: without his customers, friends, and faith, Take the Reins is just a building with a lot of merchandise.
Over the last seven years, customers have become friends, relationships have opened doors, and the community has carried the shop through every high and low. That's why personal service matters here — walk in as a stranger, and you'll be treated like family.
