Tack Shops
Knowing Where To Shop
Which tack shops are the best for all your equine shopping needs? It really depends on where you are located. I have personally found the most success with shopping at local tack stores as well as using the internet for some online shopping.
Where I live, I have a couple of options within driving distance. If you are someone who needs to see, feel, and hold the item you plan to purchase; I recommend taking a trip to your nearest tack shop. I have found that when it comes to buying larger items such as horse saddles and maybe a horse blanket or two, it is best to size them up in person.
If you have difficulty finding the items you need or the store is out of stock, another option is to hit the world wide web for your horse tack needs.
Offline Shopping
The local stores have a lot to offer you compared to the online stores. First of all if you have any questions you are more likely to get them answered immediately than if you are clicking around on the computer. Despite the drive, shopping at the local tack shops may save you some money by not having to pay for shipping.
Our
local tack shop has a consignment
department where people in the area bring in their used saddles and
tack for resale. I actually bought my hunt seat saddle from the
consignment department for a fraction of the cost of the new saddles on
the rack. PLUS you may also be allowed a grace period to take your new
piece of equipment home and try it out on your horse to make sure it
fits. Aside from shopping at the stores in your area, you may also want to consider checking out auctions and tack sales in your community. I have been to both in our area and it is a great way to get some good deals.
At an auction, you really have no control over what they have up for bid. I have found good luck going to an auction for small miscellaneous items for the barn such as: trailer ties, lead ropes, lunge lines, vet wrap, fly spray...
At a tack sale you are likely to come across more used tack. However, I have met up with dealers for larger, well known companies who offer brand new catalog orders for a little less than if you were to order from the website yourself.
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Online Shopping
Using your computer at home can save you a ton of time running around town looking for something specific. I use online shopping for specific items that I can only get online and not in the local stores.
Sometimes
I'll check a price for something at
the tack shops and compare that to what I can find online. A lot of
times you can find better prices by shopping online, but keep in mind
the shipping you will have to pay.
Also keep in mind that you don't want to rely too heavily on online shopping, that is if you want the tack shops in your area to stay open.
