Tack Store Usage Question

[ProzacPuppy]

1. Do you prefer to shop online or in brick-and-mortar tack shops?

The question arose the other day when bitching about the lack of good English tack shops locally.

2. Do you shop at mobile tack shops at shows? Just to see what's new or only in emergencies?

I have a tack shop mania and can't pass one without shopping. But it seems as if there are fewer and fewer good ones to browse through.

[JollyBadger]

I do enjoy "browsing" in tack shops, but there are fewer and fewer good all-around tack shops for "average" horse owners/riders in this area. I mean, they'll have very high-end tack for certain riding disciplines, or very low-quality stuff that won't likely fit any horse or rider comfortably.

Most of my hands-on browsing/shopping is done at the Columbus, OH Equine Affaire and Rolex Three Day Event in the spring, and the Quarter Horse Congress in the fall.

I pick up as-needed items like fly spray, supplements, minor wound care items at places like TSC or the feed store. Other than that, I catalog/online shop throughout the year.

[tcgelec]

On Long Island we have several good tack shops which also do saddle and tack repair, blanket laundering and repair etc. So it's really all about the service. I have a backyard "farmette" so I don't get to mingle with other horsepeople all the time, and it's a little bit of a social outlet, as well. Also, as a horse show dad as well as a competitor, going to the tack store is one of the few things my 19 yr old "baby" still thinks is fun to do with me!

I do buy a lot of my supplies from the catalog at Dover and SmartPak. I originally started catalog shopping because of oppressive return policies at the shops, consistently throughout Long Island. I think this may have relaxed a bit, but I've kinda got the habit now.

I do, however, buy most things that require a fit at the tack shop. Helmets, boots, etc. I have no patience for the trial/error/return thing although a lot of catalog houses make it convenient. And everyday things like fly spray and stuff I get at the tack shop between catalog orders. I like having a relationship with the local tack shop owners/employees.

Mobile tack shops at shows? Just for emergencies and to say hello. Do appreciate them being there, though...

[Pookah]

Good tack shops are declining because so many of us like to order from catalogs, often because it's a few dollars cheaper. I used to work at a tack shop, and I was horrified by the number of people who would come in and try on something to find the right size, then tell us that they were going to order it from x because it was $3 less. I understand saving money just as much as the next person, but if everyone does this, pretty soon there is no tack shop left to try on at-providing try-ons just doesn't keep the lights on!

That said, I buy locally whenever I can, but end up having to order often because there are items that I like a particular brand, etc, but can't get locally.

[Pookah]

One other thing--when you have a good relationship with a local tack shop, like your vet or farrier, you never know when it's going to save your *ss. In the last year, I needed OneAC in an emergency (horse stopped sweating overnight), and I forgot my gloves at a show, where I had no help and a horse who doesn't tie (not as dire of an emergency but still not good :)). Both times I was saved by different local tack shops that I buy from frequently, and were willing to go the extra mile to help out because they are great stores, but also because they know me as a regular customer. A catalog (even with overnight shipping) just wouldn't have been as useful in these situations.

[furlong47]

I almost always buy in person. We have some really nice local tack shops that carry both new and consignment items. I like to buy many things used (mostly tack) so obviously catalogs are pretty much out for that. For new items, I usually like to see or try on what I am buying anyway. Also we need to buy from the local places to keep them around. I appreciate the tack shop owners who know who I am, suggest things I might like, and will look for things I want if they don't carry them. Try getting that kind of service from a catalog... haha. I might order things like socks or a saddle pad online or from a catalog but that is pretty much the extent of it.

[MTshowjumper]

I am fortunate to be within driving distance of The Farmhouse, and also have a very nice smaller local tack store I pass every day on the way home from work (Not good for my pocketbook!) I prefer to buy locally, and only order online if they don't have what I want (Often the case with the smaller store unfortunatly, but I try to shop there as much as I can) It is really nice to walk through the door and have the owner greet you by name and show you whats new.

[ProzacPuppy]

I agree that there are less and less good tack stores around - I was assuming they are getting put out of business by online shopping which quite often does save a couple bucks.

I cannot bring myself to buy more expensive items esp leather goods online as I like to feel the quality of the leather and often see the fit.

I also agree that the local shops can save your butt in a pinch. I personally shop like an out of control horse owner at show tack stores so once when we couldn't find my horse's breastplate -very necessary to keep saddle in place on a very narrow horse - the mobile tack store loaned us one to use for the class.

I don't mind buying things like fly spray and Thrushbuster online but depending upon where you purchase it and how much you buy you can get hit with some hefty shipping fees too.

I enjoy going to the tack store to exchange local show circuit "gossip" and to just browse for new and exciting things that I don't own already.

I am sorry that there are fewer shops. Online just doesn't cut it for that "community feel"

[onelanerode]

I do both, depending on the situation.

If I just need something basic, like a leadline or flyspray, I get it locally. I'm usually in the closest local tack shop about once a month. It's nice to see products in person. If I want something and the shop doesn't have the correct size/color, I'll ask about special ordering it, but if it's going to take more than a couple of weeks, or there's a big markup for doing a special order, then I go online.

I'd buy locally more often, but usually what happens is that my preferred shop won't have the size/color I need, and the other shop will have the item but will want 25% more for it than the first shop or the online shops.

I don't usually go into a shop, try a bunch of stuff on, and then leave intending to buy it online. I did do that once when a clerk made a rude comment to me, and I told her that her rudeness had inspired me to shop online instead. ;)

[Hunter Mom]

We have two about an hour away that are very good, and one abotu 15 minutes away that is ok. I love being able to go in and touch the stuff, feel it, etc. I do order sometimes from other places (justforponies.com, smartpak, dover) if I need something that is not available here or I can find a good price. I do love going to mobile shops at shows - I don't usually buy a lot, but can certainly enjoy looking and smelling :)

[findeight]

I'd buy locally more often, but usually what happens is that my preferred shop won't have the size/color I need, and the other shop will have the item but will want 25% more for it than the first shop or the online shops.


Me too. But, in my case, neither store will have that white Essex cool max shirt with the floral print on the inside of the cuff and collar lining or the Ariat Pro Circuits or even schooling breeches in my size (and it's a pretty common size, just not a 26 or a 36 which is all they seem to have). Both cite 14/21 days for a special order and I STILL prefer to try them on first.

I shop the mobile stores at the KHP or Congress for clothes and restrict the local shops to odds and ends...but still ended up buying bits and reins from the trailers/mobile shops due to lack of selection.

[avicia]

I'm trying, but one of my local stores has on-line level customer service...i'm not happy. I've bought two consignment RJ show jackets, and a pair of TS jods, a new shirt, 3 helmets, new stirrups and leathers, garters, gloves, brushes, etc ...so we're not huge customers yet, but the girl is just starting.

Last year I bought two pairs of Ovation paddock boots in two sizes, because they were the best fit the store had - and zip because the girls aren't good tying laces yet. My niece wore the larger ones for 5 lessons and they've been in the closet since - they don't even need polished yet. My daughter's the almost the right size now - the other pair went through almost a year of pretty heavy use including daily for most of the summer. I put the bigger ones on her this week and 10 minutes into her lesson the zipper bursts. I call the tack shop and asked for advice about maybe contacting Ovation (which she says is not possible.) She tells me she'd only help me if it had happened in the first two weeks. Saddler says it's $30 to fix them - which is about what they're worth or more, used. What would make me happy at this point is about a $20/$25 discount on her next pair of boots - I might give that one more try, but I'm doubtful she'll do it.

I tend to try to patronize the tack shops close to me and order what I can't get from them - but I think I may have to cross this shop off my list! I can get stuck with a bad product with no recourse from someone with better prices...

[Pirateer]

I love a great tack shop.
Seriously every time I am in Ocala I schedule myself an afternoon of browsing at the Tack Shack and Winning Edge. I ALWAYS buy stuff.

Mobiles too- We used to have a mobile tack shop up here that I always bought too much at. Like, I was in a drawing for a free saddle because I was a top-ten spender. Especially if I was Champion or something else deserving of a reward :)

That said, my local tack shop sucks. They have extremely low quality products. I only go there for spray goods (show sheen, etc) but do end up walking out with gloves or boot socks usually.

[shakeytails]

All of the above. I'll go to my local cheapie tack shop for some things. A lady at my trainer's barn sells tack at flea markets and also has some high end dealerships, so I usually check with her first for almost any tack, buckets, halters, etc. I buy some stuff online; when I order wormers I usually also stock up on vetrap and any medications I might be running low on. I usually browse the mobile tack shops, but unless I need it immediately or it's a great bargain, I don't buy anything. However, the mobile tack shops also have brick-and-mortar stores that I either shop (and buy) in when I'm in the area or mail-order from. I would never try something on at a tack shop, then order it elsewhere for less money- that's just rude.