As an equestrian, buying equipment online can be difficult. Many websites do not allow returns if the item has been used or tried on a horse. This makes purchasing tack and other products online difficult for equestrians.

 

              Many equestrians know, tack shops and feed stores are not located on every corner. Those who love horses will drive hours to get to the closest tack shop. Unlike many sports, horseback riding equipment must fit the horse and rider properly, or it can be dangerous. So, while other athletes can order their equipment online or visit their local sporting goods store down the road, equestrians do not have that luxury.

 

             As the demand for equestrian stores increased, the mobile tack store business grew. Horse shows created designated vendor areas for competitors and visitors to

shop. Companies noted the success of the mobile store business

and used horse show circuits and tours instead of brick and mortars

as their location. Stores of all different kinds began attending horse

shows. Whether you were shopping for feed or souvenirs, there was

a vendor you could visit at the show. While mobile tack stores are

nice for those who compete or live near showgrounds, many still

struggled with purchasing products easily. 

 

           Accessibility and convenience have been significant problems

in the equestrian world when it comes to purchasing products. As

there are now niche commerce websites for everything you can think

of, many equestrian companies jumped online as well. One company

noted the lack of an online equestrian commerce website and

created a huge online presence. Their goal was to service all

disciplines of the English equine industry.                             carries

everything for English riders, from tack to t-shirts. They offer a large

selection of products for both horse and rider.

 

          Dover has their customers covered to make sure everything fits

and works properly, as their return policy is one year from the arrival

date. Customers can make a claim about defective or broken

products during that time as well. With free returns, refunds, and

exchanges, equestrians no longer have to stress when shopping

online.

 

          Convenience may be nice, but like most big companies, Dover

is making it hard for local tack stores to stay open. It is easy to fall victim to the accessibility large-scale websites offer. That is not to say you should never shop with them, but you should try to find a good balance between supporting small businesses and the convenience of big-box companies. You have to remind yourself that those who own and operate tack and feed stores love horses and the sport as much as you do. They also have the knowledge and experience to help you look for products or solve problems. They have a general interest in you as well as your horse. They will remind you what your horse's favorite treat is or which fly spray you like the most. Small business tack store owners devote all their time to learning and understanding everything about horses, products, and equipment. Whether they are learning about new safety products, what supplements are best for different horses, or the fabric of a new shirt, their knowledge and help will always be able to steer you correctly.

 

         The equestrian community is such a unique and diverse group. There are a total of 18 disciplines recognized by USEF (United States Equestrian Federation). In any of those disciplines, you can see athletes of all ages and genders. It is one of the few sports where men and women of all ages compete against each other. Owning, riding, and training horses is arduous work. A typical day starts at dawn and ends at dusk. You have to be constantly on your toes as horses are flight animals and can spook at almost anything, and you don't want to get caught in the way. Horse owners never complain about the hours of hard work. They are so accustomed to it that it is more than a sport; it is a

lifestyle. Incredibly, so many

different people are brought together simply for their love of horses. Horses bring us together and give us the ability to do what makes us happiest. No matter what discipline, every equestrian has experienced the same complicated, confusing, and exciting events to some extent.

 

          The equine retail world is very different from other retail stores. In the equine world, the margins can be very low, the hours-long (horses don't take vacations), and products can be heavy. These stores not only serve as the livelihood for the owners but also serve to provide a living for their horses. All of these reasons make it all the more critical to support your local tack stores and not get too caught up in the convenience of big box stores.  Remember, supporting those in the equestrian community will only help to keep the sport and love of horses thriving and growing.

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Sources:​

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Kalio. “Quality English Horse TACK & HORSE Supplies.” Dover Saddlery, www.doversaddlery.com/.

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