365 Days in Horse Country – Tack Crack
Any horse person will tell you that their local tack store
is like crack cocaine. In fact, it’s
hard to find a self-respecting horseperson who doesn’t enjoy a visit to the
tack store for both pleasure and practicality.
Not only is it fun to see all the different horse stuff for sale, but
people who own horses are always in need of supplies. No matter how much horse stuff you have, you
and your horse can still benefit from a few hours of tack store shopping. Even if you don’t plan to buy anything, it’s
good to pay the store a visit.
Tack store shopping is a good education. Not only does it encourage you to think about what you might need to replace (is your lungeline getting worn and frayed? Are your stirrup leathers ready to break?), it also keeps you up to date on the latest offerings in the horse industry. You’ll find out the newest gadgets and tools available, and you may even discover an age-old type of equine equipment you didn’t even know existed.
Take a few hours and go to a tack store. Make it the largest store you can find. Start in aisle one and walk up and sown each aisle, slowly perusing the offerings.
Test your knowledge: Do you know what everything is for? Do you see equipment you can’t identify? If so, ask a salesperson. Chances are you don’t need it if you didn’t even know what it is, but you’ll become more a more educated horseperson if you find out.
If the store is having a sale, keep in mind that items such as supplements and grooming supplies run out at home. Even if you don’t need horse shampoo right now, you may want to buy a bottle of your favourite brand if it’s on sale, for future use.
Whatever you do, don’t walk out of the store empty handed. Even if you don’t see anything you want or need, at least buy your horse a bag of treats…. You know he’ll only love you more for them.
Michael