Sometimes trail riders steer away from places that sell show clothing, figuring they don’t need “fancy” clothes and high prices. But my experience is that the best shops sell value. Sure, they carry some items that are more costly because of style or a particular use in competition. But you’ll also find great value for the everyday rider — new fabrics that help you to stay cool, stirrups that flex to prevent stress on your knees, bits with smooth edges that are comfortable for the horse, mounting blocks.... You get the idea.

We’re all watching our pennies these days, so it’s easy to dismiss the local tack shop in favor of surfing the catalogs. But I know the other side, too. Over the years, I’ve often heard tack shop owners mention that they’re glad to support the high school yearbook or sponsor a class at a horse show, but they wish the people asking them for a donation would at least try to give them business before automatically assuming the catalogs are cheaper.

I think “automatically” is the operative word. I’m all in favor of shopping in catalogs, but I’m also very aware that the strength of the industry we love is in the relationships. As soon as we make up a flyer – whether to find a lost dog or to sell a horse — our first thoughts often go to posting it on the tack shop bulletin board.

I’d encourage you to talk with the tack and feed shop owners in your area. You may be surprised to learn that they can get you what you need at no more cost than the catalogs, or perhaps they carry a different brand, that will save you a shipping cost. In cases where they carry a little higher-priced item, it may be because it’s a higher quality  — a better value in the long run. That isn’t always the case, but in the effort of building relationships, it’s worth giving them a try.

Noreen and her team at The Farm House do go the extra mile for their customers — supporting local shows, learning what equipment different trainers prefer, and getting to know customer preferences. They are full service, from fitting a saddle to your horse to ordering an item in just the color you want. So it was fun to have them show their stuff to our riding club. Carrot kudos to them!

See if your local shop won’t do a “what’s new” evening for your horse community. You might have great fun, find some good values, and develop friends along the way.