Tack Sale Season

Between January and April it seems like there is a tack sale every weekend! Sometimes there are multiple on the same day or one on Saturday and another on Sunday.  Tack sales can be great for saving money and getting great products - however - buyer beware! Don't get sucked into buying something just because it is a great deal.  The best way to get the most out of Tack Sale season is to have a plan and stick to it.  Start by taking stock of what you have and what you still need.  If you have kids that are showing for example, have they outgrown any of their show clothes or boots?  Do you or they have a new horse? Is he or she a different size, color?  Are you thinking about trying something new? A new discipline or a new circuit?  Make a list of what you need.  Your list might look something like this:
1. What new things do you need?  If you show, start with your head and work your way down to your feet.  

• Helmet/Hat
• Shirt
• Jacket/Vest
• Gloves 
• Pins, earrings, necklaces etc.
• Hairnets, bun makers, hairpins
• Back number magnets 
• Belt
• Breeches, Pants, Jodphurs, Chaps
• Socks
• Boots
• Spurs/Spur straps
• other accessories
• Fun things too!!

2. What does your horse need? 

• Halters/Leads
• Leg wraps, bell boots, brushing boots
• Bridles & Bits, Training equipment
• Saddle pads, saddles, girths, cinches
• Supplements, wormers, electrolytes  

3. Do you have grooming and fly protection staples like Fly Spray, Coat Conditioners and show polish, fly masks or scrims, clipper blades, etc.

• Brushes, coat/mane/tail conditioners
• Shampoo, Braiding supplies, Conditioner
• Vet Wrap, leg wraps, etc.
• Horsewear: Sheets, scrims, hood/sleezy, fly masks

4.  What about your trailer, barn or tack room

• Saddle racks, bridle racks
• Blanket bags
• Mounting blocks
• Leather and silver care
• Clips, hooks, etc.
• Manure movement - picks, buckets, etc.

Once you have your list, research! What specifics are you looking for? What is your budget? What are things you would 'give' on and what are things you won't compromise?  For example, when I am looking for 'vetwrap' it MUST rip easily and straight across.  That means that most of the 3M products are off the list.  My budget is also less than $1.50 per roll. That allows me to narrow my focus.  Sometimes it is just as important to know what you won't accept as it is to know what you will.  Don't stray from your list and do your homework so you know what is truly a great price versus giving in to an emotional buy.  Good hunting!! 

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