horsesforlife

        Having horses is expensive.  Showing costs even more money.   Everyday, new tack books come in the mail.  Do take great delight in browsing through them.  Do not be determined to have a specific black blanket or saddle or halter.  Use these books to determine what will suit.   Before shopping in earnest, figure out the items needed, price range, and any specifics like blanket color.   

       First, hop online to the tack book websites.  Some of the more prominent sites on the web are www.jeffersequine.com, www.valleyvet.com, www.stateline.com, and www.countrysupply.com. Why check out the website?  It will have the most up-to-date information as well as any sales.   Many tack books have sales specific to their websites that would be unavailable in the most recent book.    

    Based on the available options, determine best value.  This means note not only price, but quality.  This means if Site A has a black blanket for $35.00 dollars, but Site B has a brand name black blanket with acorn wear leathers for $75.00, questioning the quality of each product, along with the extras on the brand name, and the power of a brand name product, which backs up its product.  Another helper in determining the best deal are reviews.  Tack sites often having reviews post on the item page.   Failing to find one on the tack site, look for reviews on www.horsescity.com or other similar horse sites.  Still haven’t found a review for the item in question?  Post a question.  Horse lovers are an open bunch and willingly share opinions.  

       Another factor in determining the best deal is shipping and freight charges.   For example, Site A has fly spray in a gallon for $50.00 or a quart for $15.00.  The quart does not have a freight charge.  Perhaps, Site A advertised buy 3 get on 1 free for quarts only.  So the total cost for the quarts would be $45.00.  The gallon’s freight comes to 9.65 totaling about $59.65.  In essence, take in consideration the freight and even shipping.

       Another item, recently, appearing on the tack sites is the fee for being under a certain amount.  For example, the total cost of the order is $48.95, but there is $6.00 fee for being under $50.00 bringing the order to a $54.95.  Take this into account when determining which site will get most for the dollar. 

       In review, use the tack books as a start.  Remember to browse different tack sites after choosing the items needed to make the summer season the best one since…well, last year.  Always find a review on the item.  Take into account specials, shipping, fees, and freight before ordering.  And remember to have fun!  

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