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Affordable Purchases at Tack Shops for Equestrian Athletes

Posted by Jessica Fernandez | Tue, Jul 18, 2017 @ 10:45 AM

tack shopsHorse shows originated in the 1800s in Europe, featuring civilians and military men. This popular sport started off as a way for foxhunters to continue hunting as the British Parliament started fencing properties off. Horses began to jump these fences, and a few years later, the French and the English began to jump horses and show them off as a sport.

Like any sport, showing horses, racing horses and jumping horses boast dedicated and passionate athletes. The cost for these athletes to be fully prepared for a show, practice or competition is higher than most athletic events, considering that they’re not just buying for one athlete. Tack shops contain items for both the horse and human athletes, making it a one-stop destination that comes with a price.

Tack Shops: Attire for Western and English Riders

Upon deciding to participate in this sport, riders have two style options at tack shops: Western and English.

Western wear is typically thought of as cowboy attire and evolved from ranchers whose clothes reflected their working lifestyle. This is described as casual working wear, but some athletes use more flashy attire while competing. The saddles for the horses are also different since they are heavy and meant for utility. Western riders usually handle the reins with one hand, wear a cowboy hat, and use a lasso. The saddles have a high back for comfort, and riders can easily attach the equipment they need to the saddle.

English attire is more formal than its Western counterpart. Riders wear higher boots than the “cowboy boots” of Western wear as well as fine breeches, a jacket, and a riding helmet. English riders hold the reins tightly with both hands. Their saddles are simple and lightweight without a saddle horn or a high back.

Both of these attire choices range from $20 to $1,000, including jeans, tops, breeches, belts and show coats. Dressage coats for those who prefer the English riding style can be up to $500. Riding boots are the most costly item, as they can range from $50 to $1,000. Other necessities, like helmets and safety vests, have a hefty price tag of $300 on average. Accessories such as riding gloves, whips, and spurs can cost anywhere between $15 and $60.

Attire for Horses                                     

Saddle style varies by whether it is a Western show horse or an English show horse, but the prices remain in the same range of $1,000 – 5,000. Other accessories such as the reins for the horses are available for $40 to $250. Another cost is horse boots which come in different variations. These different types of boots are meant to protect the horse's lower legs and hoofs. They cost an average of $50 for a set of four.

Horses also need good training equipment. This varies by event, but most horses need training reins, tie-downs, nosebands, and martingales. These products range from $40 – 200 each. Tack for horses needs to be replaced every five or ten years.

Many horse owners also indulge in buying horse treats, toys, and clothing. Horse treats come as cheap as $8, but can often get up to $60 or $80 for treats in bulk. Toys start at $12 but can reach up to $60 each. Horse clothing such as blankets, fly sheets, day sheets, rain sheets, cooling sheets, and fly masks come in different designs and different prices. Fly masks start at $16 and can cost up to $30. These masks protect horses from the grievances of flies and other bugs that could cause a disturbance and distract them. Day sheets, rain sheets, fly sheets, and cooling sheets all protect horses from the weather and other annoyances. Protection from insects prevents diseases and keeps the horse healthy and undisturbed. Horse blankets keep the horses warm, and are often used while they are in the stable or on cold days. Sheets and blankets are available for as low as $40 and as high as $250. Horses can also take vitamins and supplements which can reach $200.

While these extras may seem unnecessary, they prove to be important in a horse’s training cycle. Blankets and sheets provide protection that keeps the horse healthy, and toys and treats can be very useful in the process of training. 

Additional Costs for Horse Owners

Additional expenses that can be purchased at the tack shop are feeding and grooming supplies. On average, horse food costs $100 to $250 a month, not counting horse treats. Grooming supplies cost about $100, and can be purchased at the tack shop.

At CrossCheck, we know how important it is to invest in safe, stylish equipment and accessories at tack shops. A competitor’s overall average cost to prepare and train themselves and their horses is over $6,000 to start. With our Multiple Check service in place, merchants receive guaranteed payments while customers can take their items home on the day of purchase. The program is easy to use.

Consumers write 2 – 4 checks with the same date to cover the purchase, and tack shops receive guaranteed funding as they deposit each check on the preferred consumer dates over a 30-day period.

Multiple Check does not require credit checks and is better than a traditional layaway. Download our free guide to learn more.

Multiple Check Insider's Guide

Written by Jessica Fernandez

Jessica Fernandez is a sophomore marketing major at Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, California. She enjoys reading and going on runs with her dog Oso.