Shopping for Your Horse

Posted by Laura Thompson Oct 30, 2008

Over the years, I've been a loyal customer of a number of different horse supply stores, including Dover, State Line Tack and Charlotte's Saddlery in Houston. My buying trends depend heavily on what I need at the moment, but I've also found that some stores have better customer service than others.

I like tack and feed stores where the sales associates are willing to spend time to help you find what you need. Although I know what I like, I also know that a second pair of eyes can be invaluable. When I walk into Charlotte's, for example, the girls are always willing to walk me through the store and point out new products they think I might like.

Customer service has always been important to me, whether I'm shopping for myself or for my horse. Unfortunately, however, time doesn't always permit leisurely shopping excursions for the best grain and hay.

Initially, when shopping online first became popular, I resisted it. There is something about walking into a tack store and taking in the smells and sights before shopping for my horse. Sensory input, including tactile experiences, have always been important to me when shopping for horsey products.

Nevertheless, I'm as busy as you are, and shopping online is sometimes convenient. My horse doesn't know whether I bought his halter at the local PetsMart or at State Line's web site. When I'm crunched for time and I don't feel like driving 20 miles to get a refill of horse treats or grooming products, I generally head to the computer instead.

Where do you prefer to shop for your horse? Are you hip to the technology age, or do you need the tactile sensations that come with shopping in person?