I'd love to know your favorite ....

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josie_s

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Saddlery or Tack Shop and why?
Is it the brands that they stock or a particular service they provide?

I currently run a small shop (been going nearly 8 years) and am looking at the possibility of moving to larger premises, and thought I'd ask you lovely lot for suggestions on particular brands or services you love to see.

Thanks heaps, extra biccy with your 11 o'clocks for those who do reply
 
Just recently found The Tack Shop near Kinross. Not a massive shop but they seem to have at least one of every conceivable thing in every colour and they also have a second hand section which I think is good. Their service is polite and helpful as well.
 
This side of the water there is an amazing tack shop called Tri Equestrian - everytime I go out its dangerous - always end up buying more than I need.
Always loads of stock & some real bargins to be had.
Staff very knowledgable & happy to help.
They also do little extras like embroidery on the spot & also service & repair clippers.
Oh & they have a coffee shop with lots of homemade food so you can spend a couple of hours there..
 
I have a thing about breeches so tend go to tackshops that sell the brands I like. I rarely go to the Robinsons Megastore down the road because they don't stock the right makes (Horka, Equitech, Toggie & Pikeur)!
 
Online I use derby house, ingatestone, occasionally robinsons and thesaddleyshop. Mainly for availability, stock and reliable delivery.

In real life, I use college farm in London as it's local and has a good range for its size and I like to feel like I'm supporing local business. Then Ingatestone and GW Titmuss which are large stockists so they tend to have a really good range again.
 
Derby house. And I find for long legged but skinny kids Robinsons home brand jods are the best fit for cheap everyday, if you could find a similar supplier. Definitely second hand section. Bentley brushes. Yard tools, but from a diy wholesalers, much better than the flimsy crap they make for horses, I think that would sell. Dinky rugs & cottage craft for pony size rugs etc, & weatherbeeta, shires, for horse size. And if you could find someone local who can personalize stuff as & when ordered. Same for handpainted plaques. And stuff like ring ties, door bolts, etc. Although not big money spinners, chances are that anyone popping in for a tie ring will buy other stuff, or use you in future. And if doing saddles, have a fitting service, even if its a local independent saddler who's name you pass on.
 
My fave shop is Catslips in Borehamwood but there is no hope of you ever recreating that in a million years!

The reason they are so good IMHO is that they have a quite extraordinary second hand 'department' and the rest of the stuff they sell is wide ranging from cheap to good quality but all the prices are very low

Good local contacts is important, I asked in another tack shop recently for a recommendation of local rug cleaners and they looked at me like I'd gone out! not good for a large shop that has about 5 staff working at any one time

Rugs made specifically for ponies would be useful to stock, I have lost count of the ones I have had to buy and return because they didnt fit properly in one way or another and I know I am not the only one and that takes time and effort for the shop when they could have a proper range of pony rugs and avoid the bulk of the returns
 
I love frogpool in sidcup it comes under the speedygate chain. Could spend hours in there and most of my money! The staff are always lovely and that smell of leather! They are do a really good 3 for 2 on their rugs at the end of summer :)
 
My favourite tack shop is Sandon Saddlery Near Roston Herts. They have a fantastic selection of second hand and new saddlery catering for very shallow to very deep pockets, excellent service.
 
nikicb said:
As the mother of two boys who ride, stuff that isn't pink and/or sparkly. :)
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As a sane human being who rides, anything that isn't pink and sparkly :p

I use Ingatestone as they're very local, but if it's something I don't need instantly I buy online from whoever's cheapest as I don't much like ISC :o
 
Rideaway, they're quick reliable and easy to deal with. Almost always have evrything I need and if I ask them to leave it by the door if not at home they always do which saves a lot of post office trips!

saddles - kent and masters, good saddle that fits well and doesn't break the bank
bridle - e. jefferies, good quality long lasting
rugs - mark todd, fit well and stay waterproof :)
 
We did try a second hand area before and although it seemed to be well received by customers it always looked a mess to me so when I needed extra space it was the first thing to go. Perhaps I could give it more space in a larger store so it doesn't look so untidy? We do still do second hand saddles as I can keep those neat and tidy.
Thanks for all the other replies so far too :-)
 
I like Wadswick country store - I mean their feed section is fantastic but the tack shop is like heaven for me :) second hand section and lots of leatherwork that's in a range of qualities, boots etc and a reduced section :O they have everything you could possibly want :)
 
josie_s said:
We did try a second hand area before and although it seemed to be well received by customers it always looked a mess to me so when I needed extra space it was the first thing to go. Perhaps I could give it more space in a larger store so it doesn't look so untidy? We do still do second hand saddles as I can keep those neat and tidy.
Thanks for all the other replies so far too :-)
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I think if it's kept easy to navigate ie bridles of the same size on the same ring and clearly labeled with size folk won't rake so much. It would make me go to a shop for a look and probably buy something else as well ;). I know it might be a bit of work for less profit but I think it's like a supermarket loss leader, get folk in for that and they buy something else. :D
 
I like Calcutts in Sutton Scotney and Wicks in Lambourn because they're proper saddlers that make stuff and do repairs. On a pure retail basis Avily near Ringwood and Wadswick and are very good - large, plenty of choice, good brands and vitally a cafe on site (refuel mid shop and man creche).
 
Since I'm always on a tight-ish budget.... I'd love to see clothes I could afford. Daft expensive bands don't get a look in (I'm looking at you Joules, with your £60 hoodie).
A second hand area sounds like a magical gift to me. Jet Set Equestrian is my "local" can it has the most wonderful staff and large offerings of everything.
 
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