Knowledgeable staff in horse stores

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PonyIAmNotFood

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Just got told (in no uncertain terms!) that I was silly wanting nose nets in winter, they're a summer thing by a lady working in Robinsons. Luckily another member of staff went rooting in the stock room for some for me, much to the disgust of the other lady who clearly thought I was crazy. Even if I was crazy wanting them in winter, what business is it of theirs?! Grrrr. They also didn't stock loose ring French link snaffles, which is also quite annoying! Cheers for the shopping experience Robbies!
 
OP online shopping is your friend :)

It's actually quite terrifying the knowledge some tack shop workers claim to have and pass off on other people. I was starting to wonder why so many people used bits that they have no idea how they work. Horse not strong snaffle/ horse strong gag. Strong dressage horse hanging cheek as it has "poll pressure".

This lack of knowledge seems to come from the people selling them. A few months ago Louie was being quite fussy in his mouth and I was struggling to find a bit he liked. I went to our local tack shop and the lady tried arguing with me for half an hour that a Waterford would suit him down to the ground and of course it was dressage legal. :rolleyes:
 
I own a tack shop and this is quite a difficult subject. When we employ we insist on horse knowledge to a degree but of course none of us know everything, however if I don't know something I don't pretend too and will find out the correct answer to a question. There is no way on this earth I question people who want to spend money with me, I'll advise if I don't think something is necessary say to a new owner etc but people are free to buy what they want.
6 bottles of fly spray in January, of course Madam no problem ;)
 
I so prefer good old fashioned service from people that know their stuff and i dont mind paying through the nose for it if i have to

I find some shops a lottery when it comes to staff knowledge, there is one member of staff at Robinsons Cannock that i like to seek out when I am there as she is excellent but i asked another for a tape measure the other day and he looked at me like i had gone out! What sort of equestrian shop doesnt have a tape measure!?

Another shop suggested a chifney for an 11hh pony who was being a bit tricky to lead!

So overall i invariably end up local at one of the three very good shops i luckily have a choice of
 
There is a big very well known tack shop not far from me (won't name names) where a high percentage of the staff don't even have a basic knowledge of horses. One tried to tell me a lunging roller must do the same job as an anti-cast roller as they looked a bit similar....
 
I am very lucky as we have three tack shops within twenty minutes drive of our yard that are excellent, and a fourth equally good but further away, though still within an hour's drive. I always buy my hats and boots at this last one, as I went to it as a child and like to keep supporting them. I have started buying things online too now, and have two online stores that I trust.

I have never had a bad experience with store staff, all have been helpful and well informed.
 
I also lucky to have very knowledgable staff at two of my local tack shops. I have been to plenty of shops who don't seem to know the back end of a horse to the front.
 
Same as feed advice I fear to, I was advised that my high energy youngster who does great on forage needs sugar, a good stud mix, sugar beet and chaff, arghhh she'd be wired to the moon on that! When I first bought her she was already on similar and I swear her skin was twitching she was so wired.
 
I still remember how I had to take a bridle of the rack in a local tack shop as an example and explain the bridle parts to a staff lady, as I was looking for spares and she had no clue what I was talking about! Luckily, other two ladies of the staff are much more knowledgeable, although one is very posh and keeps her nose up in the air, unless you are looking for high-end, big brand tack or clothing.
 
I wasn't buying a horse product but I felt rather insulted by one salesman! I was buying a new show jacket at one of our local saddlerys and was trying on a size 10 (34") and a size 12 (36"). Man comes over and says "oh right, you've picked that one then. What sizes have you got? I reckon you need a 42"". I just coughed and said "erm 34". He then just said "oh" and skulked away

42"?! That would be a size 18, I'm a 10-12. I know I'm 'sturdy' looking but come on! My sister did point out that as he was a man he may not have a grip on women's sizes. But I think if you are going to offer advice on what sizes people need then maybe you should have a quick brush up!

Said man also made me feel a bit guilty (indirectly) of not buying much. I just needed some gloves but was having a browse at the same time. I heard him say to the other shop lady about a customer that just left "30 minutes she was here and all she bought was a bl@@dy lead rope". I left shortly after that!
 
My nearest tack shop is really good. Trained hat and body protector fitting and really know their stuff. All the staff and owner ride or own horses and are friendly and helpful even if you're just getting a lead rope. They've just moved to a new bigger premises and have even more stock to chose from. Can I mention them? Oh, ok :) I will anyhow . Riseholme Feeds near loughborough ...
 
I went to a different feed shop to my usual last week. I asked if they had Baileys number 1, she said no they didnt but they had baileys number 4 and its exactly the same if i wanted one of them instead????? Really???

Also questioned my friend as to why she wanted a turnout rug for a cob??

Wont be going there again!
 
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