Bargains Galore – Online Bargain Hunting for Horse Gear
By April Fingerlos
With a little online research you can find gear--from horse boots to headstalls--at below retail prices. Bookmark these saver-savvy Web sites, and let your keyboard do the driving.
Who doesn't love to bag a bargain, no matter what the economy's doing?
Smart sellers know that saving money never goes out of fashion. To keep your business in tighter-belt times, they put their creative teams to work, devising clever ways to keep you driving--if not into town, to their websites. The result is one of mutual benefit: You get a fantastic deal, and they get a sale.
Here's a collection of horse-world vendor sites that we visit frequently to sleuth out savings. These sites make it possible for you to grab good gear at below-retail prices, without taking that hit at the fuel pump. Check 'em out!
2ndgoshowclothing.com
Snatch up unbelievable deals on high-end show couture and tack at this new consignment site managed by participants in the Quarter Horse breed-show realm. You'll find excellent deals on gently used show clothing. Keep a close eye on the clearance section, too, creatively named "The Final Go."
bitofbritain.com
If you ride English, don't miss this site. Sign up for Bit of Britain's e-mail reminders of new products and outstanding discounts, including the Weekly E-Saver Sale feature. The red Tent Sale link will take you to majorly discounted, nonreturnable clearance items that fit in any tack room.
clotheshorseconnection.com
For those stepping up into breed-level showing, Clotheshorse Connection is a must-check-out site. Shop an extensive array of consigned tack and clothing, hand-picked for the discriminating competitor. Some of the gear is brand new!
equestriancollections.com
Sales. Closeouts. Outlets. Equestrian Collections offers several opportunities for shoppers to enjoy up to 70-percent discounts on quality English apparel and tack for riders of all ages and sizes. Check out the "Budget Looks" section, where you can put together a $1,500 A-circuit look for under $400.
equishopper.com
A good deal is a smart deal--one you don't have to repeat when you inadvertently buy the wrong thing. While you can't make purchases directly on the site, you can compare items and find links to multiple online vendors to get the most out of your tight budget. The site also lists tack shops in your area where you can purchase the item. Big bonus: This site offers well-researched consumer-ed articles to boost your knowledge of various product categories before you buy.
- Numerous sites offer great deals on new and used show apparel, from high-end custom-made ensembles to more afforable duds for novice and amateur competitors. (Above blouse by Hobby Horse)
- © Alana Harrison
Outfit yourself and your horse without leaving home. Many online retailers offer bargains on show clothes (new and used), horse apparel, and horsekeeping supplies that will keep you on budget--and save you gas as well. | © Alana Harrison
hobbyhorseinc.com
Hobby Horse Clothing Company takes immense pride in outfitting "pink collar" exhibitors with trendy duds made in the U.S.A. Even the limited-edition items, which sometimes sell out so fast online the colorful paper catalog becomes obsolete before it hits your mailbox, will make your checkbook smile. Early shoppers to Hobby Horse's annual Broken Hearts Sale get to stock up on basics for next season at fabulous prices.
horseloverz.com
Coupons delivered via e-mail from horseloverz.com, an on-line discount superstore, help keep your next shopping total smaller. The site has heavy ties to eBay through the popular equine-equipment seller Equiteric. Stock up on useful basics and entry-level show gear at either location.
karenskustoms.com
If you need it, Karen Sullivan either has it, or can get it for you--fast. A complete offering of tack and clothing, plus an excellent selection of custom jewelry, will keep you scanning the site frequently. The inventory has blossomed so much that a small retail shop has been established to house the plentiful items.
rods.com
Prepare to be blown away by the great deals offered in the daily e-mails you'll receive when you add your name to Rod's mailing list. The company lists daily specials and sneak peeks to upcoming sales, giving you a head start on getting the right size, color, and design of a needed sale or clearance item.
sergeantswestern.com
Pay close attention to the item listings when you visit Sergeant's Western World's site (upper right red-tag icon on the main page). Save up those coupon codes from Sergeant's catalogs to get instant savings on those much-needed basics. Sale items are updated frequently--but don't dilly-dally, as the items on this popular industry-staple site go fast.
sheplers.com
It's hard to find better deals on jeans, boots, and hats. Daily emails alert you to short-term sales, or remind you if a sale is almost over. The bottom of Sheplers' home page features quick links to the Clearance Corral, which offers discounts as much as 75 percent on thousands of goods. Best yet, get them to pay you--check out the details of their simple Affiliate Partner program to make a little extra cash, courtesy of your own website visitors.
