By Lorraine Seabrook

Okay, so spring's coming and you're just itching to get out and ride your horse. But spring's not quite here so you have to do something. What's that something? Reviewing your tack and accessories for you and your horse, only to discover you've misplaced this, that is broken and what do you know - you're boots are too small this year.

So, off you go to make that wish list. New boots, another saddle pad, a girth, and this year you really want a special show bridle for your horse. Next step, you look at your pocket book only to find out there's just not enough money there. So a little planning is needed. First the boots.

On-line you go! Field boots new - oh my! You can't afford that. Okay, next item - saddle pad. That one's reasonable. Next item - show bridle. Ouch! Back to the tack room you go only to discover you have many pieces of tack and show clothes you don't use or wear any longer. So you figure if I sell these, I'll get more money toward the new items you want. But how?

That is where the local tack stores and swap meets come in very handy. Now you can choose to rent a table at a swap meet and try and sell your products yourself - hopefully you have just what someone wants on the day of the swap meet. Or you might even try advertising them on-line, but that one is time consuming and usually quite slow. Or you can take your used tack and show clothes (mind you they need to be clean and in good condition) to one of the tack stores that will take your items on consignment.

These stores will add a commission on top of your selling price - usually about 25%  (they have to make money too). In offering your products for sale, handling your transaction, promoting your products, this is how they earn their commission. While you're in the store delivering your items, make sure you source out those new items you're looking for - chances are they'll have what you want - used, but in good condition and sometimes, that item might be as much as 75% less than if you were to purchase the same item new. So now what? You wait for your item(s) to sell and get ready to buy the new tack and accessories you need. And believe it or not, at this time of year, your items won't take long to sell - everyone's in the same boat as you!

We all wish we could run right out and buy everything we need, but in this economy, sometimes it's hard putting gas in the car, let alone buying new tack for your horse. This is one means to get what you want or need and not break the bank doing it. Remember - one person's hand-me-down is another person's treasure.

Lorraine Seabrook is a partner of The Tack Connection at 4107 Quarry Road, Beamsville, ON   She can be reached by calling 905-563-1174. The Tack Connection has been supplying used and some new tack, apparel and anything equine to the riders of Niagara Region for almost 13 years having an extensive selection to choose from. They are open 7 days/week for your shopping convenience.