Having a day off tomorrow I’ve decided to explore Lexington a bit. Where are the best tack stores?
Wise Choice is the best
Though if you want upscale clothing-type stuff, Bob Mickler’s is quite nice and there’s a race track, leather goods type shop right across the street from that.
Other than that, nada. You’d think that Lexington would be a tack shop every block, but it just isn’t so, which I discovered with disapointment when I moved down this direction.
Fennells is at the Red Mile. It caters to Saddlebreds and Harness Racing.
If you want to go smell some expensive leather, go the the Freedman Boutique in Midway.
there is a huge trade show going on in downtown Lexington at the Rupp Center The International Equine Festival
Every time in the past when I went to Wise Choice the owner followed me around the store even after I said I was just looking. I guess he thought I was going to steal something? Instead it made me even more uncomfortable looking at things and I left without buying anything. I haven’t gone back since.
I like supporting local stores but I buy my tack online because of the several awful experiences at Wise Choice.
Well…
I go to Wise Choice periodically. Sometimes there are good deals. I got a show coat yesterday new for $40. It’s not fancy but I don’t need fancy. There’s a consignment shop right beside Wise Choice if used might appeal to you. It’s pretty new but filling up quickly.
SimplySweet, I can’t imagine having a bad experience at Wise Choice. They are right up there with Maryland Saddlery back in Baltimore, as far as I’m concerned.
Dave, MaryAnn and Trent are extremely helpful and friendly and really know their products. I’ve never had anyone follow me around, even before I got to know them. Their prices are very good too.
I checked out the consignment shop and wasn’t very impressed. I understand there’s a new one in Midway that looks a little more “upscale”.
[QUOTE=SmplySweet1021;5131296]
Every time in the past when I went to Wise Choice the owner followed me around the store even after I said I was just looking. I guess he thought I was going to steal something? Instead it made me even more uncomfortable looking at things and I left without buying anything. I haven’t gone back since.
I like supporting local stores but I buy my tack online because of the several awful experiences at Wise Choice.[/QUOTE]
I agree with wanting to support local stores too, but there are no good tack shops in Lexington. Wise Choice has a mediocre selection for lower levels so for me, the only reason to stop there is a) I desperately need something that I dont have time to order or b) I want to hear the latest town gossip from Dave. While the owners are nice people, I’ve been in there maybe 5 times since I moved to Lexington and I can count on one hand what I’ve actually bought from them. I find if you want nicer quality tack and apparel, you arent going to find it there. Plus they are expensive for what they carry.
Bob Micklers is ok, but only really carries Ariat so your selection is limited. I find it very frusterating and thus I do all of my tack shopping online, during the summer shows at KHP or I wait until I visit family in NJ to “shop local”.
You are probally better off going to WEG and hitting bit of britain or taking advantage of Dover’s free shipping while at WEG offer.
Lots of Wise Choice bashing going on and for the life of me, I can’t understand why. They carry a nice, but small collection in most price ranges. Everything from Dublin to RJ Classics. Great line of helmets. They also carry Blundstone, etc. Bob Mickler’s is nice, but they only carry Ariat. They have some nice used saddles on consignment too.
The have great sales, carry Rambo & Weatherbeeta, all at good prices.
KBC Horse Supply also has a small tack selection. I believe they also have a booth at WEG.
Do all my shopping at Wise Choice. They have a local guy who makes the most beautiful bridles I have ever owned for half of anything you can order. Great selection, good prices and a good selection. Can’t imagine not having a great experience there and I have shopped all over the country over the years. Horse Cents in Versailles is the supplier for all the farms for barn and horse supplies. Also reasonably priced leather halter made right there and lovely. Quillan Tack is just up the road in Paris as well.
I love Wise Choice. I bought so much from there when I first bought my horse, Dave got to know me by name. Even now, I got back maybe once every year or two and he STILL remembers my face! This is three years after moving away from Lex.
Agreed that there isn’t massive selection there, but honestly, I’ve never found a local tack store that DOES have massive selection. Dave will bend over backwards to help you out though.
Horse Cents in Versailles is good for lots and lots of horse supplies. Nice halters there too. Mostly caters to the racehorse industry, but you can buy cheaper anti-sweat sheets there, and such.
[QUOTE=LauraKY;5131549]
Lots of Wise Choice bashing going on and for the life of me, I can’t understand why. They carry a nice, but small collection in most price ranges. Everything from Dublin to RJ Classics. Great line of helmets. They also carry Blundstone, etc. Bob Mickler’s is nice, but they only carry Ariat. They have some nice used saddles on consignment too.
The have great sales, carry Rambo & Weatherbeeta, all at good prices.
KBC Horse Supply also has a small tack selection. I believe they also have a booth at WEG.[/QUOTE]
Not bashing but just relaying my experiences with Wise Choice. I have friends that have had the same thing happen to them and others who love Wise Choice.
In my opinion this store would not be on my list of places to visit while in Lexington. I’ve been to much better tack stores around the country then Wise Choice.
I just talked to WiseChoice. I needed 18" no bows…called yesterday and they’re in today. How can you beat that for service?
I’m picking them up tomorrow on my way to Tom Foley’s book signing and talk at JosephBeth bookstore in Lexington Green from 2 to 4 on Saturday. Tom played the exercise rider, Jimmy Gaffney in the new Secretariat movie. His book “The Simple Game” is about his experience as a jockey in both flat and steeplechase. Should be an interesting talk and great book.
Give it a rest Simply Sweet. Perhaps you’re one of those people who buy items and then try to return them after they’ve been used?
You’re so adamant about it, there must be more going on than you don’t like their selection and they “follow” you.
I’m the “don’t follow me or I’ll leave” queen and I’ve never felt that they were obtrusive, just helpful.
[QUOTE=LauraKY;5131626]
Give it a rest Simply Sweet. Perhaps you’re one of those people who buy items and then try to return them after they’ve been used?
You’re so adamant about it, there must be more going on than you don’t like their selection and they “follow” you.
I’m the “don’t follow me or I’ll leave” queen and I’ve never felt that they were obtrusive, just helpful.[/QUOTE]
Wow…thanks for assuming things about me. I’ve never done anything that you’ve mentioned. I’ve always been nice and friendly when I’ve been in there, I just didn’t get that feeling from them when I was there.
I love Wise Choice and moved away from Lexington 4+ years ago and still always go back when I have a chance and Dave always remembers me, asks about my job, helps me find what I need etc. I bought a beautiful high end breastplate a few weeks ago and got a great deal, as well as on some clothing. PLUS they are very close to the horse park, right down Georgetown Rd so easy to pop in and see if you like what you find. 
Fennell’s sells the best halters and lead shanks and if you are into looking at different bits there are many harness racing ones there that will make you go hmmmm
We have a route I take that goes past all of them, including Le Cheval if you like gorgeous clothes. (Custom tailored saddleseat wear, ready made vests, beeyootiful fabrics, ties and “appointments”, a bit pricey.) We come down from Georgetown and get on Georgetown Road from exit 120 or wherever, then down to Wise Choice on the right, a pretty little house sandwiched between a gas station and Grainger’s and Napa Auto Parts and all that, off on a sort of frontage road. Look for the horse trailers in the front yard.
Leave there heading into downtown, merge into Newtown Pike stay straight on Cox and cross over the railyard to High St/Versailles Rd, turn right, now heading away from downtown and Bob Mickler’s will be close on the right, look for the carousel horse on a pole and Pinkston’s (racing stuff and bridle plate belts - a nice souvenir) is catty corner across the street.
Continue away from downtown to the intersection with South Forbes/Red Mile Rd (notice a pattern here?) turn left onto the Red Mile Rd. Just after some huge equipment rental place is a tiny cul de sac and at the end is a tiny little building that houses Le Cheval.
Continuing on Red Mile Rd the road will curve to the left around Red Mile harness track’s stabling area and after the grandstands and parking you will see the Round Barn, tall and white, not too big, it’s historic and I think houses a museum? Turn left to go to the round barn and look right and you will see Fennell’s, hiding in the shrubbery there.
Make the trip in the morning and miss the school traffic (UK is right there near Fennell’s), and on the way back go straight across Versailles on South Forbes through the tobacco warehouse district, cross Old Fankfort, pass the Bluegrass Stockyards and turn left on Leestown. Another left at the light at the crest of the hill across from Meadowthorpe subdivision and bear left into the shopping center to the Mancino’s Pizza and Grinders on the left side - fattening to be sure but oh so good for lunch.
I’d send you to historic McConnell Springs for a walk after the meal but it’s really sort of buried in the warehouse and business district - right next door to an asphalt plant and the whole nine yards. Still worth learning about the karst formations and spring activity unique to the region, and early Lexington history. It is a mile or so as the crow flies from the pizza place, just the drive needs a map and sharp eyes!
Check all these businesses’ hours - many close halfway through Saturday and all day Sunday or even all weekend in possibly the case of Le Cheval. Enjoy your excursion!
This ~~~
This ~ I will follow this next time I am in Lexington ~ better than my usual short route. Thanks for posting ! 
You’re welcome Zuzu. If I ever get to retire from “the golden handcuffs” of my current job I think I’d like to be a docent or a tourguide for the horsefarm tours - what a fun job that could be!
