Online equestrian retailers that don't suck?

[x-halt-salute]

I just crossed another online retailer off the list of places I’ll ever order from again – too many miscommunications (or non-communications), order problems, and other issues. I thought it might be good to start a thread about the companies that folks here still have confidence in or have received great service from (instead of b****ing about another frustrating online retailer).

I support my LTS (as much as I can, given that they don’t cater to my discipline) and can get some bare bones supplies at the feed store, but where do you, fellow CoTHers, recommend shopping online when you need to buy something that can’t be found locally? Tack? Supplements? Barn supplies? What online equestrian retailers are you happy to do business with these days?

[Scribbler]

We have good LTS and I am picky about fit and quality, so I don’t order online much. I’m also in Canada so don’t order much through US stores.

I’ve actually never had a bad experience ordering online.

I’ve used Apple Saddlery (for a helmet on discount), Wilton (paddock boots on discount) and Pleasant Ridge in Canada, also Greenhawk (for an online closeout on tall boots)… I ordered a replacement part direct from Walsh halters in the US (because the LTS couldn’t manage to do this) and I’ve ordered discount Pikeur breeches from Equine and Country in Britain.

But these are all businesses with established IRL stores, and return policies. I also try to initiate contact with a new to me online retailer before sending an order, just to make sure the lines of communication are open.

I actually have bought most of my gear (saddles, bridles, turnout blankets) second hand locally.

[Simkie]

For supplements and barn supplies–like fly spray–I use Santa Cruz more and more. Good pricing, fast shipping. Haven’t noticed an abundance of spam email.

[MissAriel]

Riding Warehouse is my favorite. Great selection, prices, super quick deliveries (I am also in CA, so that helps, but they do get things out the door fast) and awesome customer service. I follow them on FB and they actively solicit feedback from customers about products and website improvements and are quick to reply to questions.

I have had good experiences with Schneiders as well, although never had to call customer service.

I’m fortunate to have Mary’s Tack as my closest LTS, and their employees are fabulous at customer service, so I wouldn’t hesitate to order from them if I wasn’t local.

For supplements I order directly from manufacturers - Horsetech and Santa Cruz Animal Health.

[rockonxox]

I get everything from Schneiders, Chicks, and SmartPak… no issues with any of them (although yes I know that one is causing some people strife right now). I’ve also got some things from Horze which took a smidge longer than the others, but nothing outside of the range I was quoted. I’ve recently started getting tack from local tack stores (not local to me, but more mom and pop shops in other areas) and have had good success with that - one I recently purchased my BOT from is Blue Roan Boutique. I love that the texted updates and also emailed me personally after my order. Sometimes it is a gamble to try new stores like that, but I will be a returning customer if they have anything else I need because I really appreciated the customer service.

[Tee]

I use SmartPak and horse.com - haven’t ever had any issues.

[skipollo]

Riding Warehouse
Adams
Dover–they used to be horrendous with slow shipping, incorrect orders, and absurd shipping costs, but in the last two years they’ve really stepped up their game and have been awesome for me
Marys Tack–I’ve heard good things but have never actually ordered from them. I wouldn’t hesitate to try them out though.

[cayuse]

I use Big Dee’s and Schneider’s a lot right now as they have a pretty good assortment of mini items. I have been happy with them. I used to use Valley Vet when I had large horses, but drifted away from them when I got the minis. All three have been good in the customer service department when I have had a question or an issue.
I have also used Adam’s and the Cheshire Horse once or twice and they have delivered when promised. I would use Adam’s more, but they are usually out of stock of whatever it is I need.
For hard to find mini items, I order from Star Lake Tack. She has a nice variety of small bits, show halters and harness parts.

[The_Catch_Rider]

I love State Line Tack - the prices are really low though they don’t have all the fancy designer brands. I usually shop on Dover or SmartPak if I want anything a little fancier.

In terms of smaller shops, today I shopped at https://shophalterego.com and they have a winter clearance sale with an additional 20% off using 20more - which is pretty sweet. They have Equestrian Stockholm and low to free shipping cost.

[Training_Cupid]

Add me to the list for Riding Warehouse - hands down my favorite.

[Mango20]

I’ve never had a problem with any online retailer that they didn’t solve quickly. I’ve ordered from Riding Warehouse, Dover, Chicks, Horse.com and Adams.

At Riding Warehouse, I once ordered a blanket that was on sale online, showing the size I wanted in stock. They contacted me the next day to say it wasn’t in stock after all, would I like to cancel the order or pick something else? I chose a slightly more expensive blanket, and they split the difference in price with me, which was nice.

Just last month I had an order from Dover never arrive. It got to the local UPS hub, then apparently disappeared. When I called Dover, they sent a replacement right away and made sure that the sizes and prices were identical to what I ordered, which was on sale at the time.

[cutter99]

Love Riding Warehouse. I also buy from Big Dee’s frequently too.

[ParadoxFarm]

@cutter99

Love Riding Warehouse. I also buy from Big Dee’s frequently too.

Ditto on both of these.

[sophie]

I’ve never had a bad experience buying tack etc. online.
Over the years I’ve ordered from Valley Vet, KV vet, Smartpak, Riding Warehouse, VTO saddlery, Horze, State Line Tack, Bit of Britain, eBay, Amazon…and I’m probably forgetting a few.
I always shop around and look for low /sale/decent prices, free fast shipping, and good return policy (but I almost never have to return something).

[NoMoneyBecauseHorse]

Since I don’t have a close tack/feed store around (like just about an hour away or 30 minutes from my work), I loved relying on SP. Since that appears to not be an option anymore, other places that I’ve had good results with are: Amazon (don’t forget about them–usually free shipping and free returns if you use an amazon locker); Dover has stepped it up and there is one an hour away so I don’t have to pay for return shipping if something doesn’t work out; Chick’s–just started to use and a huge fan, easy to work with; and Valley Vet.

[x-halt-salute]

This is great. A couple that are on my nope list have come up here (e.g. modern Statelinetack and other TABcom LLC subsidiaries), but there are a few places that are frequently recommended that I’ve never used (Riding Warehouse, Chick’s, Big Dee’s, Mary’s). I’ll have to start there next time I need something.

And I’m curious whether I could get all of my supplement needs taken care of through Santa Cruz. I’ve been meaning to order Vit. E from them (currently using Elevate but would like something cheaper). I’m sure they have MSM. Not sure if they have anything like Tri-Amino (not seeing anything similar with a quick look). It would be great to get all supplements and stuff like fly spray from a single source, though!

Also good to hear that Dover has turned things around. A few years ago it seemed that their prices, shipping, and service were all lagging behind everyone else and I started thinking of them as a last resort (unless I could go to a physical store) but I’ll have to give their online ordering another go now that I’m not near a brick-and-mortar Dover.

[Wanderosa]

@The Catch Rider

I love State Line Tack - the prices are really low though they don’t have all the fancy designer brands. I usually shop on Dover or SmartPak if I want anything a little fancier.

In terms of smaller shops, today I shopped at https://shophalterego.com and they have a winter clearance sale with an additional 20% off using 20more - which is pretty sweet. They have Equestrian Stockholm and low to free shipping cost.

Hmmm. Let us know how it goes with HalterEgo. I’ve been wanting to order from them but held back as I don’t know anyone who ever has.

[4LeafCloverFarm]

I’m a penny pincher and tend to shop around when I need something specific. We have no local tack shop here (and I don’t count my local Co-Op or TSC). Closest is Dover about 1+ hours away from here.

I’ve never had a “never use them again” issue with Dover, State Line Tack, Valley Vet, Horse.com, etc. I do a lot of shopping at Amazon too - even though the price may not be lower than elsewhere, I get free shipping with Prime, so it is cheaper if I’m having to pay $15 to ship something with say Valley Vet.

And don’t overlook Walmart. Yes, Walmart. I got a High Country Corner Hay Feeder cheaper and with free shipping by buying through Walmart. Saved me like $50 AND it came in like 3 days!

[painthunter]

I’ve switched my supplements over to Platinum Performance as of about 6 weeks ago (from SmartPak). I would have loved to go with Santa Cruz, but I wanted the colic coverage program since my horse got dropped
from insurance in November. Have been thrilled with the customer service, shipping and my horse eats the supplement right up.

[x-halt-salute]

@painthunter

I’ve switched my supplements over to Platinum Performance as of about 6 weeks ago (from SmartPak). I would have loved to go with Santa Cruz, but I wanted the colic coverage program since my horse got dropped
from insurance in November. Have been thrilled with the customer service, shipping and my horse eats the supplement right up.

I was researching colic coverage programs a few years ago and the next day my horse had her first major right dorsal displacement. Can’t seem to get to the point where we go long enough without another near-death experience (and massive hospital bill) since then to be eligible, so colic coverage has dropped way down my supplement company wish list. :sadsmile: If only I’d pulled the trigger on a supplement with colic coverage a few weeks earlier, at least one of those decisions/bills might have been easier! Bright side is that Santa Cruz might have everything I need…

@4LeafCloverFarm thanks for the heads up about Walmart – never would have thought to look there for that kind of stuff!