I’ll be in New York this weekend for a few days, and like all good horse people, was wondering if they had any good tack shops there (; (or anything else to do that’s horse related) thanks in advance!
Manhattan Saddlery on East 24th. I think that’s it for NYC where actual tack is concerned.
Run up to Central Park and take a carriage ride! 
I don’t know if Chateau Stables is still doing trail rides in Central Park, but that’s definitely next on my list, hopefully next month. But there’s a million amazing non-horsey things to enjoy in NYC too, so with a couple days in the city I hope you enjoy those as well and not just the horse stuff.
[QUOTE=Covergirl15;8145179]
I’ll be in New York this weekend for a few days, and like all good horse people, was wondering if they had any good tack shops there (; (or anything else to do that’s horse related) thanks in advance![/QUOTE]
Take the Metro North to North Salem and visit Old Salem Farm for their spring shows and watch the GP. Oh, and you can shop to your heart’s content. 
[QUOTE=Covergirl15;8145179]
I’ll be in New York this weekend for a few days, and like all good horse people, was wondering if they had any good tack shops there (; (or anything else to do that’s horse related) thanks in advance![/QUOTE]
Manhattan Saddlery is an interesting stop - while they have some current merchandise, and some cute gift-type things, they also have some things that have been there for probably 30 years. It is interesting to pass through just to see what it is there, but it will not have to be a lengthy stop to see what you need to see there.
[QUOTE=showidaho;8145436]
Take the Metro North to North Salem and visit Old Salem Farm for their spring shows and watch the GP. Oh, and you can shop to your heart’s content. ;)[/QUOTE]
Great idea, get off in Croton Falls and have a taxi take you to the show. 100k Grand Prix on Sunday
I don’t think Manhattan Saddlery is a particularly fun tack shop to visit, they never have what I’m looking for and are not particularly friendly to me. I think going to Old Salem to watch the GP would be much more fun, and the shopping would be a lot better. Manhattan Saddlery would be fun if you were in the neighborhood, or if you wanted to grab lunch at shake shack in madison square, that’d be a fun addition. Although to be fair I haven’t been in about a year.
[QUOTE=Kat.;8145654]
I don’t think Manhattan Saddlery is a particularly fun tack shop to visit, they never have what I’m looking for and are not particularly friendly to me. I think going to Old Salem to watch the GP would be much more fun, and the shopping would be a lot better. Manhattan Saddlery would be fun if you were in the neighborhood, or if you wanted to grab lunch at shake shack in madison square, that’d be a fun addition. Although to be fair I haven’t been in about a year.[/QUOTE]
100% agreed - only game in town but weak. Return/credit policy (or lack thereof) is not good be careful of that
The last time I was in Manhattan Saddlery a couple of years ago they only had old green-beige Tailored Sportsman breeches and some Pikeurs of dubious origins and everything was covered in dust.
I don’t know if they changed management or just upped their game, but now they have sun shirts! And multiple colors of TS! And GPAs! And show jackets in technical fabrics!
It’s definitely worth a look. It’s still a smaller, boutique-y shop so they’re not going to have every size and color combination of the full line of RJ Classic’s jackets, for example, but whereas a couple of years ago I went pelting in there having forgotten a last minute show necessity and walked out empty handed, now I could actually replace a pair of boots/helmet/gloves/belt/breeches on short notice. At least check out their Instagram to determine whether it’s worth your time.
- 100% not affiliated with Manhattan Saddlery.
Am I the only horse person in the world who doesn’t think to look for tack shops when on a non-horsey trip?
[QUOTE=yellowbritches;8145803]
Am I the only horse person in the world who doesn’t think to look for tack shops when on a non-horsey trip?[/QUOTE]
I don’t but I live in tack shop mecca.
[QUOTE=yellowbritches;8145803]
Am I the only horse person in the world who doesn’t think to look for tack shops when on a non-horsey trip?[/QUOTE]
Manhattan Saddlery is my local tack shop but no, you’re not the only one. I don’t think I’ve ever visited a tack shop on a vacation. Although when I visit home I do try to make sure to stop by Chagrin Saddlery!
[QUOTE=yellowbritches;8145803]
Am I the only horse person in the world who doesn’t think to look for tack shops when on a non-horsey trip?[/QUOTE]
It has never ever occurred to me either. Especially when you are in NYC, there are so many better things to do, museums, theatre, restaurants, shopping, sightseeing. Why waste time on something like a tack shop?
Skip Manhattan Saddlery. There are much nicer tack shops and people at temporary setups at most shows.
Thanks for all the replies! And don’t worry, we have quite a bit of other things on our list to see as well, but I thought I would check to see if there were any in any of the areas we would be in (:
Manhattan Saddlery went downhill and was bought some years ago by an investor with very limited horse world experience, don’t remember the exact details. It’s a pretty sad place–limited stock, unfriendly owners, and so empty whenever I was in there it seriously occurred to me it might be a front for a money-laundering operation. Definitely not a place to browse.
A day trip to Old Salem, OTOH, sounds fantastic, although I’m not sure I’d spend my limited time in NYC that way. NYC is the place you leave to get a horse fix, not travel to.
Guyz, read my post before you reply about what a sad shack Manhattan Saddlery is! It’s different now, I promise.
[QUOTE=french fry;8146158]
Guyz, read my post before you reply about what a sad shack Manhattan Saddlery is! It’s different now, I promise.[/QUOTE]
Agreed - I was there around Labor Day weekend 2014, and there was definitely current inventory to look at, some gift items, and a sale room downstairs that had all kinds of odds and ends (including some very old obviously leftover stock). The staff was very friendly, although not necessarily horse people. Is it a destination tack shop? No. Is it interesting/entertaining to make a pass through if you have the time? Sure.
Agree with FF and Madison…
I’ve been there last year around April and even though there is more variety in some other places, you will find a better selection than past years.
They have included Horze products which are european style and a great buy. Different colored breeches and technical jackets (although nothing flamboyant, all dark colors) and fun gifts. Plus, they have a small sale selection in the bottom floor where you might find a bargain.
One detail: if you are looking for the best prices on the market, you’re going to strike out. It’s known for pairing it’s tack prices to NYC’s real estate values…
OK, FF, I’ll give it another look-see next time I’m passing by. It was the owners’ unfriendliness and the return policy more than the stock IMHO. There’s enough negative stuff out there about them on both counts that maybe they’ve gotten a clue–in which case, props to them:)
Yeah, I don’t know if ownership/management has changed or if they’re just making more of an effort now but I was really pleasantly surprised. They’re also doing some events (book signings, I think Georgina Bloomberg was in there recently doing something for her charity, etc.)
They’re pretty active on Instagram these days so you can get a feel for their vibe.
Okay, that’s enough Manhattan Saddlery shilling from me! You just can’t imagine how thrilled I am to be able to pop in on my lunch break and quickly pick something up or try something on. Such a novelty!
