Your Area’s Tack Shop and COVID19 Practices

[Equkelly]

@Crashing Boar

Beagle oil.

(1) If you don’t feel “safe” due to virus risk factors, staying home (self-isolation) is YOUR choice to make.

(2) So is opting for online, contactless shopping. 100% of tack store items nationwide are available this way.

(3) Even N95 masks are incapable of stopping VIRUSES. Anything less might stop largest droplets only.

(4) If you don’t feel well, STAY HOME if you want to feel “responsible for the safety of others around you.”

(5) Most tack store shopping is “nonessential” as first aid products and meds can be obtained from your vet.

(6) Your state has either stipulated masks in stores, or they haven’t. If not, you have the option to go home or take your business elsewhere if you don’t like how the place is being run. Chances are they are in local compliance.

(7) Don’t tell other people what to do and how to live their lives; the chances are it won’t be received favorably, and your new nickname will be “Karen!”

(1) It’s not about whether or not I feel safe. It’s a our protecting my community. Really not sure how this still hasn’t clicked for some of you yet.

(2) I can’t get my horse’s feed online without paying insane shipping charges and it’s just not practical. My local vet pharmacy is also not wearing masks and I can’t get the drugs I need when I need them if I order online. There’s also plenty of items sold at tack shops that absolutely are essential. What happens if your horse slices it’s leg open and you need bandaging supplies? I agree people don’t NEED to be browsing for saddle pads but there is some stuff that is essential and I might not always have the time to wait for online shopping.

(3) Yea and seatbelts don’t prevent all deaths in car accidents but the research shows they’re still effective at reducing them.

(4) So you’re just going to ignore the fact that studies are showing that 30% of infected individuals are asymptotic carriers? (Do you just not know what the word asymptotic means…? Ask google for help if you need.)

(5) “Most” is not ALL. Covered this in #2.

(6) Tell that to the 2 tack shops, 1 feed store, and 1 vet pharmacy that are deliberately defying local orders in my area. Also why do you need a law telling you to behave responsibly?

Pick smarter arguments.

[kwpn_01]

@Equkelly

(1) It’s not about whether or not I feel safe. It’s a our protecting my community. Really not sure how this still hasn’t clicked for some of you yet.

(2) I can’t get my horse’s feed online without paying insane shipping charges and it’s just not practical. My local vet pharmacy is also not wearing masks and I can’t get the drugs I need when I need them if I order online. There’s also plenty of items sold at tack shops that absolutely are essential. What happens if your horse slices it’s leg open and you need bandaging supplies? I agree people don’t NEED to be browsing for saddle pads but there is some stuff that is essential and I might not always have the time to wait for online shopping.

(3) Yea and seatbelts don’t prevent all deaths in car accidents but the research shows they’re still effective at reducing them.

(4) So you’re just going to ignore the fact that studies are showing that 30% of infected individuals are asymptotic carriers? (Do you just not know what the word asymptotic means…? Ask google for help if you need.)

(5) “Most” is not ALL. Covered this in #2.

(6) Tell that to the 2 tack shops, 1 feed store, and 1 vet pharmacy that are deliberately defying local orders in my area. Also why do you need a law telling you to behave responsibly?

Pick smarter arguments.

We are all entitled to our own opinion and beliefs. Whether or not you’d like to believe the data being released by the media, is completely up to you. I believe that the numbers and “statistics” that we are being fed are so flawed that I’m not really too sure what to believe anymore. I’m sure there are others in the room that feel the same way. That doesn’t mean that we should be attacked for our beliefs, you have yours, and that’s completely valid and fine.

There’s no doubt that masks can reduce the spread of droplets, when they are used properly. To guarantee that they are being used properly? Beyond you, and me, and any statistic that we are being fed. There is no need to be condescending. This is a simple factor to comprehend.

Masks are not mandatory in my area. We have a city population of around 300,000 people and have 0 active cases, for the record. You can kindly assume what a terrible person I am all you want. Do not put yourself in an unsafe predicament if you feel such a way. In areas that masks are required, I will happily comply. Where they are not required? Many, if not most of us, do not wear them.

This virus isn’t going anywhere. It will be with us for the years to come. If you think that people are going to wear masks in public, every flu season, forever, is naïve.

[MHM]

There are so many things we do with horses that fall under the heading of: Can’t hurt, might help.

It amazes me that people are unwilling to apply the same theory to wearing a mask in public. Especially when it could literally be the difference between life and death.

[Equkelly]

@kwpn_01

We are all entitled to our own opinion and beliefs. Whether or not you’d like to believe the data being released by the media, is completely up to you. I believe that the numbers and “statistics” that we are being fed are so flawed that I’m not really too sure what to believe anymore. I’m sure there are others in the room that feel the same way.

Do you really think the “media’ is the one running the experiments? Do you think CNN and Fox News are the ones running double blind trials on mask usage? Research doesn’t get “released by the media.” That’s just where you hear about it. If you had an ounce of critical thinking abilities you’d be able to pick up on where was the study done, what were their methods, what does this data imply? You don’t just dismiss all research because the media told you about it.

And again, no. You don’t get to have an opinion on science just because you’re scientifically illiterate.

[GoodTimes]

I haven’t been to any tack shops since Feb. I’ve ordered online a couple times. My feed store (small, family run) requires us to call ahead, place our order, and pay over the phone. They’ll have the order ready outside when we arrive.

@kwpn_01 I’m curious what information you don’t believe. Global numbers? Ontario numbers?

@Equkelly I agree that decisions should be based on science. I work in health care. However, this is an international forum. Painting every area with the same brush isn’t realistic. Canadian and Ontario health officials are recommending wearing non-medical masks when physical distancing may not be possible.
Case numbers across the province are starting to drop. 79% of the cases in Ontario are now in the GTA/Toronto. Other areas are doing well. Hospitals are not overwhelmed.
I live several hours north of the GTA. My public health unit has been reporting less than 5 new cases per day (Pop of 500k, 3400 sq miles), 36 total deaths). However, our area is a cottage area for the GTA so there is risk of new transmission by cottagers. Mask wearing is about 50/50. I wear a mask when grocery shopping, donating blood, picking up prescriptions, etc. I don’t wear a mask at the barn, or if I go for a run. At work I wear a mask, face shield, gown, and gloves.
I believe @kwpn_01 lives several hours further north than I do. She’s in an area that has virtually remained untouched from COVID-19, most cases were early in the pandemic and were travel related (March break). An area that is low in tourism. An area that has a low likelihood of becoming a hotspot.
Therefore, if businesses in that area are being careful about limiting the number of customers in a store so that physical distancing of more than 6’ is easy to maintain, and high touch surfaces are frequently cleaned, than the benefits of a mask would be low.

Personally I hope that on the other side of this pandemic that people will be more vigilant about hand washing and wearing a mask if they think they may have a cold or flu. Consider yourself lucky if you’ve never had a job that required you to be within arms reach of people for extended periods. Consider yourself lucky if you’ve never had people breath, cough, or sneeze in your face at work or in public.

[MissAriel]

@kwpn_01

We are all entitled to our own opinion and beliefs. Whether or not you’d like to believe the data being released by the media, is completely up to you. I believe that the numbers and “statistics” that we are being fed are so flawed that I’m not really too sure what to believe anymore. I’m sure there are others in the room that feel the same way. That doesn’t mean that we should be attacked for our beliefs, you have yours, and that’s completely valid and fine.

You are entitled to your opinion. You are even allowed to chose not to believe facts, however, choosing to not believe in facts, doesn’t make them less true. If you are concerned about media bias, I encourage you to read the primary literature. Go to Medline and NCBI and look up some journal articles. I have and although I am not an epidemiologist or virologist, I can read a scientific paper with some level of understanding.

There’s no doubt that masks can reduce the spread of droplets, when they are used properly. To guarantee that they are being used properly? Beyond you, and me, and any statistic that we are being fed. There is no need to be condescending. This is a simple factor to comprehend.

They can (and do) reduce the spread of droplets even if not used properly, but their usefulness is reduced, possibly significantly. It is a false logic to throw out the use of masks because some aren’t wearing them properly/optimally. It is all about reducing transmission as much as possible, using multiple methods (masks, distancing, sanitzation of surfaces etc)

Masks are not mandatory in my area. We have a city population of around 300,000 people and have 0 active cases, for the record. You can kindly assume what a terrible person I am all you want. Do not put yourself in an unsafe predicament if you feel such a way. In areas that masks are required, I will happily comply. Where they are not required? Many, if not most of us, do not wear them.

This virus isn’t going anywhere. It will be with us for the years to come. If you think that people are going to wear masks in public, every flu season, forever, is naïve.

No, this virus isn’t going anywhere, although with vaccination we can hopefully reach levels of herd immunity to mitigate infections, hospitalizations and deaths within a year or two. I still don’t understand the rebellion against wearing a mask. Maybe they should have banned masks instead, and we would have rallies of folks proudly wearing their “Don’t Tread on Me” masks.

[Equkelly]

I find it no coincidence that everyone I know that doesn’t believe in wearing a mask is also a raging narcissist. It makes sense that someone self centered would have a hard time comprehending why they should do something to help others. I mean listen to all the arguments… “I’M not sick, I’M not scared…” and “well in MY opinion, and I believe…” Only a narcissist could believe that they’re always right and they know better than anyone else (including experts) and that they will not be slightly inconvenienced in order to do something that benefits others.

I’m glad some of you have local tack shops and businesses that seem to be responsible. But I have observed, at least in my community, that there is a disproportionate number of horse business owners that are not acting this way. I’m starting to attribute that to the amount of narcissists the equestrian community attracts.

[Jackie_Cochran]

I went to my “local” (30 miles away) non-chain store tack store today in Waxhaw, NC.

I called them yesterday about me coming over. There were rules–EVERYONE must wear a face mask, and if too many people want to be in the store at once they reserve the right to control people coming in.

They have a chain across their stairs to the door. I called them, they asked if I was wearing a face mask, and since I was they told me to come right on in (I got there 10 minutes after they opened.) People got a little near while passing each other (narrow aisles) but they were all masked, I was wearing gloves, and nobody was rude about it or hung around close to me.

This was the first time I’ve been in a store since the start of the flu season last winter (because of my MS I self-isolate during the flu season, my husband does the grocery shopping, I am lucky). I had a wonderful time, and it was SO GOOD to get into a store and make a selection in this well stocked store.

One of the ladies working there also makes face masks, pleated with several layers and a pocket, so if you did not come with a face mask you could buy one. I bought one, and it fit my face so much better than the one I bought on line! She made the face masks in several sizes so everyone could buy one that fit all right, from children through adults.

[twobits]

I work at a tack shop in Ontario, Canada and we have just opened to the public this week. As a staff member, we received a very large educational pamphlet on COVID, our new cleaning and disinfecting procedures, and were provided masks to wear while on shift. Customers are asked to use hand sanitizer upon entering the store and are asked to shop quickly and efficiently (aka no browsing for hours). Trying on items is limited, returns are being held before being returned to the floor, and some services (ex/ helmet fitting, blanket cleaning) are not available to ensure we can maintain physical distancing and reduce the spread. Overall, I am pretty impressed with all the steps my store has taken to protect both employees and customers and see a lot of similar ideas put in place at other stores in the province and across the country.

[D-quine_TS]

@twobits

I work at a tack shop in Ontario, Canada and we have just opened to the public this week. As a staff member, we received a very large educational pamphlet on COVID, our new cleaning and disinfecting procedures, and were provided masks to wear while on shift. Customers are asked to use hand sanitizer upon entering the store and are asked to shop quickly and efficiently (aka no browsing for hours). Trying on items is limited, returns are being held before being returned to the floor, and some services (ex/ helmet fitting, blanket cleaning) are not available to ensure we can maintain physical distancing and reduce the spread. Overall, I am pretty impressed with all the steps my store has taken to protect both employees and customers and see a lot of similar ideas put in place at other stores in the province and across the country.

Are you at a Greenhawk? I ask as I work at a Greenhawk in BC and your description sounds similar to what we received and are doing!

What amazes me is the amount of customers that come in that seem to not know there is a pandemic going on! 2 weeks ago, our store was “open” but taped off, so no browsing, and we would grab anything you need. I had a woman LIVID with me because I couldn’t let her child try boots on! :eek:

[D-quine_TS]

@crackerjack

I would expect hand sanitizer and physical distancing at the very least. My Greenhawk is only doing curbside pick up at the moment but I have been enjoying online shopping as the shipping is free (over $50). It’s too easy!! Even our outdoor garden centres at the grocery store are allowing only a certain number in at once. So if they can do it a tack store sure can! I would have no hesitation in asking management what their COVID protocols are.

I obviously don’t know what Greenhawk you shop at, but just some food for thought: The majority of Greenhawks are owned by local franchisees, and when you shop with Greenhawk online, that comes from the warehouse in Mississauga, and does not help support your local franchise owner, but instead supports head office. I’m just saying this as I know my bosses have been hit pretty hard by people shopping online thinking that it’s coming from our store, when it’s not.

[eclipse]

@D-quine TS

I obviously don’t know what Greenhawk you shop at, but just some food for thought: The majority of Greenhawks are owned by local franchisees, and when you shop with Greenhawk online, that comes from the warehouse in Mississauga, and does not help support your local franchise owner, but instead supports head office. I’m just saying this as I know my bosses have been hit pretty hard by people shopping online thinking that it’s coming from our store, when it’s not.

Our local Greenhawk stayed open for curb side pickup…I would call in and then arrange a time to pick up the order! They are now fully open, shields in place at the register, hand sanitizer for people to use and masks highly recommended. Curb side pickup is still an option if you’d rather utilize that!

the tack store that’s on my barns property, Equiproducts, has had only curb side pickup and delivery since this started! They are going to be releasing their opening strategy within the next week!

[crackerjack]

@D-quine TS

I obviously don’t know what Greenhawk you shop at, but just some food for thought: The majority of Greenhawks are owned by local franchisees, and when you shop with Greenhawk online, that comes from the warehouse in Mississauga, and does not help support your local franchise owner, but instead supports head office. I’m just saying this as I know my bosses have been hit pretty hard by people shopping online thinking that it’s coming from our store, when it’s not.

I do understand that. My Greenhawk was also open for curbside shopping. But because work at the moment is insane along with other reasons, I found ordering online more convenient. I usually do go in. However, if they offer the online service I’m going to use it if needed.

[twobits]

@D-quine TS

Are you at a Greenhawk? I ask as I work at a Greenhawk in BC and your description sounds similar to what we received and are doing!

What amazes me is the amount of customers that come in that seem to not know there is a pandemic going on! 2 weeks ago, our store was “open” but taped off, so no browsing, and we would grab anything you need. I had a woman LIVID with me because I couldn’t let her child try boots on! :eek:

I am at a Greenhawk

I have had customers frustrated by the lack of a personalized service that we typically offer. Usually, at this time of year, I am found zipping people into beautiful tall boots and lovely helmets and hunt coats to prepare for their show season or outfitting an excited child headed to their first summer at horse camp, and with the physical distancing measures I am unable to offer these services in the same capacity. There are weird formalities and barriers, blocking the same connection with the customers. Good luck at your location with your customers! I am expecting the upcoming weekend to be busy here in my neck of the woods.

[Graymaresrule]

VA is requiring masks unless you claim a medical reason for not wearing one. No proof is required. I wear an N95 mask because I am at risk. My last hospital billl was $25k. If at all possible I didn’t enter a store that doesn’t require masks. Thanks Dover and SmartPak