Second Round Offers Deep Discounts on Equestrian Gear

Of all the pastimes to choose from, horseback riding is certainly one of the most costly. , a used horse tack consignment store in Barrington, reigns in the financial strain of buying equestrian gear by offering a large selection of riding apparel and horse gear.

The shop is tucked in an enclosed mall, formerly a lumber store, which is mostly occupied by secondhand and consignment retailers. The walls of are lined with English-style and some Western-style horse enthusiast’s need: from boots and three-button suit coats to saddles and bits.

Karen Epperson owns the store, which has been open for 10 years. She decided to strike out on her own after working in the horse tack industry for what she describes as a long, long time. 

“People would ask me what to do with their kid’s equipment when they went to college or they grew out of them or switched disciplines,” Epperson said. 

Epperson recognized a need that was not being met and opened her store.

“It helps people out who are just starting or just getting their first horse, or people who can’t afford it or don’t want to put out that kind of money into it, not knowing if they’re going to stay in it.” 

Word of mouth has been sufficient advertising for the business over the years.

“We get people from everywhere,” Epperson said. “I don’t do any advertising at all.”

Most likely, the reason why Epperson’s ad budget is zero is that horse lovers are willing to travel hundreds of miles to take advantage of . According to Epperson, there is a scarcity of similar stores dealing solely in used equipment. 

“There aren’t any around here,” she said. “I think there’s one in Ohio.”

Compared with new equipment, Epperson guessed that the savings per item would be about 50 percent to 80 percent.

“It depends. There’s stuff people buy and have never used; still has the tags on it, that would go about 50 percent off of retail,” she said. “It depends on condition; the majority would be around 80 percent off retail.”

The special costumes required for shows are also available at , according to Epperson.

“All show attire: breaches, hunt coats and the boots and the helmets. Everything,” she said.

Because the store deals in consignment, Epperson takes in as well as sells used gear. 

For those hoping to retrieve some of the cash output for the equestrian life style, Epperson has a request. 

“There’s never enough kid stuff,” she said.

•  If you go
  , 200 N Hough St., No. 28, Barrington.
  Hours: Noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; closed Sunday and Monday.
  Information: 1-847-304-8084