If there’s one thing even non-horsey people know about riding, it’s that the sport is crazy expensive. Launched in 2018, The TackHack is on a mission to help competitive riders stretch their barn budget by offering closeouts from their favorite equestrian brands at discounted prices.
Lauren Garvey, owner of The TackHack, started the business after returning to the sport as an adult. She saw a $400 price tag on a pair of breeches and nearly gagged. Always a thrifty shopper, Lauren was surprised to see that there wasn’t an equivalent of a Saks Off Fifth or Nordstrom Rack for equestrians. So she started one herself!
“From the beginning, I was committed to focusing on the more premium brands. I want my customers to feel like a million bucks and fit in at any horse show in the country, whether or not they actually have a million bucks to spend on horses.”
The TackHack works directly with premium brands like Horse Pilot, Pikeur, Acavallo, Eskadron, Cavalleria Toscana, Kastel Denmark, and more to move end-of-season items at reduced prices. Prices typically start at 30% off of retail for more current items, but sometimes brands will ship older pieces that customers can snap up at closer to 80% off of retail. “Right now we have some incredible deals on women’s Pikeur breeches for under $100. These are older styles like the Victory, Meredith II, and early Ciara. But at these prices, who cares if they have velcro ankle closures!” More closeout highlights include rock-bottom pricing on the loved-but-discontinued brand Free x Rein; the brand’s Signature Ponte breech is currently listed at $69.95, while the Free x Rein Sunday White breech is listed at an unbeatable $29.95.
In the past year, The TackHack has also started selling full-priced basic essentials (leg wraps, brushes, pads) from brands like Toklat and Ovation in order to fill out its offerings so you don’t have to leave the site to replenish those basics.
Even more exciting? The TackHack has also ventured into importing and manufacturing tack and apparel directly from premium factories. These items are available on The TackHack's website and are also available to independent retailers at wholesale. “We figured out where to source TKEQ’s Lululemon dupe top, and have been able to retail that as our Equitation Tech top in long and short sleeve for $39.95 and $36.95 respectively, a nearly 50% savings. We still make great money at that retail price, and we know it feels like a win to our customers as well.” Also popular? The TackHack's Half Dozen Donut Tack Sponges, which sell for $13.95. “We’re spending too much money on this sport for it to not be fun, and these sponges definitely bring a smile to our riders’ faces!” Another highlight? “We recently released our women’s Track & Pace Breech, which is our version of a $350 Italian breech that we’re able to retail for $175. They look and feel incredible, so we were able to ‘hack’ some of the price bloat out without compromising quality.”
The best way to shop? Cruising the site’s New Arrivals page is a great place to start. “With closeouts, we typically don’t get full size runs, so hopping on a deal when it first lands is key to swiping an item before it sells out in your size.” Garvey also recommends signing up for The TackHack's email list. “I promise we won’t spam you, because I hate spam email. But our weekly email is a great way to learn about our lastest arrivals and early access to promotions.” Finally, be sure to sign up for The TackHack’s reward program to earn points that can be redeemed for extra savings.
The bottom line? Shop, save, keep riding.
