As anyone who knows me is aware, I’m a very frugal shopper (OK, yes, I’m cheap).  I will wait and wait . . . and wait longer, then pounce when the price becomes right.  The only things that don’t fall under this strategy are perishable must-haves, like feed or supplements. I’ll even pick up an extra helmet if the price is right because it isn’t going to ruin sitting in my closet for a year or so (eventually everything does dry rot, of course). But, otherwise, if there’s a nice top or a great price on my favorite half-chaps, I’m going to add it to the cart.

On top of that, I regularly peruse the aisles in my favorite local tack shop (I’m on my way there, actually, once I finish writing this). I’ve purchased premium-brand products at great discounts, just by waiting. Admittedly, sometimes I have to sacrifice color, but otherwise, it works. And, I figure, I’m helping the tack-shop clear out its old stock, so it can stay up-to-date, refreshed, and in business (one of my many pet peeves is a tack shop that has nothing but outdated supplies).

I’m also thrilled to see that shipping costs are going down at a number of catalog/Internet sites. You can Google for coupon codes on equestrian sites, just like you can L.L. Bean or Eddie Bauer. It takes time, though, as there aren’t a lot of them. An easier choice is to frequent the “one-price” shipping sites the most often. I strongly feel that if I’m spending more money (which should equal more profit for them) that I should get something in return.

It kills me to purchase something at $75 that weighs six ounces and can fit in a shipping envelope and be forced to pay a premium price to ship it, just because they’ve listed their shipping rates by purchase total instead of weight. Isn’t it time, in this day and age with ultra-computerization, to actually pay based on the weight of your purchase and the size of box required? These one-fee-shipping sites make me smile (and make me add things on to my order).

Although I realize not all of us are secure in our employment yet, times are improving. And the way to help that economy and your own personal economic state is to take advantage of the deals out there, especially the horse-related ones (why is it that if something says “horse” the price automatically doubles?). You’ll save money, and you’ll keep those businesses we need up and running. Plus, it’s an awful lot of fun.