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Buying used supplies instead of new can save you big bucks in the long run. Purchase your gear from people you know and trust, or go to a reputable second-hand dealer if you can find one. You can also buy online, but make sure to read the seller's reviews. Don't think of used gear as broken or outdated. Many horse owners take very good care of their supplies, as they're an investment. Take advantage of sales and off-season markdowns. By stocking up on cheap necessities, you'll also be saving yourself time, as you won't have to shop for supplies as often. For example, purchase a year's worth of worming medication while it's on sale, or buy snow boots when they go on clearance in the summer. Similarly, buy extra hay for winter in the summer when it's less expensive. Decide if you want your event to be trades only, or if it's okay for people to accept cash for their gear. Then, invite fellow horse owners to bring items they don't want or don't need to offer for trade. Suggest items like riding gear, equipment, and maintenance supplies. This way everyone gets to save money. Clean the items you bring to the swap meet so you can get the best trade for them. Although leather tack is more durable, synthetic tack is much cheaper. Additionally, synthetic tack is easier to secure than leather tack. You will need to replace synthetic tack more often. However, if you take good care of it, the synthetic tack should last you awhile. Retrieving and putting up your supplies can be quite time-demanding, but it's easier if you store it near your stable. That way everything is in one place near your horse. Separate your supplies into categories, giving everything a place. This makes it easier to find what you need. If everything is in one place, you can grab all of your gear at one time rather than making several trips. Unless you transport your horse frequently, don't buy your own trailer. Sharing or renting a trailer will save you money on the cost to buy, maintain, and store a trailer. Check with other local horse owners to see if sharing a trailer is possible. If not, search online for local rental companies.
Ask other local horse owners if they have used gear to sell. Buy items you know you'll need in the future while they're on special. Organize or attend a swap-meet or trading party. Use synthetic tack for daily use to save time and money. Keep your supplies near the stables to save time. Share or rent a horse trailer if you don't use it often.