Expensive sport + kids growing fast = SO MUCH MONEY IN CLOTHING AND EQUIPEMENT!
Here is my plug for Facebook Marketplace and joining groups on Facebook to help find what you need without paying NEW prices.
-SKIP THIS SECTION IF YOU KNOW-
Facebook Groups: Groups are a place to connect, learn and share with people who have similar interests. You can create or join a group for anything — stargazing, baking, parenting — with people across the globe or across the street. Groups can be public or private.
How to join a Facebook group?
1. Tap in the top menu.
2. Enter the name of the group you're looking for.
3. Tap the group name in the results and tap Join Group.
Here are some FB Groups that I belong to and have found success finding second-hand items and posting “ISO” (in search of…) topics:
Just Ponies - Kids and Pony Equipment and Clothes (over 22k members)
Kids Equestrian Clothing /Saddles For Sale/Trade/ISO (over 5k members)
Kids and ponies equipment (over 2k members)
What I did...
I SOLD my daughters “last season’s size” show clothes on one of these sites, took the money from her size 10’s and turned right around and posted, “ISO – Size 12 Tailored Sportsman jods. Show quality.”
Parlayed the money right into the next size I needed!
I got three pairs, all in show condition, for about $150- SCORE!
(For those that don’t know, TS jods are $200 a pair new…easily)
My daughter getting ready for the ring...And there was no telling these jods weren't new!
Show shirts, show jackets, show pads, garters, belts, show bows, etc…You’ll find it all!
A typical post:
ISO – Show clothes size 12. Show quality shirts, jods, blue/black jacket. Show me what you’ve got!
Or you can be more specific:
ISO – Tailored Sportsman front zip show quality jods, size 12.
Bottom line: You don’t need to buy new if you don’t have to! Even my daughters beloved Ariat jacket - I sold her M and found a L in one of the FB Groups, like new condition, and the cost was a wash!
A word of caution: There are scammers out there. Check out who you are buying from and be careful sending money to people. Venmo has purchase protection for purchases, but checking a sellers rating or profile is a good idea too! For the record, I have had all good experiences purchasing from FB.
Sometimes NEW is best when it comes to technical gear like helmets, vests, and air vests unless specified that the equipment has had “No falls” and is “Like new.” But buyer beware! Especially when it comes to critical protection. Also, never buy a saddle without consulting your trainer and a professional saddle fitter – Hay, we’re here to learn from each other’s mistakes, right! (Stay tuned on that front – I have a professional saddle fitter and tack concierge friend on deck for a LIVE Q&A session!) I can laugh about it now. Sort of.
What did you score second-hand that you can share? What FB sites do you cruise for gear?
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