Local tack shop with a small storefront
Open a small shop near horse country selling saddles, bridles and riding gear, with fitting help.
- C$40k-150k
- Full-time
- Own premises
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
A small retail shop stocking saddles, bridles, riding apparel and daily barn supplies. It offers fitting advice, simple repairs and a place for local riders to try before they buy.
Your first three steps
- Study your local area for riders, barns and clubs, and check whether an existing tack shop already serves them
- Get quotes for small retail units or farm-based shop space, and set up supplier accounts with tack and apparel wholesalers
- Plan opening stock and seasonal cash flow, then talk to local barns and instructors about becoming their go-to tack shop
Who pays
Local horse owners, riding school students, boarding barns, pony clubs and families buying a first set of riding gear.
How it makes money
Retail margin on new tack, apparel and supplies, plus used tack consignment, repairs and fitting services.
Skills that help
- Strong horse and tack knowledge
- Retail sales and stock buying
- Basic bookkeeping
- Customer service
Watch out for
- Municipal zoning, business licence and signage rules for retail premises (check with your municipality)
- Commercial general liability and property or stock insurance
- Stock tied up in saddles and seasonal items, so avoid over-buying early on
- Quiet winter months in many regions, which can strain cash flow
- GST/HST or provincial sales tax registration, and WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire staff (rules vary by province)
Deep research report · Canada
Everything you need to start: local tack shop with a small storefront
Researched with live web search for Canada: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to open a tack shop in Canada?
Startup costs are typically estimated at around $40,000 to $150,000 CAD, depending on your premises, stock levels, fit-out and insurance. Stock in saddles and seasonal items is a big factor, so avoid over-buying early.
How much can a small tack shop earn?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $8,000 to $35,000, depending on your location, stock range and customer base. The estimate assumes from about 40 hours a week, and quiet winter months can strain cash flow.
What licences and rules should I check for a tack shop in Canada?
Check municipal zoning, business licence and signage rules for retail premises. Also check commercial general liability and stock insurance, GST/HST or provincial sales tax registration, and WCB or WSIB coverage once you hire staff.
Other ways to run this business
Mobile tack and saddle fitting service
Bring saddles, bridles and riding gear to barns and horse shows, with fitting advice on the spot.
- C$8k-30k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Online used and new tack shop
Sell new and second-hand saddles, bridles and riding gear to riders across Canada from home.
- C$2k-12k
- Side hustle
- From home
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