Online tack and riding gear store
Run a web shop for a riding niche, such as dressage, western or kids' gear, shipped from home.
- $1k-8k
- Side hustle
- Online
Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.
Official data
9,921 US businesses with employees in this field, -0.7% in a year
NAICS 453910 “Pet and pet supplies stores”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.
What it is
An online shop selling grooming kit, bridles, riding apparel and accessories for a specific niche. Many sellers use drop-shipping from suppliers for some items and hold a small stock of best sellers.
Your first three steps
- Choose a niche and compare suppliers, including those that offer drop-shipping
- Build a store on a platform like Shopify and list a small starter range with clear photos and size guides
- Share the shop in local riding groups and on social media, and ask early customers for reviews
Who pays
Riders and horse owners nationwide, especially those in rural areas with no tack shop nearby.
How it makes money
Markup on each product sold, with extra from bundles, gift sets and repeat customers. Social media and email help bring buyers back.
Skills that help
- Knowing horse gear
- Online selling and basic photography
- Social media or email marketing
- Packing and shipping orders
Watch out for
- Sales tax rules for online sales, which vary by state, so check your state's rules and registration
- Home occupation permit, HOA or lease rules if you store stock at home
- Returns on boots, helmets and sized items, so set a clear return policy
- Competition from big retailers, so a focused niche and good advice help
- General liability and product insurance: ask an insurer what you need
Deep research report · US
Everything you need to start: online tack and riding gear store
Researched with live web search for United States: 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 start an online tack store?
Startup costs are estimates, typically around $1,000 to $8,000, depending on whether you drop-ship, how much stock of best sellers you hold, and how much you spend on your website and photos.
How much can an online tack store earn?
Monthly revenue is an estimate, typically around $500 to $4,000, depending on your niche, product range and marketing. Competition from big retailers is a factor, so a focused niche and good advice may help.
What rules should I check before opening an online tack store?
Check your state's sales tax rules and registration for online sales. If you store stock at home, check home occupation permit, HOA or lease rules. Also set a clear return policy for boots, helmets and sized items, and ask an insurer what cover you need.
Other ways to run this business
Mobile tack shop at barns and shows
Sell saddle pads, grooming kit and riding gear from a trailer at barns, horse shows and clinics.
- $5k-25k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Local tack shop near horse country
Open a small shop selling tack, feed-room supplies and riding gear to riders in your area.
- $25k-100k
- Full-time
- Own premises
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