Smart Black Friday Shopping for Equestrians: How to Prep, Plan, and Save

Black Friday can feel a little like a jump-off round or a reining pattern: fast, intense, and over before you know it. With so many deals flying by at Kentucky Derby speed, it’s easy to overspend, overlook essentials, or get swept up in the excitement. But with a little planning you can make the most of the sales, stick to your budget, and check off everything from barn basics to holiday gifts.

1. Start With a Barn & Tack Room Audit

Before browsing a single sale, take stock of what you actually need. Check everything: fly spray, first aid supplies, grooming tools, saddle pads, blankets, breeches, gloves, supplements, etc. Note what’s low, what needs replacing, and what would be helpful backups to have on-hand. A quick tack room audit keeps you from buying duplicates or missing essentials.

2. Make a Prioritized Shopping List

Break your list into categories: Needs, Stock-Up Items, Nice-to-Haves, and Gifts. Put the highest-priority, highest-cost items at the top. This keeps you focused when the sales start dropping and prevents impulse buys from eating your whole budget before you snag the items you actually planned for.

3. Set a Budget

It’s easy to justify a little overspend when the deals are good (and sometimes they really are oh-so-good), but Black Friday only works for you if it doesn’t blow your budget for the rest of the year. Decide your max spending amount ahead of time and hold yourself to it. If you’re shopping multiple sales, allocate separate mini-budgets so you know exactly how much you can spend at each retailer.

4. Compare Prices Before You Buy

Just because something is labeled “Black Friday Deal” doesn’t mean it’s the best price available. Check a few different tack stores and equestrian retailers, especially for big purchases like boots, helmets, blankets, tack, and barn equipment. Many stores will also price-match during the Black Friday period: use that to your advantage.

5. Head to Turnout HQ’s Ultimate Black Friday List

Sign up for a free Turnout HQ account for access to a HUGE master list of horse-related retailers offering Black Friday sales. One of the most daunting things about Black Friday shopping can be the time and energy spent hunting down all the best deals, but Turnout HQ is doing that part for you! We’ll have a huge list featuring hundreds (literally) of the best sales in the industry, constantly updated throughout the week, in an easy-to-read format. 

6. Know Your Horse’s (and Your) Sizes

This is a small detail that saves a ton of time. Write down your horse’s blanket size, boot size, halter size, and any hard-to-remember measurements. Same for yourself: breeches, boots, gloves, tops, helmets, coat sizes, etc in your favorite brands. Having these ready means you won’t hesitate at checkout or accidentally order the wrong item.

7. Don’t Forget to Think Seasonally

Black Friday is one of the best times to grab winter layers, heavy blankets, and cold-weather gear before the temperatures drop further. It’s also a great opportunity to stock up on things you’ll want come spring - fly gear, sunshirts, grooming tools, etc - while they’re deeply discounted.

8. Keep Gift Lists Separate

If you’re holiday shopping for barn friends, trainers, or your horse-loving family, keep a separate gift list so you don’t mix it with essentials. Black Friday is an excellent time to stock up on thoughtful but budget-friendly gifts.

9. If You Can Swing It, Leave a Little Room for One Fun Purchase

It’s Black Friday - if you find a deal that’s hard to resist, you might be able to justify treating yourself. Decide ahead of time what kind of discount or price would make a “fun” item justifiable to you, and how much of your budget you’d be able to allocate in case the deals are just that good. 

With a bit of planning and a clear strategy, Black Friday can be your most efficient, budget-friendly equestrian shopping day of the year. Whether you’re re-stocking the barn, refreshing your worn out gear, or hunting for the perfect gift, going in prepared ensures you get the best deals without the stress. Happy shopping!