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Hi
Helen,
Thanks for your note. Sounds like you're getting
ready to be a horse show mom times three! Show
clothing is an investment in the success of your
children, but still can be a formidable expense.
I feel our prices are very reasonable for the
quality and style we offer (especially compared
the the cost of custom clothes) but here are additional
suggestions:
1. Shop e-bay or other internet auction sites
for quality secondhand show apparel. Chaps and
more expensive jackets are the best bet here,
just look before you leap: understand how on-line
auctions work, and know what you are bidding on.
2. Check tack shops in your area for both their
own resale departments and ads on thier bulletin
boards.
3. Make your own ad for tack shops, club newsletters,
and show entry booths telling the world what you're
looking for. Who knows what is languishing in
closets that could be ready cash to someone who
is no longer showing or has outgrown their clothes?
4. Consider having someone make your clothes as
a last resort. If they are skilled in making show
apparel, you will not be paying bargain prices,
and if they have never sewn show apparel, chances
are you are waisting your money.
Even for someone who knows what they are doing,
the cost of fabric, notions, patterns (if you
can find something that will work) and the time
and hassle factor make the do-it-yourself approach,
especially for chaps and complicated jackets or
vests, a risky idea. Try second hand, catalogs,
or even ponying up the big bucks for custom before
you try it yourself unless you are (or have at
your disposal) a very experienced seamstress.
Good luck and have fun with your show kids!
Suzi D
Hobby Horse
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