From Farrier to Tack Shop Owner: The Tack Shack’s Journey to Success

The Tack Shack provides essential equine supplies and services near the Otter Creek Trail System. After a car accident ended his farrier career, Edward Johnson pivoted to opening the shop with the support of local programs. The Tack Shack offers a range of tack, emergency shoeing, trimming, and now features a mobile unit for horse shows.

Assistance Provided

SBDC Advisor:
Deborah Wilson

Story Submitted by Client:  I was brought up in Sterling, NY where my “City Girl Mom” loved horses, so I came by my love of horses naturally and of course participated in 4-H. In 1991 headed out to Oklahoma Horseshoeing School to become a certified farrier. Returned home, to start my farrier career and volunteered for 4-H to help kids learn every aspect of horses, head to toe. In 2018 met my now wife, Lori, and moved to Glenfield, NY. It is only a mile from the Otter Creek Trail System, a 65-mile trail through the Adirondacks where horses are allowed.

Many good friends would forget to bring things, or they would break. When they kept calling me, I had a “light bulb’ moment: there are no tack shops in the area so why not. As I pondered this, my wife thought it a good idea because after my car accident left me disabled, I could no longer be a farrier. That is when the perfect new adventure began.

After learning about programs to help new start-ups, I contacted Naturally Lewis who told me about an upcoming program that would fit me. Next, I contacted the SBDC for help. They helped me put together a business plan and financial projections. I had to go to horse related businesses and groups for referrals and recommendations on what would be needed and useful to our area. Back to Naturally Lewis, who were also very helpful, and blessed me with a $30,000 grant to help me start-up my Dream Business.

In May 2023 we opened The Tack Shack. I now can supply equine supplies and many other necessities to the many riders that come from near and far. I also offer emergency shoeing and trimming for those in need. This year, because we are now mobile, we will be adding several away horse shows to our agenda to further help our business.

** Our success stories focus on the work the SBDC has done with our small business clients and does not constitute an expressed or implied endorsement by the NYSBDC of the company and/or their products and services.