Sustainable Equestrian Practices: Do Good, Feel Good & Ride Green
Sustainable Equestrian Practices: Do Good, Feel Good, Ride Green
Earth Day may have passed, but sustainability is in style all year. Maryland Saddlery has made the equestrian industry more sustainable through consignment for over 37 years. We take pride in our inclusive community of riders from all levels and backgrounds, helping every day to make riding more affordable and accessible. When you do good, you feel good. Join us in riding green!
For 37 years, we've been a home base for equestrians up and down the East Coast — a place where riders at every level can find what they need without breaking the bank, and pass along what they've outgrown without letting it go to waste. That's not just good business. That's good for the planet.
Here are some of our favorite ways to make your barn life a little greener:
1. Shop Secondhand First
Before you buy new, browse pre-loved. We consign tack & apparel from a range of top brands to help you find what you need at a fraction of the cost without compromising on quality. What's better than a gently used saddle or pair of tall boots that have already been broken in for you? Shopping consignment keeps clothing & equipment in circulation and out of landfills, and you can save up to 70% off retail. That's a win for your wallet and the earth.
2. Consign What You've Outgrown
Your kid's show clothes that they outgrew after two horse shows? That expensive bridle that doesn't fit your new horse? Bring them to us. We accept saddles, bridles, bits, blankets, boots, breeches, schooling wear, stable supplies, and so much more — seven days a week, no appointment needed. You earn store credit towards future purchases, someone else gets an amazing deal, and nothing goes to waste.
3. Repair Before You Replace
A little leather conditioner, a visit to the boot repair guy (we recommend Pisano Riding Boot Repair), or a stitch job can add years to your boots and tack. Quality leather was made to last decades — take good care of it and your investment will last so much longer.
4. Choose Natural Fiber Saddle Pads & Clothing
Wool, cotton, and hemp are biodegradable and gentler on the environment than synthetic alternatives. Browse our saddle pad selection for new & used consignment options at great prices.
5. Compost Your Manure
Horse manure piles & pits can attract flies and be a source of runoff, not to mention smelly and expensive to remove. If you're not composting already, start small — even a basic bin can have a big impact over time on your garden, waterways and your wallet. Read Texas A&M's tips here.
6. Fewer Plastics, More Savings
Single-use plastics take up a lot of space in landfills and aren't fully biodegradable - they break down into microplastics that hang around in our soil and waterways. There are a ton of cute and practical options for reusable water bottles, coffee cups, supplement containers, and more. Recycling - or reducing use of - plastics is a simple and cost-effective way to minimize your carbon footprint.
7. Carpool to Shows & Trail Rides
Fewer trailers on the road means fewer emissions. Rally your barn friends and make the haul part of the fun.
8. Switch to LED Lighting in Your Barn
A simple swap that uses significantly less energy and lasts far longer than traditional bulbs. This is an upfront investment with big long-term return.
9. Use Slow Feeders & Hay Nets
Reducing hay waste is one of the easiest sustainability wins in the barn. Less waste means less money spent and less hay grown unnecessarily.
10. Donate to Sustainable Initiatives
If you're short on time but can give the gift of some funds, a low effort way to support a greener equestrian industry is through monetary donations. Giving back to organizations that work to preserve land, reduce waste, and contribute to other "green" initiatives is a great way to ensure our industry is around for a good time AND a long time.
Equestrian Partners in Conservation (EPIC)
Riding Green Starts With You
At Maryland Saddlery, we've built our whole model around the idea that riding should be affordable, accessible, and sustainable — for beginners, for lifers, and for everyone in between. Whether you're dropping off a bag of consignment or hunting for your next show jacket, you're part of something bigger.
Come see us. Our Butler flagship store is open seven days a week, and we ship nationwide. Clean out your tack room, do some good, and find something amazing in return.
Happy Earth Day from all of us at Maryland Saddlery. 🌿
Ready to consign? Start here. | Shop our latest arrivals: New Arrivals | Questions? Call us at 410-771-4135 or email info@marylandsaddlery.com
