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Not-So-Speedy Dressage

From Endurance to Dressage

A Cinderella Moment

6/6/2016

 
This past December, I bought a pair of Tuffrider Baroque Dress Boots from the Riding Warehouse. They were intended to be my new schooling boots, but since winter's mud had finally arrived and my Volants were holding up, I saved them for lessons and clinics. Even though they were pretty cheap, they were far more comfortable than any of my other tall boots. I liked them immediately and was happy with the purchase.
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Uh oh ...
And then Izzy stepped on the back of my heel at a Christian Schacht clinic a few weeks ago. He didn't hurt me, but he did rip off the bottom of my shoe. I was just walking in for my lesson when it happened, so I wasn't able to change into my other books, but I was able to ride without any issues.

It took me a little more than a week to call the Riding Warehouse. I was hoping that the boots were under warranty or that they could give me directions for how to send them in to Tuffrider for repair. The customer service rep that I spoke with urged me to send in some photos of the boots, which I did that same afternoon.
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The next morning, I received an email from the Riding Warehouse letting me know that Tuffrider had authorized them to send me a brand new pair which were being expressly shipped and would arrive the next day. All they asked was that I place the defective pair in the box and return them with the shipping label enclosed.

I was shocked! Riding Warehouse has always had excellent customer service, but this seemed above and beyond. While the Tuffrider brand is one that I'm familiar with, I think I'll keep my eye on them for future purchases. If they're going to back up their products this well, I am all in.
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The next day, my replacements boots arrived. I took them out, put them in my boot bag, and boxed up the defective pair. I am hoping the first pair was simply defective and not representative of the quality of the boots in general. Either way, I am making sure Izzy is a bit more respectful of my space.
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I have a lesson with Chemaine tomorrow. I think I'll break them in with her.

Do you have a great customer service story to share?
Exploringdressagebiomechanics link
6/6/2016 08:50:39 am

That's awesome! Similar story here. Bought Mountain Horse Stella Winter Boots from Smartpak that started leaking in under a year with light use. MH agreed to replace the boots, sent them through SP, and all I had to do was put the defective boots in the box and use the return shipping label. Nice when companies and retailers stand behind their products!

Bakersfield Dressage link
6/6/2016 10:53:59 am

Riding Warehouse and SmartPak are two of my favorite stores because of the ease of their customer service.

Tracy E
6/6/2016 10:00:10 am

Funny, one of my recent great customer service experiences with horse stuff was also from Riding Warehouse! I had purchased a rope halter and left a review for it saying that it had faded and become stiff, and RW contacted me to return the old halter and get a replacement. They allowed me to get a new one of a different brand that the staff member owned themselves and recommended. I love the new halter and the customer service has always been top-notch from them every time I have reason to work with them. I always check to see if RW carries what I want first if I'm looking for something online!

Bakersfield Dressage link
6/6/2016 10:55:36 am

I am not at all surprised. I am with you - I ALWAYS check Riding Warehouse first before I buy anything. If they have it, I will order from them every time. Not only is their customer service awesome, but I can never find a lower price anywhere else. Glad you had such a great experience with them.

Teresa link
6/7/2016 04:11:20 pm

While it's awesome to be Canadian, the downside is the cost of shipping of duty from the online stores that you have.

I have a pair of Tuffrider boots that I bought for schooling and I LOVE them. They are the most comfortable ones I've ever owned.

Cathryn link
6/8/2016 07:51:37 pm

The shipping AND exchange rate is insane!

Micaylah link
6/13/2016 10:18:03 am

Wow what great customer service!


Comments are closed.

    About the Writer and Rider

    ​I am a lifelong rider. 
    I began endurance riding in 1996 where I ultimately completed five, one-day 100 mile races, the 200-mile Death Valley Encounter, and numerous other 50, 65, and 75 mile races. I began showing dressage in 2010.
    ​Welcome to my dressage journey.
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    About Speedy G

    ​Speedy went from endurance horse to dressage horse. After helping me earn a USDF Bronze medal in the summer of 2020, he is now semi-retired. Speedy is a 2004, 15'1 hand, purebred Arabian gelding. His Arabian Horse Registry name is G Ima Starr FA.
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    About Izzy

    Izzy was started as a four-year old and then spent the next 18 months in pasture growing up. I bought him as a six-year old, and together, we are showing at the lower levels. He is a 2008, 16'3 hand warmblood gelding. His Rheinland Pfalz-saar International (RPSI) name is Imperioso.
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Site Designed and Managed by: Karen Sweaney

Among other things, Karen is a Wife, Friend, Reader, Writer, Rider, Traveler, and Dog Lover
Contact her at bakersfielddressage@gmail.com
  • Home
  • About
  • My Horses
    • Horses
    • Imperioso
    • G Ima Starr FA
    • Sunshine
    • Nakota and Gideon
    • Corky
    • Sassy
    • Montoya DSA
    • Mickey Dee
    • Sydney
  • Show Results
    • 2022
    • 2021
    • 2020
    • 2019
    • 2018
    • 2017
    • 2016
    • 2015
    • 2014
    • 2013
    • 2012
    • 2011
    • 2010
  • Dressage Organizations
    • Dressage Organizations
    • Memberships
    • 2019 Dressage Tests
  • Local
    • Shopping List
  • Home