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Not-So-Speedy Dressage

From Endurance to Dressage

Dover Saddlery, You Rock!

1/17/2013

 
Christmas brought lots of gift cards and special deals. The last of the orders have finally trickled in, and I am ready to start using a few new things.

My newest purchases (not my money, remember, gift cards!) were two new Kerrits shirts and a brush bag. I tore into the box, eager to try on my new riding shirts. Most of my tops are from Target's active wear section, which is fine, but they don't have the same style that Kerrits brings.

The first shirt is very nice; it's a long sleeve Ventilator in wheat with a contrasting floral collar. It's going to the Christian Schacht Clinic. It fits perfectly and will look slightly better than my running shirts as it has a nice collar.

The second shirt, a short sleeve Ventilator in black didn't fit. In fact, it was so small that I couldn't even get it over my head! My husband laughed when I held it up. Did you order a kid size? he asked. Fearing that he might be right, I quickly looked at the tag. Nope, it was right, but there was no way that it was really a medium. Serious disappointment.

I got on the phone to Dover and explained the problem. After some back and forth, I decided that I didn't want to risk reordering the black one as maybe the whole batch was funky. I opted to get a white one, which I already have and like. I asked if Dover would cover the shipping as it seemed as though the product was defective. I kind of expected a bit of a hassle, but no, the customer service representative said he would send a shipping label with the replacement shirt.

So just to make sure I understood, I said, so you'll charge my credit card for the replacement, but give me a credit once the first shirt has been received. 

The customer service rep said, no, we're just sending you the shirt. Try it on, and if it fits keep it. If it doesn't fit return it with the other one so you don't have to pay for shipping in the event that it doesn't fit either.

Wow! That's great customer service. I know Smartpak pays shipping both ways, but I really appreciated that Dover stepped up to minimize my cost when the mistake wasn't even theirs. Good customer service is my number one criteria when shopping. I will even pay more if I know a company will treat me well and take care of me when I have a problem.

Dover Saddlery, you are awesome!

Click to enlarge.
Kelly link
1/16/2013 11:21:33 pm

Love, love my one sleeveless Kerrits shirt and wants more! Good to hear that Dover is just as amazing at customer service as Smartpak.

Karen
1/17/2013 10:57:38 am

I need a sleeveless one, too! And yes, Dover is pretty easy to work with. I love Smartpak, but they don't always have the same selection as Dover.

Lauren link
1/17/2013 01:44:27 am

Dover is getting a lot, lot better. I bought a pair of tall boots from them in the $200 range that ended up falling apart in less than 3 months. They were in horrible shape (see falling apart) and I talked to customer service asking them if they would take them back. They took them back no questions asked and credited my account the full amount.

Karen
1/17/2013 11:02:22 am

Nice! But how frustrating to have such an expensive pair of "shoes" be so poorly made!

So far, I have had EXCELLENT luck with my tall boots. I school in a pair of Ariat field boots that I bought used. They are unbelievably comfortable and have held up quite well. I show in a pair of Ariat Maestros (actual dressage boots) and am quite pleased with how they are doing as well. I like the "look" of other brands, but I am pretty pleased with how well Ariats do. I also have a pair of Ariat Performers (paddock boots that zip in the back and lace in the front) that I have worn the crap out of, and they still look great!

What boots did you end up with?

Sarah link
1/17/2013 09:17:38 am

I bought one of the ventilator (since you recommend) and one of the icefil shirts since they're both on sale at Dover right now. Can't wait to try them out this spring!

Karen
1/17/2013 11:03:09 am

I need an Icefil ... There's only so much money though. :0) Let me know if it is worth the price!


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.
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    ​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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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