A Message from Michele Michele Karwoski, proprietor & the heart behind M & M Tack Shop
As I reflect on our humble beginnings in a log cabin at MacNair's Country Acres to our recently expanded location near the Hunt Horse Complex, I feel very blessed for our loyal customers, many of you who I now think of as friends.
In over three decades I’ve watched many independent tack shops come and go and I’m grateful that I can continue to serve my customers. In a world of internet competitors and big box stores, not to mention economic fluctuations and the pandemic, it’s a challenging business.
Add to that, equestrians love certain traditions but also want to stay current with the trends.
With the help of a knowledgeable staff, we have continually found ways to fill those needs in the store, on our mobile shop and online. We even managed to serve customers during the COVID shutdown.
As we enter into the “Year of the Horse” we wish you and yours a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year. And we hope you will keep us in mind for all your horsey needs.
Here’s What We’re Bringing to 2026:
Enter to Win
To celebrate our 35th year, we will be having monthly random giveaways!
Each time you shop with us in the store, on our website, or from our mobile shop, you will
automatically be entered into a drawing for that month.
1 order = 1 entry (one order per day, per family will qualify)
Loyalty Rewards
Are you a part of our Loyalty Rewards Program?
Receive 1 point for every dollar spent at M & M to be redeemed on future purchases. *
Trainers - send us a list of your students and receive ¼ point for every point they receive.
*certain exclusions apply
Doing Our Part
Retail comes with a lot of packaging materials. Whenever possible, we reuse shipping boxes, plastic bags and packing materials, and of course, we recycle. Our bags and paper goods are made from recycled materials. We believe that even a small, independent store like M & M can make a difference.
A Place For Fun with a Little Education Thrown In
At M & M we think of our space as your space. That’s why we continue to support local equine organizations through sponsorships, barn nights, Wine & Equine educational events, yoga and book club. And we continue to welcome organizations to use the shop for their meetings.
A Good Community Neighbor
By shopping with your local, independently owned tack shop, more money stays in your
community. Your continued support allows us to remain supportive of our local organizations such as Duke JFTC, IEA, IHSA, NCDCTA, NCHJA, Rearing2Read as well as many other local shows, events and equine organizations.
Our Mobile Shop
In addition, our mobile shop will continue to be at select shows and horse trials across North Carolina and Virginia.
Virtual Shopping
Did you know that you can shop M & M Tack Shop Virtually? Not sure what size bell boots or blanket your horse wears, or the best color saddle pad? We can "meet you in your barn"!
Enjoy your own personal shopping experience virtually. This is a great way to "visit the shop" from the comfort of your home or barn.
Email us to set up an appointment questions@mmtackshop.com. We've even helped customers from the other side of the globe.
Online with M & M
We continue to expand our online offerings because we know how busy schedules often make shopping online not just a convenience, but oftentimes a necessity. Did you know you can shop online for in-store pick-up? This is a great option for those of us who don’t always remember what we need when we get to the store!
Stay Up to Date with Events & Happenings
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and our weekly “What’s New Wednesday” email.
Beautiful New Boot & Helmet Fitting Spaces
We believe that exceptional customer service is a requirement, not an option. Your safety and comfort are important to us which is why our staff is highly trained in helmet and boot fitting. To improve your shopping experience when making these important decisions, we have added dedicated boot, helmet and safety vest fitting spaces. These spaces make it much easier for our staff to better serve you. We also have a great selection of safety stirrups. Stop by and take a look.
Bit & Bridle Fitting
Did you know we offer in-person and virtual bridle and bit fitting? We currently custom fit Fairfax Performance Bridles.*
We stock and fit Happy Mouth, Herm Sprenger, Myler, Neue Schule and Trust bits. We are
always researching other bit and bridle options and would love to hear from you with your
suggestions.
Email us at questions@mmtackshop.com for more information or to set up an appointment.
*Hunter/Jumper/Eq friends we are working on bridle options for you. Don’t worry!
Saddles & Saddle Fitting
Saddle fitting has always been a passion for me and it has been comforting to see more people learning the trade/skill. We will continue to represent Albion, Fairfax, Kent & Masters & Thorowgood Saddles.
If you are interested in trying any of our saddles please reach out to:
Mary Bowles
Mary@mmtackshop.com
(all our brands)
Tara Mebane
Text 336-264-6660
(Fairfax, Kent & Masters, Thorowgood)
Already have a saddle fitter or are out of our area? We can help your fitter with our inventory. Contact Michele: questions@mmtackshop.com
On to Greener Pastures
At the end of 2025 we phased out our blanket cleaning and repair services. (We can offer recommendations).
In 2026 we are also phasing out the handling of consignment saddles. These changes will
allow us more time to focus on the services our customers value most.
Coming Soon
In response to increased interest, M & M is excited to offer products to enhance your Western Dressage experience. Watch for them in 2026. As always, we are interested in any ways we can better serve you so if there are products you would like us to carry please let us know questions@mmtackshop.com.
Remembering Xena
Anyone who has been in M & M Tack Shop over the past 13+ years knew Xena (warrior cat). In October, we said goodbye to our sweet tortoise shell kitty. We miss her every day.
Thank You for Your Loyalty & Support Year After Year.
For us, 2025 has been a very challenging year. Tariffs and global uncertainty have caused price increases and shipping delays, interfering with our goal of exemplary customer experience. We are doing our best to offer a variety of products at competitive prices and are especially appreciative of our customers who continue to shop with us, despite these challenges. Thank you, to all our customers who are doing your part!
