Trying a new Tack

New management offers expanded selection

MOSES LAKE — Cynder Baumberger has been a horse lover since she could walk.

"Probably before that," Baumberger said, with a laugh, "I was always on a horse."

It's a handy life to have led for her new job, being the new manager for The Tack Shop, located at 215 S. Balsam.

After previous owners Jeff and Dee Dayett decided to retire from the business, Rock Island-based tack store owner Harold Lamb took over. He called his friend Baumberger, and asked if she would be willing to manage the 25-year-old business.

Lamb and Baumberger took over April 1. The store closed for a week of renovations, and re-opened April 8. The store is holding a grand opening this weekend.

Baumberger said the Tack Shop boasts all new, expanded inventory.

"We carry a larger selection," she said. "Three different brands of saddles. We carry boots. We carry hats and shape hats."

In fact, the Tack Shop is one of the few places in eastern Washington where hat shaping takes place, Baumberger added.

The business will also take consignments.

"I would just like to see us grow, and eventually outgrow this location because of the need for tack in Grant County," Baumberger said. "There's a lot of horse people here."

The business employs three people.

Baumberger said the response since taking over has been great, with many customers coming through the store to check it out.

"People are really happy that there's still a tack shop here," she said, explaining that tack is what is put on a horse, including pads, head stalls, bits, reins, bridles and saddles. "We sell anything and everything that you would put on a horse."

Even before she was manager, Baumberger would shop at the business. Her love will no doubt carry down to the next generation, as Baumberger's almost 2-year-old daughter, Madi, comes in to the store with her, as does the Tack Shop dog, Keyote.

"It's awesome, because it's what I love to do," she said.

The Tack Shop is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.