Tilton — In the middle of an interview, Shira Nafshi, owner of The Trainer’s Loft, excuses herself to greet a customer.
“I’m going to give you some hand sanitizer before you get too far,” she says.
Running interference to make sure that customers coming into the consignment shop for equine tack and feed are properly sanitized and masked is just one way Nafshi’s workday has changed since the pandemic took hold. The Trainer’s Loft was deemed an essential business and able to stay open throughout the stay-at-home order, so Nafshi began requiring staff and customers to wear masks early on.
For some customers, that was an inconvenience. In the spring, when the shop was only doing curbside pickup, Nafshi spent about 20 minutes on the phone with a potential customer discussing the type of chicken feed the woman needed. At the end of the call, the woman asked if The Trainer’s Loft required masks. Nafshi explained the policy, but the woman said, “I won’t shop at a store that requires masks,” before hanging up.
Despite occasional pushback, Nafshi was determined to keep masks in place and worn correctly throughout the store.
“If we’re going to stay open as a store, we need customers to comply with mask wearing,” she said.
Since the statewide mask mandate began, compliance has improved. Nafshi is thankful for the state policy, which has made it easier to enforce health and safety measures in the shop.
After reopening to in-person shopping in June, The Trainer’s Loft saw a steady stream of customers, including many bargain hunters taking advantage of quality consignment horse tack and equipment during the pandemic.
Image credit: Julie Hirshan Hart
Visit The Trainer’s Loft for Quality New and Used Horse Tack
The Trainer’s Loft offers a wide selection of new and used equestrian equipment, apparel, and horse care products. Whether you are a seasoned rider or new to the equine world, the consignment shop provides opportunities to find great gear that fits your budget and needs.
Browse categories including saddles, bridles, bits, grooming supplies, horse feed, and rider apparel. The availability of both new and used items allows riders to shop smart and prepare for every season.
For more about choosing the right horse tack and riding boots, check out our guides:
