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The Solution Section (FAQ)
What does Hawkins Western World sell?
Hawkins Western World carries an extensive selection of Western horse tack and horse care items, with a focus on the show ring. Owned by people who show horses, it stocks bits, headstalls, show blankets and saddle pads, spurs and straps, leg protection, and natural grooming products. Most orders ship within 24 hours.
What bits does Hawkins Western World carry?
Hawkins keeps a large selection of quality bits for many different disciplines, working from the philosophy that 'you can never have too many bits.' The collection includes Bob Avila, Don Hansen, Myler, and Gist bits, plus the revolutionary 'Whisper Bit' designed by Hall of Fame Reiner Tim McQuay.
Do they have headstalls for both work and show?
Yes. For everyday use they carry top-quality Working Headstalls from Martin Saddlery that hold up to day-to-day work. For the show ring they stock beautiful Silver Show Headstalls in many styles, including the very popular Rhinestone Collection with plenty of bling.
What show blankets and saddle pads are available?
Hawkins stocks Yucca Flats show blankets, which are 100% wool, oversized at approximately 34 x 38, and known for unique patterns and colors that catch the eye in the ring. For saddle pads they carry show-quality options including Professionals Choice Air Ride, WonPad, and Classic Equine ESP.
What can I use to keep my show horse clean?
Hawkins offers EQ Solutions, an easy and quick way to wash that eliminates buckets and scrubbing. The products are all natural and leave no residue to irritate the skin or dull the hair coat. You just snap on the handy foamer and you're ready to go.
Does Hawkins carry leg protection and other tack?
Yes. Hawkins stocks a wide selection of leg protection to guard your horse's legs during training or a trail ride, including Splint Boots, Bell Boots, and Skid Boots. They also carry reins, cinches, and curb chains, plus spurs and straps in a complete range of prices and styles, silvered or plain.
How fast does Hawkins Western World ship orders?
Most orders are shipped within 24 hours. Customers are notified by email of their shipment status, so you know when your tack is on the way.
How do I shop or get help finding a product?
You can shop online at www.tackstore.net or call owner Gina Hunter at 209-823-2731. If you're looking for a product that isn't on the website, give Hawkins a call and they'll do their best to track it down for you or point you to where you can find it.
What is Hawkins Western World?
Hawkins Western World is a Western horse tack and horse-care retailer owned and operated by people who actively show horses. It carries an extensive selection of bits, headstalls, saddle pads, blankets, leg protection, grooming products, and accessories. The store was founded in Livermore, California, in 1979 by Ron and Gloria Hawkins.
Who owns Hawkins Western World?
The store is owned and run by Gina Hunter, who comes from a horse family and has been riding and showing since she was two years old. The Hawkins name traces back to founders Ron and Gloria Hawkins. Gina's competitive experience spans Working Cow Horse, Western Pleasure, and Reining.
How can I contact Hawkins Western World?
You can reach Hawkins Western World by phone at 209-823-2731. Owner Gina Hunter personally works with customers to find products and will custom-source items on request. This direct line is the best way to place an order or ask about gear that isn't listed.
What bit brands does Hawkins Western World carry?
The store stocks performance bits from Bob Avila, Don Hansen, Myler, and Gist. It also carries the Whisper Bit, which was developed from a Tim McQuay design. The selection is geared toward riders in reining, cow horse, and pleasure events.
What headstalls are available at Hawkins Western World?
Hawkins Western World offers both working and show headstalls. Rugged working headstalls come from Martin Saddlery, while the Silver Show Headstalls in the Rhinestone Collection are dressed for the show pen. Matching reins and straps are available to complete the outfit.
What saddle pads and blankets does the store sell?
For under the saddle, the store carries Yucca Flats 100% wool blankets in a 34x38 size, plus engineered pads including the Professionals Choice Air Ride, the WonPad, and the Classic Equine ESP. These options cover both show looks and everyday back protection. The range lets a rider match the pad to the horse and the discipline.
Does Hawkins Western World sell leg protection?
Yes. The store stocks splint boots, bell boots, and skid boots for horses that work hard in the arena. This leg protection complements the performance bits and pads the store carries. It rounds out a complete kit for cow horse, reining, and pleasure competitors.
What grooming products are available?
Hawkins Western World carries EQ Solutions natural hair products for grooming. These are aimed at keeping a show horse's coat, mane, and tail in top condition. Grooming supplies sit alongside the tack so customers can outfit both the horse and the rider in one stop.
Can Gina custom-source products I don't see listed?
Yes. Gina Hunter will custom-source items on request and acts as a personal shopper for her customers. As one customer, Nan of Woodside, CA, put it, 'Gina is like having my own personal shopper, I tell her what I want and she sends me great products Asap.' If you need something specific, calling 209-823-2731 is the way to ask.
Where is Hawkins Western World located?
The business was founded in Livermore, California, in 1979 and continues to operate from California. Gina Hunter and her husband Don also keep a horse operation where they breed Quarter Horses. The store's California roots tie it to the Western performance-horse community.
Is Hawkins Western World really run by horse people?
Yes. Owner Gina Hunter has shown horses since age two and competes in Working Cow Horse, Western Pleasure, and Reining. She and her husband Don breed Quarter Horses. That hands-on experience shapes what the store stocks and how it advises customers.
What disciplines does Hawkins Western World cater to?
The inventory leans toward Western performance disciplines, including reining, working cow horse, and Western pleasure. Performance bits, working and silver show headstalls, and skid boots all point to that competitive focus. Owner Gina Hunter's own show background in these events drives the selection.
What is the Whisper Bit?
The Whisper Bit is a bit carried by Hawkins Western World that was developed from a Tim McQuay design. It sits alongside other performance bits from makers like Bob Avila, Don Hansen, Myler, and Gist. The store's bit selection reflects the demands of reining and cow-horse riders.
What kind of customer service does Hawkins Western World offer?
Customers describe the service as personal and responsive. Kelly Z. of Fiddletown wrote, 'Thanks for your great customer service,' and Nan of Woodside, CA, compares working with Gina to having a personal shopper. Because the owner works directly with buyers, the experience is hands-on rather than transactional.
Does Hawkins Western World carry silver and show tack?
Yes. The store offers Silver Show Headstalls in a Rhinestone Collection designed for the show pen. These dressed-up pieces sit alongside the more rugged Martin Saddlery working headstalls. Riders can choose between everyday working leather and silver-accented show gear.
How long has Hawkins Western World been in business?
Hawkins Western World was founded in Livermore, California, in 1979 by Ron and Gloria Hawkins. It has served Western riders for decades and is now run by owner Gina Hunter. That long track record reflects deep roots in the show-horse community.
