If you are lucky enough to have a horse, you will probably also have a lot of gear to store. Saddles, bridles, rugs, lead ropes, headcollars, numnahs and saddle pads…not to mention your own boots, hats, body protectors.. the list goes on. This is vital and also often very expensive gear, so you will want to make sure you store it properly.
A well organised tack room will save you time and make your life less stressful, and also reduce the risk of damage and decay to your tack. This will prolong its lifespan and ensure it is safe and comfortable for you and your horse. Here are some top horse equipment storage tips to help you tackle your tack room woes.
Assess your space
First of all, make an inventory of all the kit you need to store, and then take a look at where you plan to store it. Note any issues such as damp or pest infestations that could cause damage to the equipment, and make sure that these are dealt with first.
Draw up a plan of the layout. If space is at a premium, maximise the vertical space with wall hooks that are sturdy enough to support saddles. Look for rails that can handle heavy duty fixings and are long enough to include several hooks for additional items such as saddles, headcollars, boots, helmets, and so on.
Declutter your equipment
Tack rooms can easily become a messy and disorganised space, accumulating items that you no longer need or are in need of repair…or just shouldn’t be there in the first place. Set aside some time to sort through your stuff, separating it into categories to keep, repair, donate or discard.
Be ruthless and check each item carefully for signs of wear and tear that could mean it’s not safe to use. It might be a good opportunity to have your saddle checked by a qualified fitter so that you can be confident it is appropriate for your horses’ weight and fitness levels.
Make a clean sweep
Tack rooms are prone to accumulate debris from the yard such as stray pieces of hay and straw, not to mention plenty of cobwebs, mouldy mugs and other junk. Take the opportunity to have a deep clean so that it looks neat and welcoming. If it is prone to mould and damp, assess the ventilation and make adjustments if necessary.
Shelving and cabinets
In addition to wall hooks, shelves and cabinets will be useful for storing grooming kit, tack cleaning equipment, training gear such as lunge reins, and spare items such as bits and stirrups. Bins or storage chests can be used to store seasonal items such as rugs and blankets.
Maintenance
Check your tack room regularly for signs of mould, and keep it clean to minimise dust and dirt that can settle on tack. Consider installing security features such as locks and alarms to protect your gear from theft.
