A well-organised tack room is more than visually pleasing — it improves safety, extends equipment lifespan, and saves time every single day. Poor organisation leads to lost items, damaged tack, rodent contamination, and unnecessary replacement costs.
An efficient tack room supports professional standards and smoother daily routines.
This guide explains how to structure, store, and maintain a practical, functional tack space.
Why Tack Room Organisation Matters
Disorganised tack rooms often result in:
- Leather stored against damp walls
- Metal corrosion
- Misplaced equipment
- Trip hazards
- Rodent damage
- Time wasted searching for items
Good organisation improves:
- Safety
- Hygiene
- Equipment longevity
- Daily workflow efficiency
A structured layout reduces stress and saves time.
1. Create Separate Storage Zones
Divide your tack room into clear sections:
- Saddles
- Bridles
- Girths
- Rugs
- Grooming kits
- Feed storage
- First aid
- Tools
Each item should have a defined place — clutter accumulates when storage lacks structure.
2. Proper Saddle Storage
Saddles should be:
- Stored on shaped saddle racks
- Positioned away from external walls
- Covered with breathable saddle covers
Avoid:
- Hanging over rails
- Placing on the floor
- Stacking directly against each other
Correct storage prevents tree warping and panel damage.
3. Bridle Organisation
Use:
- Individual rounded bridle hooks
- Labelled pegs
- Separate areas for different horses
Keep reins buckled neatly to prevent tangling — tangled leather creases and weakens.
Avoid piling bridles together.
4. Ventilation and Damp Control
The UK climate makes moisture management essential.
Ensure:
- Good airflow
- Ventilation gaps
- A dehumidifier if possible
- Tack not stored against cold brick walls
Damp air encourages mould, which weakens stitching and stains leather. Check corners regularly.
5. Rug Storage Solutions
Rugs should be:
- Clean before storage
- Completely dry
- Folded neatly
- Stored in breathable bags
Avoid plastic bags that trap moisture.
Label rugs by weight (e.g., 100g, 200g) for quick access — organisation reduces daily confusion.
6. Feed Storage Area
Keep feed:
- In sealed bins
- Off the floor
- Away from tack
- Rodent-proof
Rodent contamination damages both feed and leather. Clean spills promptly and separate feed from leather to reduce odour and moisture transfer.
7. Grooming Kit Station
Ideally, each horse should have:
- An individual grooming kit
- Clean storage box
- Clearly labelled tools
Shared kits increase cross-contamination risk — clean brushes regularly.
8. First Aid Accessibility
Store first aid:
- In a clearly marked container
- Easy to access
- Not buried under equipment
Display emergency contact numbers nearby — speed matters in emergencies.
9. Safety Considerations
Remove hazards such as:
- Loose ropes
- Low or protruding hooks
- Cluttered floors
- Exposed nails
Tack rooms often double as working spaces — minimise trip risks.
10. Cleaning Schedule for the Tack Room
Weekly:
- Sweep floors
- Remove cobwebs
- Check for damp patches
Monthly:
- Inspect for mould
- Check ventilation
- Wipe shelves
Quarterly:
- Declutter
- Reassess layout
- Remove unused items
Clean spaces protect equipment.
11. Label and Rotate Equipment
Label storage clearly:
- Horse names
- Rug weights
- Seasonal gear
- Spare parts
Rotation prevents equipment from being forgotten and deteriorating.
12. Lighting and Visibility
Install:
- Reliable overhead lighting
- Torches or backup lighting
- Good visibility for winter use
Poor lighting increases the chance of selecting the wrong item or missing damage.
13. Security and Insurance
Secure the tack room with:
- A solid lock
- Reinforced doors
- Secure key storage
Tack theft is common — document equipment with photos for insurance records.
Common Organisation Mistakes
- Overcrowding small spaces
- Ignoring ventilation
- Mixing wet and dry equipment
- Storing chemicals near leather
- Leaving tack on the floor
Disorganisation accelerates deterioration.
The Core Principle
An efficient tack room should be:
- Dry
- Well ventilated
- Structured
- Safe
- Easy to navigate
Organisation protects:
- Your investment
- Horse and rider safety
- Daily efficiency
Professional standards begin with how equipment is stored.
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Knowledge Hub: https://jsm-equestrian-supplies.co.uk/knowledge-hub/
Category: https://jsm-equestrian-supplies.co.uk/category/tack-knowledge/
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