Horse owners spend an average of $2,000 on tack and equipment. And for a lot of us thrifty equestrians, we can stretch that $2,000 into a LOT of tack and equipment we need for our horses. I mean, how can you pass up a ‘lot of horse tack’ when you get it for $50? I know I can’t!
And over time, all of those bargains will take up a lot of valuable space. Many of us find it challenging to store these valuable items in limited space. Believe me, I know the feeling – looking for affordable tack room ideas while our saddles, bridles, and grooming supplies lie scattered throughout the barn. Trying to find that one bit, or saddle pad can take forever!
And once you have brought all of your treasures out to your barn, or tack room to keep everything together, you realize you don’t have a very organized tack room. Or nearly enough storage options for all of your horsey ‘stuff’. Don’t worry, I am here to help you! You don’t need a bigger barn, or tack room. You just need some creative ideas to help you transform your space.
While it might be nice to have expensive custom solutions or professional installations to create a well-laid-out tack room, you can do it yourself for a lot less money.
I have spent years testing different tack room organization ideas and found many DIY solutions that work as well as premium options. These cost much less too. My experiments with repurposed household items and dollar store finds have helped to maximize storage space effectively.
Want to turn your messy tack room into an organized space without spending too much? Let’s look at these practical, budget-friendly ideas together!
The Ultimate Guide to Tack Room Storage Ideas
This is the time of year when I get excite about the upcoming change of seasons. I have visions of spending lots of time outside with my horses. Going on trail rides, hanging out in the pasture with them, or even just dragging my arena. It’s times like these that I feel truly fortunate and blessed for what I have.
That is, until I open the door to my tack room. Then I get a little mad at myself for not keeping everything in it’s place over the winter. But, it’s an easy fix with a little bit of cleaning up, and putting everything away. Which, if I’m being honest, is something I should have been doing all winter long. Please don’t judge me, or my mess!
And I wanted to share some of my own tack room storage solutions with you, in case you’re new around here, or just like seeing tack room storage ideas.
Essential DIY Storage Solutions
Smart storage solutions can transform your tack room without breaking the bank. A little time spent on DIY projects saves hundreds of dollars and creates custom storage that fits your space perfectly.
Building Folding Wall-Mounted Saddle Racks
I have come up with an easy, but nice looking option. My latest version of a wall mounted saddle racks costs $7 each, saving $18 compared to store options. Here’s the proven process:
- Gather materials: landscaping timber, 2.5 Inch Eye Hooks Screw, tarp hooks, bamboo bath mat (optional), construction adhesive
- Cut landscaping timber in 22″ lengths for multiple saddle racks and sand with sandpaper
- Mount a tarp hook at one end of the timber. For extras strength put a drop or two of the construction adhesive under the flat portion before securing with screws.
- Install eye hook on the wall where you will be hanging the saddle rack
- Measure bathmat and cut so that it will go around the timber at least one time, secure with construction adhesive and allow to dry before using.
Once your saddle racks have had time to fully dry, you can hang them in your tack room. When the saddle racks are not in use, you can remove it, and hang it on the screw eye to keep it out of the way.
Creating Multi-Purpose Storage Bins
Everyday items make excellent storage solutions. These budget-friendly ideas work great:
- Large Rolling Tool Boxes serve as mobile tack storage
- Tool Boxes can also be used as a lockable grooming box
- Plastic containers keep blankets organized
- Smaller Plastic containers work great for keeping small items together
Installing Budget-Friendly Bridle Hooks
Bridle organization doesn’t need expensive solutions. You can DIY a very nice bridle rack for yourself, and make it everything you have ever wanted for a lot less money. Chrome bridle hangers and horseshoe hooks create an efficient system that works. The space works best when hooks mount at different heights using all available wall space.
These DIY storage projects create a tack room that keeps equipment safe and within reach. You can complete these projects over a weekend with simple tools from your local hardware store.
Smart Upcycling Projects
I’ve also found that building an efficient tack room doesn’t require new equipment purchases. My personal experience with budget-friendly solutions shows that upcycling existing items creates amazing storage options.
Repurposing Household Items for Tack Storage
Common household items make practical tack storage solutions. Here are our favorite ways to transform everyday items:
- Use tension rods, or curtain rods with metal s- hooks to store bits
- Convert blow dryer holders into perfect whip and crop storage
- Turn yoga mats into rugs, or to cover bare wood
- Use hanging shoe organizers to store small equipment
Converting Old Furniture into Storage Units
Old furniture pieces are fantastic for tack storage units. bookshelves, or storage racks work exceptionally well. Filing cabinets provide perfect spaces for important paperwork and equipment storage.
Budget-Friendly Organization Systems
My latest tack room project showed me that simple systems work best without breaking the bank. I have become skilled at creating functional spaces with budget-friendly options that work as well as expensive ones.
Dollar Store Organization Hacks
The dollar store has amazing items that can change your tack room organization. Here are some of my tested favorites:
- Stackable storage containers for small items
- Over-door hangers for bits and bonnets
- Plastic bins
Low-Cost Storage Containers
After testing many storage options, clear plastic containers give the best value. They store blankets, supplements, and equipment while keeping everything visible and safe from dust and moisture.
Pro Tip: Get containers with secure lids to protect valuable equipment from dust and moisture. Stack similar-sized containers and add detailed labels for the best organization.
Space-Saving DIY Projects
Smart space utilization doesn’t mean sacrificing functionality. My tack room designs and re-designs over the years have found that there was amazing storage potential in vertical space and portable solutions that keep costs low.
Vertical Storage Solutions
Wall space becomes precious in a small tack room. The most effective vertical storage methods include:
- Installing adjustable shelving systems
- Mounting saddle racks with blanket storage underneath
- Using over the door hangers for a lot of storage affordably.
- Skirt hangers are fantastic for storing multiple saddle pads.
Ultimate Guide to Tack Room Storage Ideas
Can you see how creative you can get with storage? It makes me very happy to have a lot of options for storage. It makes me even happier when my tack room looks good….
That will be happening soon. Well, one it warms up a bit!
Vertical thinking and fold-down elements have tripled my usable space while keeping everything available. Success depends on selecting sturdy materials and careful layout planning before installation.
The Ultimate Guide to Tack Room Storage Ideas
Smart storage solutions make a huge difference in tack room functionality without major costs. I have been re-doing my tack room in order to make the most of the small space, and be able to keep everything organized and tidy. If you learn anything from thisd, remeber, everything has a home. This one thing will help you to have an organized tack room that makes it easy to find what you need, when you need it.
Hopefully these tested DIY projects, upcycling ideas, and dollar store finds show you can create a well-organized tack room that fits any budget.
Everyday items like shower curtain rods, plastic containers, and repurposed furniture work perfectly as storage solutions. Simple additions like proper labeling systems and vertical storage help save space while keeping equipment protected and available.
Creative thinking and smart space utilization are the foundations of a well-organized tack room. DIY saddle racks and fold-down workstations help maintain order while protecting your valuable equipment. Take on one project at a time, and you’ll soon have a functional tack room that makes daily barn tasks easier and quicker. And then you will have more time to spend riding your horse, instead of searching for what you need!
Soon the better weather will be here. So getting a head start on your organization, and going through your tack now will give you more time to do what you love, be with your horse!
Happy Riding!
My Disappointing Experience with State Line Tack: A Cautionary Tale for Horse Owners
Where have you been!!?? Been looking on YouTube and for your emails forever and had decided you must have quit posting,etc. Good to hear from you and got a lot of great tips from this email.