The Importance of Proper Storage
In light of the rising costs associated with new saddlery and harnesses, as well as repairs, both private owners and professionals are placing a stronger emphasis on the care and storage of their equipment. As a result, there have been continuous advancements made in the methods of securely and neatly storing saddlery and harnesses. Especially noteworthy are the innovative types of materials used in the construction of tack room fittings.
Modern Materials and Designs
While traditional fittings can still be found, the tack room fittings available today are typically lighter, more easily transportable, and require little to no maintenance.
The Necessity of Correct Saddle Storage
Storing riding saddles properly is essential to preserve their integrity. They must be stored in a manner that alleviates pressure on the delicate trees while providing support to the panels. The dated method of using a long peg mounted on a tack room wall is no longer deemed an adequate means of storage.
Bridle Brackets
When it comes to organizing and taking care of your equestrian equipment, choosing the right bridle brackets is key. This article explores the best bridle bracket options and highlights the importance of choosing the right fit for your tack room.
Optimal Bridle Bracket Designs
An ideal bridle bracket design features a small, rounded arch where the headpiece can be hung securely. These brackets should be mounted on the tack room wall for easy access and effective storage.
Materials and Features of Bridle Brackets
Bridle brackets can be made from various materials such as metal or a combination of plastic-coated metal, similar to saddle brackets. Many bridle brackets include a small hook under the arch, designed for holding a martingale when hanging the bridle.
DIY Bridle Bracket Solutions
For those looking for a do-it-yourself approach, there are alternatives that can be effective. One option is to use round cans or their lids as the base for the brackets. Ensure they’re at least 25mm (1 inch) deep and no wider than 230mm (9 inches). Alternatively, you can cut a cylindrical piece of wood to the desired width and use it as a homemade bridle bracket.
Bridle Hooks
Bridle hooks play a crucial role in maintaining equestrian equipment, particularly during the cleaning of bridles. Whilst they might appear suitable for storage, they’re best utilized for cleaning purposes.
Purpose of Bridle Hooks
Bridle hooks are primarily designed for hanging bridles during cleaning process. Despite their utility, it’s important to highlight that their function is not meant for long-term storage of bridles.
Size Variations of Bridle Hooks
The size of bridle hooks can vary, with the average length being about 1 meter (3 feet). Some extend even longer, up to 1.5 meters (5 feet), allowing for flexibility in accommodating different size requirements. They are typically suspended from the ceiling at a comfortable height for convenient cleaning.
Material Choices for Bridle Hooks
When it comes to the manufacturing materials, most bridle hooks are made from either stainless steel or plastic-coated metal. These materials are favored for their durability and robustness, guaranteeing long-term usage.
Saddle Brackets
Saddle brackets have long been essential for storing saddles, and they have evolved over the years in design and material. They continue to be significant in providing proper support for saddles and ensuring their longevity.
Historical Saddle Brackets
In earlier times, saddle brackets were often crafted from pieces of wood shaped into an inverted V. This design gave the necessary support as long as the arms of the V extended some way down the panels, supporting the saddle’s key stress points.
Contemporary Saddle Brackets
Modern versions of saddle brackets bear a resemblance to their older counterparts but with the added advantage of materials technology. They’re typically made of metal strips moulded to fit the form of saddle panels.
Many also have a bridle hook fitted under the bracket arch for added functionality. Increasingly, saddle brackets are made of metal coated with plastic. This update makes them easy to clean, eliminates the need for painting, and enhances their durability.
Saddle Bracket Designs
Mostly, saddle brackets are designed to accommodate standard astride saddles. However, there are variations designed specifically for side-saddles, which typically have a higher dome at the back. This design diversity ensures brackets suited to multiple saddle types, enhancing support and promoting proper storage.
Saddle-Horses
Saddle-horses play a vital role in organizing and storing equestrian equipment, combining a supportive rack for multiple saddles along with storage space. They often feature built-in drawers and cupboards, providing a comprehensive storage solution.
Traditional Saddle-Horses
Traditionally, saddle-horses are shaped to resemble a horse’s body and are commonly made of polished wood, exuding an elegant appearance. Some clever designs can transform from a flat table-top into individual storage ‘horses’ and then be used for holding saddles upside-down for the purpose of cleaning panels. To further enhance their functionality, large sets of bridle hooks are integrated to hold at least four bridles for cleaning and storage purposes.
Modern Metallic Saddle-Horses
Recently, lightweight metal saddle-horses have gained popularity for their versatility and portability. These designs often allow for the saddles to be held in convenient positions to facilitate cleaning. One of the advantages of metal saddle-horses is their ease of transportation, allowing riders to bring them along to shows and events to ensure proper storage and upkeep of their equipment while on the move.
Miscellany Hooks
Miscellany hooks, when strategically installed, provide a practical and effective storage solution for various equestrian accessories such as reins, martingales, and more. Given their versatility, they are an ideal addition to any horse riding equipment storage setup.
Storing Reins and Similar Items
Plastic-coated hooks fixed approximately 2 meters (6 feet) high on a wall serve as an optimal space for storing reins, martingales, girths, and similar items. The plastic coating on these versatile hooks help protect the gear from scratches and other forms of wear and tear.
A Convenient Solution for Bits and Curb Chains
For smaller items like bits and curb chains, pairs of hooks spaced about 150mm (6 inches) apart yield a practical storage solution. By keeping these crucial components tidy and easy to reach, it improves efficiency when it comes to prepping for a ride or routinely cleaning the equipment.
Keeping Stirrup Irons Organized
A well-organized equestrian setup also means having a specific place for stirrup irons. Keeping them in pairs on these hooks ensures that they are always ready for use and makes the post-ride storage quick and straightforward.
Rug Chests
Rug chests are essential for maintaining the quality and longevity of valuable rugs, especially during the summer months when they are less frequently used. Ensuring the chests are damp-proof and vermin-proof is critical to this cause.
Heavy-Duty Rug Chests
Heavy-duty rug chests, specifically built for this purpose, are commonly crafted from wood or metal. These chests are designed to withstand tough conditions and provide robust protection to preserve your rugs in pristine condition.
Alternative Storage Options
If acquiring a purpose-built rug chest isn’t feasible, consider utilizing large travelling trunks. They can serve as an adequate alternative for storing and protecting the rugs when configured properly.
Equipping with Extras
Including a dedicated compartment for bandage storage within the rug chest adds to its functionality. This thoughtful addition can make organization much easier and keeps bandages within easy reach when needed.
Protecting Against Moths
Regardless of the type of chest used, a key step to ensuring the rugs maintain their integrity is to use a moth-repelling substance. Mothballs are a common choice, these should be sprinkled liberally inside the chest, creating a protective barrier against moth damage and preserving the rugs in long term storage.
Boot Organizer
A boot chest is an important component of equestrian gear storage, specifically designed to store horse leg boots. Its main feature is proper ventilation, which helps maintain the quality of the boots over time.
The Role of Ventilation
Storing horse leg boots in a well-ventilated storage unit, such as a boot chest, is crucial in preventing moisture build-up. Adequate air circulation helps inhibit the proliferation of mould and mildew, leading to extended boot usability.
Proper Cleaning and Storage
Cleaning and thoroughly drying boots before storage is an important step in maintaining their optimal condition. Neglecting this process may result in the boots losing their stiffness and becoming susceptible to mould growth. Regular cleaning, drying, and correct storage practices ensure that the boots are always ready for use and remain in great shape for the long-term.
Stable Tool Box
A stable tool box is a convenient and organized storage solution for various equestrian tools and supplies. Resembling a suitcase, it usually includes two layers, with each designated for distinct types of items and easy transportation between horses.
Lower Layer: Maintenance Supplies
The lower layer of a stable tool box is designed for storing tools and supplies used for cleaning and maintenance purposes, such as clippers, spare blades, scissors, a knife, and screwdrivers. This separate compartment ensures that these maintenance essentials are readily available and well-organized.
Upper Layer: Grooming Equipment
The upper layer is specifically allocated for grooming equipment, such as brushes, combs, and hoof picks. It is designed to be easily carried from horse to horse, with a convenient handle making this task simple and efficient. This layout ensures that all necessary grooming tools are accessible and, when not in use, can be safely stored in one compact and tidy space.
Medicine Chest
A medicine chest holds a pivotal role in a well-organized tack room, harboring essential medical supplies vital for both horse and rider’s wellbeing.
Prioritizing Inclusion of Items
Choosing what to include in a medicine chest requires careful consideration. The items picked should cater not only to the potential injuries or illnesses of the horse, but also those that might affect the rider or groom.
For The Horse
Equine health can be unpredictable, and having supplies at the ready can be a game-changer in emergent situations. Consider adding items like bandages, wound sprays, antiseptics, and other essential equine medications to address potential health concerns.
Catering to Human Needs
Just as horses may encounter health issues, riders and grooms are also susceptible to injuries. A well-stocked medicine chest should contain fundamental first-aid items such as antibiotic ointment, band-aids, wound dressings, and pain-relief medications. By providing for both horse and human health needs, the medicine chest becomes an indispensable part of any tack room.
Harness Brackets
Harness brackets are essential storage components designed to hold driving harness equipment.
Single Harness
For a single harness, four brackets are needed to store the saddle, reins, bridle, and collar and crupper separately.
Double Harness
The double harness, being more intricate, requires two brackets for each of these components: bridle, reins, crupper, pad, girth, bit, collar, and martingale.
Specialized Bridle Brackets
Harness bridle brackets are larger than riding bridle brackets, designed to store winkers in the proper shape.
