Keeping your tack are clean and organized at all times is REALLY hard. There is always the 3 Ms, Mice, Mold, and Mud, present no matter what. So these are my 5 tips and trick to keep your tack area clean and organized without breaking the bank!
1. Invest In Some Plastic Bins!
Rubbermaid bins are so great for just about everything. I store saddle pads, bonnets, polos, open front boots, and really just about everything in them. As long as you keep them closed and not overflowing with things, they are perfect for keeping mice, mud, and mold off. I got an assortment of sizes to fit all of the stuff I have to spoil my ponies. I have 2 large Sterilite® Ultra™ 70 Quart Clear Storage Tubs (found at your local Target for $8.99) to hold all of my saddle pads and other fabric wear items like stall guards. I can fit almost all of my saddle pads in 1 bin but of course, you can never have too many saddle pads, so I always have room in my second one for more. Folding is your best friend for sure! I also have the Sterilite® Clearview Latch™ 15 Quart Storage Bin (found at your local Target for $3.64). This bin I use for holding all of my polos and open front boots as well as my extra spurs and such. I have a little section separated off to be my catch all for little things.
2. Get A Grooming Tote That Can Latch!
Having a grooming tote with a lid and that latches may seem like a burden but it is actually one of the best purchases I have made! It makes it unappealing for people to steal what is inside (some have lock options) and deters mice from getting in there and nesting or leaving behind anything on your brushes. If you are like me and have a nosey pony like Pearl who likes to touch just about everything, having a lid and latch prevents them from getting into it! Though it may bulk up what you have to carry, it is definitely worth it in the fact that they are easier to clean and can hold more. My recommendation is the Ascot II Grooming Box (found here for $24.99). It holds up great for daily wear and tear and holds a TON of stuff.
3. Keep All Your Tack On Racks & Off the Floor!
The first place that your tack will pick up mold is from the ground. By having your tack elevated off the floor and not dragging, it is way less likely for it to mold. If the floor isn’t the cleanest in the world, then your tack can get muddy if it sits or drags on the ground as well. And of course those pesky mice! Those little buggers will nibble on just about anything and that includes tack that is hanging on the ground. I also recommend that you get covers or bags for your tack that can keep even more stuff of of it. My favorite place is E.C Equestrian which you can find here for high quality and handmade stuff!
4. Treats Need To Go In Their Own Airtight Container!
Mice like food. And the least amount of effort that they have to put in to get it, the better. So keep your treats in an airtight container that is hard, thick plastic. Since it is airtight, no mice are drawn to it and if they stumble upon it, they have no way of getting in mice the plastic is too hard and thick for their little teeth to chew through. I have an IRIS USA Airtight Pet Food Container in the 10lb size (found at your local farm store for ≈$9.99). Also, I can put fresh horse treats that I make in there and don’t have to worry about mold!
5. Monogram Or Write Your Name On Everything!
Sadly, people like to steal stuff. So I like to monogram all of my brushes and stuff as well as write my name on stuff I can’t monogram. Any vinyl monogram will work and sharpie does too!
I hope that these tips and tricks help you guys to keep your tack area clean and organized! If you ever have any questions feel free to DM me on instagram @equestrian.syd !
Until Next Time Preps,
Sydney & The Ponies
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