The need for an adequate tack room is an essential that often goes overlooked when preparing to bring a horse or multiple horses home.
The good news is that this is a project that doesn’t have to be a huge undertaking. In fact, backyard sheds are a cost-effective, yet great way to build the custom tack room of your dreams. Here’s everything you need to know about planning and building the perfect storage area for all of your horse tack, supplies, and feed.
What Size Tack Room Do You Need?
This is the first question you will need to answer before you make any further decisions. It is the largest factor in deciding where to place your structure and which style shed you will obtain plans for. These are the main factors you need to take into consideration.
- How many horses do you have or intend to own? The more horses you have, the more space you will need to store tack as each horse will have its own tack and supplies.
- How much feed do you plan on storing at one time?
- What else would you like to use your tack room for? Do you plan on incorporating an office, lounge area, separate space for cleaning tack, kitchenette, etc.?
When considering these factors, it is advisable to choose a shed plan suitable for potential future growth and not just the number of horses you have right this minute.
The Perfect Location is Priceless
Once you’ve decided on what size tack room you need, the second most important decision you will make is deciding on the perfect location. You want to combine convenience with security. Take into account how far you will have to carry tack. Keep in mind that western saddles can weigh upwards of 30 pounds and bags of feed weigh 50 pounds. You do not want to lug tack, feed, and grooming supplies long distances. At the same time, you want to make sure your tack is safe, after all, it is an investment that you will want to preserve and use for years to come. The location should be a secure one that isn’t easily accessible to unauthorized visitors.
In addition to making sure the location of your structure is convenient and safe, it is also important to follow any regulations and ordinances put in place by your municipality. Failure to comply with your county’s rules could result in fines, penalties, and removal of the structure.
Consider the Interior Layout
Your preferred layout will play a part in the shape of the shed you choose. Put some thought into how you want the space to flow. Where do you want the tack stored in relation to the feed? The last thing you want to do is have to navigate an obstacle course in an attempt to get a saddle or bag of feed out of the door. If you want an office or a lounge area, where do you want these features situated in relation to the storage area?
Organized tack room layout
It is also important to think about logistics such as being able to fit all items through the door. Often times, saddles will not fit through standard sized doors. Choosing a shed with an oversized or garage door may make more sense for your needs.
The same consideration applies to windows. UV rays can be damaging to leather tack that stored in direct sunlight. You may either want to choose a shed style with few windows or be prepared to hang window treatments.
Protect Your Investment
A tack room should be clean and dry. Moisture will cause mold to grow on the leather of saddles, bridles, reins, and other pieces of leather tack. Feed that is subjected to moisture will mold very quickly and if fed to your horses, can cause serious health issues. A dehumidifier and/or heating and air system will help keep the temperature stable, remove excess moisture, and prevent excess moisture from building up in the room. Investing in proper insulation will help keep the temperature in the space stable, as well as reduce energy costs.
Install Sufficient Lighting
A poorly lit tack room lends itself to many frustrations. It’s almost impossible to find what you’re looking for when you can’t see what’s right in front of you. Thoroughly cleaning tack becomes almost impossible without enough lighting. A dimly lit space provides the perfect home for pesky rodents and insects.
Investing in high-quality lighting will deter unwanted creatures from making your tack room home, prevent safety hazards, and allow you to work more efficiently. Consider using sealed fixtures in order to keep out dust and dirt and prolong their lifespan.
Meeting Your Storage Needs
The primary purpose of the tack room is for storage. You want it organized so that you can find what you need when you need it. When it comes to storing feed, it is advisable to invest in secure metal containers to keep rodents and moisture out. Feed left unsecured in open containers or bags are open
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