Seasonal Tack Storage Solutions

The Ultimate Guide to Seasonal Tack Storage

Keep your tack performing at its best — every season, every climate, every ride.

Smart organization isn’t just about tidiness — it preserves equipment, protects investment, and keeps your barn workflow running smoothly. Whether you manage a private barn or a competitive training facility, a seasonal system ensures seamless transitions between weather, disciplines, and workloads.

Why Seasonal Storage Matters

Temperature swings, humidity, dust, and off-season neglect are the silent killers of tack and blankets. A seasonal routine helps you:

• Prevent mold and mildew in humid months

• Protect stitching and leather from cracking in dry winter air

• Reduce clutter during show-season transitions

• Keep every piece clean, labeled, and ready for the next season

Your tack works hard — treat it like the investment it is.

SPRING — Refresh & Rotate

Goal: Clean, inspect, and reorganize after winter.

Spring Checklist

• Deep clean all blankets, pads, and storage areas

• Inspect stitching, billet straps, and hardware for winter wear

• Fully air out equipment on Rug Racks

• Store heavy winter gear in labeled bins or breathable bags

• Condition leather after low-humidity winter months

Global Best Practice (🇳🇴 Norway & 🇨🇭 Switzerland):
Use dehumidifiers or silica packs as temperatures warm to prevent early-season mold.

Pro Tip:
Use your Rug Rack as a drying station for freshly washed spring sheets — the airflow dries evenly without creasing.

SUMMER — Ventilate & Protect

Goal: Keep heat and humidity from damaging gear.

Summer Checklist

• Boost airflow with vents or low-speed fans

• Rotate lightweight fly sheets and mesh gear to the front

• Apply UV-protective conditioner to leather

• Cover stored winter blankets with Rug Rack Covers

• Fold Rug Racks flat to keep aisles clear

Global Best Practice (🇦🇺 Australia):
Use UV-resistant shade cloths or barn overhangs to provide airflow without direct sun exposure.

Summer Strategy:
Prioritize airflow, shade, and simple rotation.

FALL — Prepare & Preserve

Goal: Transition into winter while staying organized.

Fall Checklist

• Rotate in winter rugs, coolers, and turnouts

• Inspect stored blankets for mice, mildew, or weakened waterproofing

• Rewash and hang to dry on Rug Racks if needed

• Label every blanket by horse and size

• Oil leather deeply before the dry heating season

• Check all rack hardware before heavy winter gear goes up

Global Best Practice (UK):
Eventing barns use seasonal inventory sheets — one per horse, updated every fall.

Pro Tip:
Install a Rug Rack near your wash area for pre-season waterproofing and drying.

WINTER — Protect & Simplify

Goal: Keep essential gear accessible and protect stored tack from cold and condensation.

Winter Checklist

• Keep daily-use saddles and bridles closest to the aisle

• Store summer gear in clean, sealed bins

• Avoid metal-on-metal contact to prevent rust

• Use heating or dehumidifiers to stop condensation

• Apply Rug Rack Covers to keep blankets dust-free

• Air out the tack room briefly each week

Global Best Practice (Canada & Sweden):
Maintain insulated tack rooms at a steady 10–15°C to prevent condensation and leather cracking.

Designing a Year-Round System

Integrate Rotation Zones

Divide your space into:

• Active Use Zone

• Drying Zone

• Seasonal Storage Zone

Label Everything

Waterproof tags or engraved plates save time and reduce confusion.

Use Modular Systems

Pair fixed saddle racks with fold-down Rug Racks for seasonal flexibility.

Optimize Air & Power

Install mini-splits, fans, or vents to maintain consistent humidity and airflow.

Seasonal Maintenance Snapshot

Global Inspiration for Tack Room Design

• German Olympic Stables: Modular wall systems organized by season

• California Show Barns: Integrated cleaning + drying workflow walls

• Scandinavian Facilities: Vertical “gear towers” with stacked Rug Racks for heated barns

The world’s best barns don’t just store tack — they design systems that work with the seasons.

System Equine Pro Insight

“When your tack room runs with the rhythm of the seasons, everything else in the barn runs smoother.
Organization is performance — and it starts with how you store.”
— System Equine Product Development Team

Recommended Setup

• 1× Rug Rack 72" — main blanket rotation

• 1× Rug Rack 60" — summer sheets or smaller areas

• 1× Rug Rack Cover — dust-free off-season storage

• 1× Saddle & Bridle Wall Kit — year-round protection