Saddles are the most expensive equipment for horse riding. We must take proper care of them so that we can use them for decades. Saddles are made up of leather. Leather saddles can lose their shape easily if they are not stored properly in the tack room. In the tack room, there are proper storage spaces and shaped racks to store the horse’s equipment. A saddle is usually stored on a saddle rack. A saddle rack is a wooden framework or a stand where we can easily rest the saddles when they are not in use. If we do not place them properly on a saddle rack, we may lose their shapes in no time. As we know that saddles are made up of leather, if we place them on the ground or anywhere else where they do not maintain their shape, we will lose their beauty and shape.

Now before diving into the methods on how to store your saddle without a rack, let us first consider damages that commonly occur with improper storage.

Compressed Fleece Pads:

We all know that there are two types of horse saddles, an English saddle, and a Western saddle. Both saddles are made of leather and have padding underneath them to support the horse’s back. If that saddle padding or fleece is not stored properly then it may get squished and lose its purpose. Therefore, it is important to rest your saddle on a proper stand that will maintain its shape. You can buy a saddle rack from Canada.

Improper Air Flow:

Furthermore, Western saddles usually have a fleece lining under the saddle seat. This needs to be dried out to prevent infections and other problems. For this purpose, a special saddle rack is needed with proper ventilation or airflow to meet the specific saddle needs. Synthetic leather needs extra care to maintain its true form. The leather seats can be ruined if they are not stored in an air-conditioned room. However, it is very uncommon to make the entire tack room air-conditioned, therefore, leather seats can be stored separately in a de-humidified room.

Now let us see how we can store saddles with proper care.

How to Build a Saddle Rack:

First of all, note that saddles weigh a lot, approximately 60 lbs. and they cost more than $100. They should be stored properly on a sturdy saddle rack to maintain their shape and beauty. They should be covered with a sheet to avoid dust and should be cleaned regularly even if not in use. Secondly, if possible, try to store them in a cool and dry environment so that the leather does not wear away.

In case, if you do not have a saddle rack, you can see details on how to build a saddle rack yourself. You can take measurements of your saddle, select the appropriate design for your saddle rack, and see if you want an extra rack for storage or not.   

Once you have taken measurements of your saddle, it is time to cut the top slats accurately. You can use pallet wood for the structure. It is always the best option but please note to cut them down according to your own measurements.

After combining the wooden slats it is now time to make the tombstone shape. Cut the wood in this shape to round the central top. Once you have cut the wooden pieces according to your saddle measurements, drill holes on the edges to ensure a safe assembly. In the end, assemble the pieces and you may paint and polish the stand for a smooth and attractive appearance.

After you have built your saddle rack make sure that no straps, leather, or stirrups are twisted. They may hang freely but make sure no pressure is applied to them to ruin their shape and structure. You can always wrap your cinch strap around the buckle twice to avoid any damage.

Covering Your Wooden Saddle Rack

Once you have placed your saddle on the wooden saddle rack, it is time to cover it up. Tack rooms may get dusty over time and your saddle will get dirty easily. Saddles are expensive and leather is very easily damaged. To maintain the value of your saddle, you should cover it up with a plastic sheet or a saddle cover. If you are not willing to buy one, you can buy a thin plastic sheet to cover your saddle rack. This will prevent dust from damaging the saddle.

Separately Storing Your Saddle Pads

Saddle pads must be stored separately from the saddles. It is because most saddle pads are attacked by mice or rodents. This is the most common problem in any tack room. You can pet a few cats to reduce the damage but still, it is not ideal to store your pads in a humid environment. Not only will the rodents eat them away but they will also smell bad for a long-time. So, always store your saddle pads where there is plenty of room for ventilation and airflow.

A Final Note:

Whenever you decide to put your saddle in a store, you should take proper precautionary measures to ensure its safe condition. Saddles are expensive and can be used for decades if stored properly on the saddle racks. If you are unable to buy one, you can always build your own wooden or metallic stand. Before starting the manufacturing process, always consider the type of saddle you have. If you have a Western saddle or an English saddle, you should be taking care of its foam lining and leather seats. Some of them require proper support to balance out the additional weight on them.  

Once you have a stand where you can securely rest your saddles for a long time, you should cover them properly to avoid dust and dirt damaging the seat. It is always better to store them in a non-humid environment. Humidity will not only damage the saddle pads and their felt sheet but it will also allow rats and rodents to damage the seats and will leave an unpleasant smell on them.

Thus, store them in a temperature-controlled room, free from pets, and cover them properly with saddle covers or plastic sheets. Also, always check them frequently and clean the seats with leather oils to maintain their shine, form, and structure for a long time.

Remember, saddles are built on tree trunks and if they are left on the floor, in not a suitable position, this will deform their shape and structure over time. So, always store them properly on a saddle rack or a sturdy stand suitable for their shape.