Must-Haves for Your Tack Locker
Everything you actually use-plus smart spares-so you're ready for any ride, lesson, or show day.
1) Everyday riding essentials
- Saddle with stirrups & leathers (plus a spare set of leathers if space allows)
Shop Stirrups & Leathers - Girth matched to your saddle style (long/dressage; both-ended elastic preferred) Shop Girths
- Bridle with your go-to bit, plus rein stops if you use a martingale
Shop Bridles • Bits - Saddle pads: 2-3 breathable pads that rotate cleanly
Shop Saddle Pads & Half Pads - Boots/protection (brushing/tendon + overreach)
Shop Horse Boots
2) Safety-critical spares (the things that save rides)
- Spare girth (even a basic straight model)
- Spare reins (grippy)
- Spare stirrup leathers
- Martingale stops + a couple of keepers
- Head collar & 2 lead ropes (one with a panic clip)
Shop Girths • Reins • Stirrup Leathers • Head collars & Leads
3) Grooming & turnout kit (clean horse = happy skin)
- Body brush, dandy/flick, rubber curry, mane/tail comb
- Mane & Tail Spray
- Hoof pick + hoof oil/conditioner
- Sponges, sweat scraper, towels
- Stain remover/whitener, plaiting bands/thread + needle, plaiting spray/gel Shop Grooming
- Baby Wipes, Baby Oil & Baby Powder
- Polo Mints (as a treat)
4) Leather care & quick fixes
- Saddle soap/cleaner (pH-balanced)
- Conditioner/balm for flex points
- Tack wipes/baby wipes (ringside speed clean)
- Hole punch & small screwdriver/Allen key
- Thread, needles, spare keepers, safety pins, electrical tape, zip ties
Shop Leather Care • Stable Hardware
5) Health & first aid (horse + human)
Equine mini-kit (fits a small box):
- Sterile saline, antiseptic/wound gel, non-stick pads, gauze, gamgee
- Cohesive bandage (Vetwrap), stable bandage, small scissors, thermometer
- Fly gel, instant cold pack, gloves
Human add-on: plasters, antiseptic wipes, pain relief, sunscreen
Shop First Aid
6) Stud & show add-ons (if you jump)
- Studs matched to footing, tap & spanner, plug pick, WD-40
- Magnetic parts tray + rag
- Number bib/bridle numbers; approved whip/spurs if needed
Shop Studs & Tools • Whips & Spurs
7) Hydration & feed basics
- Collapsible bucket or stacking bucket set
- Hay net (pre-filled for travel days)
- Electrolytes (paste or powder)
- Measuring scoop
Shop Buckets • Electrolytes & Supplements
8) Stable & travel hardware
- Crosstie/lead with panic clip; spare lead rope
- Tack hook/over-door bridle rack (portable)
- Baling twine, duct tape, zip ties (the holy trinity)
- Small head torch/clip light; power bank + cable
Shop Cross Ties • Stable Hardware • Hooks & Racks
9) Rider kit drawer
- Approved helmet (in date)
- Body protector/air vest if used
- Gloves (plus a spare pair),
- Spare socks
- Microfibre cloth, baby wipes (last-minute polish)
10) Organisation that actually works
- Two stackable crates: Tack Care & Grooming
- Small parts box (dividers) for studs, keepers, screws
- Labelled zip pouches for paperwork (passport, memberships, vaccine cert)
- Saddle & bridle bags to keep dust off and stitching healthy
Shop Bags
Pro tips
- Keep duplicates of small, easy-to-lose items (rein stops, keepers, bandage scissors).
- Rotate two pads so one is always clean and dry.
- Do a 5-minute Friday reset: restock wipes, refill first-aid, check elastic and stitching on girths/leathers.
- Photograph your locker once it's organised-use the photo as your weekly reset guide.