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) 

Shop Grooming • Hoof Care 

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) 

Shop Air Bags • Gloves 

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.

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