No matter the size of your horse barn, tack racks are crucial to saving space and keeping your tack clean and organized. With so many options, you might wonder how to measure space as you install your new tack racks. That’s why we provided this handy guide: so you can feel confident knowing your space was accurately measured, making the most of your barn’s layout!

The Different Types of Tack Racks

There are three types of tack racks: wall-mounted, portable, and freestanding. Wall-mounted tack racks are the most permanent and typically very sturdy, making them perfect for tack rooms with long-term storage, but cannot be easily moved since they attach to walls. Portable tack racks usually hook onto stall doors, making them more convenient to transport to shows or move around the barn. They could be knocked off when not careful, though. If you are looking for a tack rack that can hold saddles or many blankets at once instead of primarily bridles, halters, and sheets, a freestanding rack might be best because of the bulkier yet stronger base.

Pre-Installation Considerations

Before purchasing a tack rack, you should consider the following:

  1. Assess the amount of space available in the barn
  2. Evaluate the number of tack items that need to be stored
  3. Consider the layout and functionality of the barn

The available space in your barn is important so you can get a tack rack that isn’t too big or small. For example, if you have little room and only a couple of bridles to hang, you may not need a large freestanding tack rack. On the other hand, a small tack rack with four hooks may be insufficient if you own a large training facility with many horses. Check out these Top 7 Tack Racks for a Small Tack Room.

If you know the available space and the number of items you need to hang up, you can start narrowing down your choices. For example, if you have very little space but many bridles to hang up, you may want to consider a rotating standing rack, like this Easy-Up® Pro Series 12-Hook Spinning Bridle Rack, or something that mounts to the wall without taking up too much space, like this Easy-Up® Pro Series Swivel 40 Hook Bridle Rack.

The layout and functionality of your barn’s space are also important so you know you’re getting the ride racks for the right places. You likely do not want your bridle or saddle racks placed behind doors or in the middle of high-traffic areas, where your tack would end up being in the way or knocked over.

How to Measure Your Space for Different Tack Racks

Whether you're looking to organize your tack with a sleek wall-mounted unit, prefer the flexibility of a portable rack, or need the stability of a freestanding design, knowing how to measure your available space accurately is crucial. In this section, we'll walk you through the essential steps for each type of rack, ensuring that you choose the right fit for your barn or tack room.

Measuring for Wall-Mounted Tack Racks

When Measureing your wall space for a mounted tack rack, you must concider the following:

  1. Determine the ideal location on the wall
  2. Measure the width and height available for the rack
  3. Account for the clearance above and below the rack

When determining the ideal location to install wall-mounted tack racks, double-check that your bridles, blankets, saddles, or pads will not be blocked by doors or other items. You don’t want to hang your tack rack too high, either, where you or others cannot comfortably reach it. If you hang the rack too low, you risk your items touching the floor, where dirt and critters might live.

Likewise, you should verify that your desired wall location is wide and tall enough, with room above and below, depending on the tack rack you plan to buy. You can make subtle marks with a pencil or marker indicating the exact spot the wall-mounted tack rack will go based on your measurements from a ruler or tape. Measuring the length of long-hanging items, like bridles, reins, or blankets, is also a good idea to ensure you know how high the rack will need to be positioned.

Measuring for Portable Tack Rack

When measuring your space for a portable tack rack, you should consider the following:

  1. Determine the desired location or locations for the rack
  2. Measure the length, width, and height requirements
  3. Consider the portability and easy of movement of the rack

Portable tack racks should be placed in areas that are easy to get to so you can readily grab them when packing for shows. If you have limited space to store the tack rack in your vehicle or trailer, you may consider finding a small or complete folding option. Remember, portable tack racks should not be any larger than necessary since they may not be your daily or permanent storage method and must be extra convenient to transport with the rest of your items. Check out these 6 Best Portable Tack Racks for Traveling.

Measuring for Freestanding Tack Racks

When determining how to measure your space for a freestanding tack rack, think of the following:

  1. Assess the space in the barn available for a standalone rack
  2. Note the dimensions of the rack itself
  3. Consider the stability and weight distribution
  4. Ensure there’s proper spacing between the racks for accessibility

Freestanding tack racks often need the most space, considering they hold many bulky items, like saddles, pads, and blankets. To support various heavy pieces of tack and distribute weight equally, they need a flat space out of the way of other racks, shelves, or doorways. When measuring, remember that you may need to add a few inches on all sides to account for your tack.

Additional Tips for Tack Rack Installation

Now that you have a better understanding on the type of tack rack you need and how to measure your space for it, here are a few additional tips to ensure a smooth installation.

  1. Utilize stud finds and level tools for accuracy
  2. Ensure proper anchoring for wall-mounted racks
  3. Check weight-bearing capacity for portable and freestanding racks
  4. Consider future expansion or changes in your storage needs

Use a stud finder to help you detect the best place to hang your wall-mounted tack rack, especially for heavier options that need proper anchoring. You do not want to risk damaging your tack or barn walls. Additionally, leveling tools will ensure your racks are even and square as you mark each measurement so your items will not droop or slide off later.

Confirm that portable and standalone tack racks can fully support the weight of all items you plan to carry. If you place items that are too heavy on your racks, they may break or fall over, damaging your tack.

Furthermore, consider whether you might expand your tack room or update your storage needs. If you know you will be renovating or moving within a short period of time, you may not wish to invest in as many permanent tack racks. Tack racks that are versatile in size, location, and the types of items they can hold will go a long way.

The key to optimal tack rack installation lies in accurate measurements. Hasty assessments, or a lack thereof, may result in avoidable headaches. Rest assured that if you carefully plan out each installation, you will always love your perfectly organized tack room. Once you finally choose your tack racks, you can take the next step to find even more super handy storage solutions that will keep your barn free of clutter and extra clean!