Well-organized tack storage not only allows you to run your barn efficiently but also increases the lifespan of your equipment. By hanging your bridles on a designated rack or hook, you can save precious space and preserve the quality of your leather. We created this guide below to help you determine whether a wall-mounted or free-standing bridle rack is better for your space!
Wall-Mounted vs. Free-Standing or Portable Bridle Racks
The best bridle rack for your tack room depends on your needs and the size and layout of your space. For example, a free-standing or portable bridle rack can be a great option to pack in the trailer for shows, but more stable is needed than a wall-mounted bridle rack. You’ll want to carefully consider the most convenient option as you arrange your storage area.
Wall-Mounted Bridle Racks
Benefits
Wall-mounted bridle racks are typically ideal for small spaces and tack rooms. They can save significant space by mounting to the wall while keeping your bridles up and out of the way, rather than being susceptible to damage on the ground or piled together. This type of bridle rack also features secure and stable storage since you don’t need to worry about knocking the fixtures over or finding an even place on the ground to position them.
Considerations
Despite several advantages to wall-mounted bridle racks, remember that they require installation and mounting hardware, so you may need to factor in some time and find tools for the set-up process. Plus, wall-mounted racks are stationed into fixed positions, leading to less flexibility in rearrangement, in case you want to move them to a different spot later on.
Free-Standing or Portable Bridle Racks
Benefits
Free-standing or portable bridle racks provide handy transportation and flexibility, making them a great choice for storing in the trailer and adding to your tack stall at shows. Designed to easily be moved around and repositioned, no installation is required since you can simply place them on the ground or hook them to a stall. This prevents your bridles from getting dirty or damaged.
Considerations
Even though free-standing bridle racks can be practical at home or shows, they take up more floor space than wall-mounted options, so they are not as well suited for small storage areas. Free-standing and other portable racks are also less stable if not properly balanced on even ground or supportive walls, risking the safety of your bridles.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Bridle Rack
When choosing a bridle rack, the key factors to consider are space availability, number of bridles, and personal preferences for storage type and style.
Space Availablility
Only some tack rooms or storage areas are designed the same, depending on the dimensions and layout. To help establish the best use of available space for your bridles, take careful measurements and consider high-traffic areas, where doors open/ close, and where other equipment must be placed. Also, consider the appropriate height for you or others to lift each bridle off the rack. If a bridle is placed too high, you will experience difficulty grabbing it and may be tempted to place it elsewhere, wasting space and leaving the rack empty, but if placed too low, the reins will drag on the ground, getting damaged and dirty.
Number of Bridles
The number of bridles that require storage will impact the type of tack rack that fits best in your space. For instance, if you have a large bridle collection at home, permanent wall-mounted options are more likely to grant proper strength, stability, and support. Additionally, if you plan to grow your facility, leading to more and more bridles, you will need to consider future storage needs.
Personal Preferences
Likewise, your unique needs affect the optimal bridle rack for your storage area. If you often travel to shows and don’t want to invest in multiple options, free-standing or portable bridle racks provide convenient mobility since you can quickly grab them out of your tack room and store them in your trailer. On the other hand, if you want a stable, secure option in your barn for daily storage, wall-mounted bridle racks are usually better suited. Don’t forget your aesthetic preferences and overall tack room design, too. Bridle racks come in various colors, materials, and models, so you can easily find one that best fits your space.
Organized tack storage improves your barn’s efficiency and prolongs your equipment’s lifespan. Simply by hanging bridles on designated racks, you can save crucial space and maintain their quality. Carefully consider the size and layout of your space, along with your daily needs, when choosing between wall-mounted and free-standing bridle racks.
