All the stuff, and now what to do with it?

[WNT]

Long story aside, I lost my old TB to a sudden, short illness.

My big question now, is what to do with all the stuff I’ve collected? I’ve owned one horse or another continuously for almost twenty years and worked in tack shops, so I’ve collected quite a bit. Realistically, it will be a few years before we as a family are truly prepared to have a riding horse again.

In a similar situation, what did you keep, what did you get rid of? For example, all my blankets are in great shape and waterproof and already packaged up after cleaning. It would cost a fortune to replace them and the likelihood anything I’d get in the future would probably wear a 78". Lots of tack, wraps, boots, grooming supplies, etc.

How about a trailer? Mine is older, in good shape, but probably not worth a whole lot and would be pretty expensive to replace down the road. Would properly storing or leasing with a tight contract be a viable alternative?

Just all the other logistics to think about after the fact. A lot of what I move on will probably be donated, either to local rescues or Pony Club/4H since its serviceable but not necessarily consignable.

[rockonxox]

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I still have a lot of my former horses belongings (I haven’t owned a horse since and it has been 12 years now). I honestly don’t think I’ll get another horse as small as he was. I’m not opposed to it, but will probably go larger so I donated all of his blankets, a couple bridles/girths/reins/spare irons/etc (I really didn’t need 5 pairs of each), to a barn that caught fire and lost everything. Any basic grooming supplies that wasn’t expensive to replace got washed and donated as well.

If I was in your situation and considering the same sized horse I think it would be a smart idea to keep the blankets. I kept the saddles, the bits unless there were duplicates, a spare set of reins, a spare martingale, some saddle pads. For the trailer, I’d personally let it go if you don’t think you will be using it. Take that money and open up a “horse” bank account that you can use in the future when you do get another horse. I don’t know that I’d want to pay to store a trailer or risk a leasee damaging it vs selling and saving the money (esp if it was going to be at least a year or two before I needed it for myself).

[furlong47]

Since I ride lots of different horses and sometimes need my own stuff for them, I accumulated quite a lot of things over the years. Obviously if I use it regularly (my saddle, for example) I keep it. Anything I really love and might not be able to find a replacement for in the future, I keep. Anything that you think you will use and that will cost significantly more to replace (like those blankets) I would keep.

So what things have I sold? I sold a lot of lower quality tack that I bought when I was younger. I know if I need those items again I will buy nicer versions. I sold things I had duplicates of (multiple extra stirrup irons, similar girths of the same size, etc). and things I bought for one specific horse or situation and would be unlikely to need again.

Cheaper stuff like grooming supplies and wraps might be worth cleaning and donating if you think you’d rather have new ones for a new horse. Also things like fly spray and some first aid supplies that may go bad before you have a chance to use them.

[betonbill]

Universal law of horse ownership: Whenever you decide to get rid of a lot of equipment, sooner (not later) you will find yourself needing those very things. Have done this twice, and twice I have regretted it. If you must get rid of some of it, dispose of the stuff you don’t like/never used. Hold onto the rest for at least a few years before deciding to weed out more of it.

[WNT]

All the bottled stuff I’m leaving available to any other boarders who want or need it, and first aid stuff I’ll give to the barn manager.

Since I’ve always boarded, all my extra gear has lived in the trailer. If I sell the trailer, storage will be at a premium in the house, especially for bulkier items. I can also already hear my DH questioning keeping barn-smelling stuff in the house.

[beowulf]

I am so sorry for your loss. Hugs and thoughts are with you going forward.

I’ve lost a couple over the years but the universal truth I’ve learned is it’s always more expensive to replace something than to keep it. It’s also been my experience that the second you get rid of something, you will need it.

What I did when I lost my lifetime horse was clean everything one last time: it was a really cathartic experience. I donated his girth and a few saddle pads of his to a local riding club, but could not bear to part with his bridle and bit. I cleaned it, figured 8’d it, and folded it into a plastic bag wrapped by shipping cloth. Put it at the bottom of my tack trunk, cleaned all of his shipping wraps/standing wraps, rolled them up neatly and tucked them right in. Kept a few saddle pads, cleaned off his blankets (even though it was unlikely I’d ever own a horse of his size again) folded them and put them in the tack trunk.

Polos, wraps, boots and saddle-pads are all relatively easy and cheap to replace – and just my experience, but woof boots etc do not always survive well in storage (the shell cracks). Those are prime donation candidates along with the polos, wraps and saddle-pads – when you get your new partner you will want to buy him a new saddle pad, boots, etc for “him” - trust me. :yes:

Halters, blankets and leads you should keep. Blankets are enormously expensive, and halters and leads always have uses. Grooming items you can wash in the dishwasher and pack up neatly in a vinyl bag.

I would find an older plastic trunk/tote, and put everything of value (blankets, halters, bridles and a few pads/sentimental items) in there after cleaning it. Mark that “BARN ITEMS”.If your DH balks at it moving into the house just show him how much a blanket these days costs…

The trailer is tough- if you can find somewhere on pavement to park it, keep it. If you’re parking on grass or gravel you might want to think about selling it now before it deteriorates. Trailers can keep well given the climate, not sure where you are… if it were me I’d probably keep it and find it somewhere dry to keep it…

[Rackonteur]

I am so sorry for your loss.

If it were me I wouldn’t be in a hurry to get rid of stuff. Yeah, sometimes when we have lost someone we love we want to put away everything that reminds us of them because all those things just make the place (and our hearts) feel even emptier. So maybe putting them away out of sight is a good idea. I know it’s hard to put something as big as a trailer out of sight!

Can you possibly keep it at the barn where you boarded for awhile? Will the BM give you a free space to keep it there, or could you lease it to the BM to be used just to keep its tires and things in working order?

For DH, I would say that most horse-smelling things can be cleaned and wrapped so no one will notice. I used to keep my boots in the room right off the kitchen and family room, and my saddle in the dining room (away from the cats), and no one could smell them!

I wouldn’t be in a hurry to get rid of anything.

Jingles.

[Foxtrot_s]

How sad for you.

I’ve been a hoarder for over 40 years and have to get rid of my stuff. What I did find is that it is rather pointless to
keep stuff that you will never use because it goes out of fashion…I’ve got odd nosebands, and bits and bobs, but since I also have nice Passier/Stubben/Corbet bridles that are current, this other stuff got dry and needed oiling, which it did not get.

Even an old saddle, nobody uses that kind any more, and it has lost all its value. Used to be the in thing at H/J shows!

Some of my strapgoods had a use - I needed a martingale for my large fronted horse and the ones I had didn’t fit, so I made one out of two by bastardising them. Works fine for schooling.

I thought of sending them down to Mexico with a friend, but she said the humidity rotted everything where she was. I thought those little beasts of burden could do with an upgrade from the yellow nylon rope.

Blankets - lots of those, but again, old and who knows how large the next horse will be?

I took all my better stuff to the very good used tack store and it is amazing how much she has got rid of.

I’ve kept some things, just in case.

If you do keep anything, make sure it is clean so stitching will not rot and thingys don’t setup home. Stuff takes up room, too. It also has to be checked for mildew periodically.

The sentimental stuff is the hardest - nameplates, framed photos, stall door names…so many, sigh.

I have four boxes - dump, donate, try to sell, keep.

[Somantu]

@Rackonteur

…
I wouldn’t be in a hurry to get rid of anything.
Jingles.

Very sorry for your loss.
I lost my beloved TB suddenly and unexpectedly in a paddock accident.
Between the TB and other equines, I’d accumulated over 20 years’ worth of stuff.
I kept everything for a bit while figuring out if horse ownership would continue being part of my life.

Once I decided that I couldn’t give it up, I took all my saddles whenever I tried horses that might fit them, LOL.
I ended up with another TB of similar build –– just a little taller and chunkier. I reused all the blankets, tack, boots, wraps, etc.

Every so often I review what to keep, and sell stuff along the way because space can become an issue –– but I find storing much easier than replacing.

[peedin]

Do not get rid of anything for a while, unless the item hurts you. I got rid of the blanket my horse wore on his last day, and saddle pads that made my heart ache. I kept everything else. Eventually I sold certain things, like wraps. Kept his saddle, bridle, and girth. Kept his 82 inch blankets and now have a mare that takes a 76… The only stuff of his that I am able to use on her are a few brushes. I did sell one blanket but kept his custom stable blanket which is 30 years old but I can’t part with it.

[RedHorses]

As far as the Trailer goes, find out how to store it properly. Find out which parts will likely need to be replaced after it has sat unused for two years (or however many you think) and find out what it would cost all in (parts and labour) to replace them. Find out what it will cost per month to store the trailer securely. Now, add up the costs for getting it horse safe and road worthy after it has has sat for the number of years you expect to be horseless. Compare that to what it would cost to buy a used trailer to replace it. Then decide. Selling a useful, road worthy, safe trailer will be a lot easier than one that has sat and needs work. If you choose to sell now, bank the money in a separate account so it’s there when needed.

As for the rest of it. I still have a few items belonging to my first horse tucked away, and a couple still in active use. When I euthanized my second horse I gave away his useful blankets as I did not want another horse that big. I did keep his halter for a shadowbox, and his bridle - parts of which got cut down to make the core of a new bridle for my young horse. Much of the rest of it has been culled for the local pony club consignment sale, though there are a few items that were his that I still use occasionally on my current horses.

Things that are unique, or difficult to find, or sentimental I kept. I sometimes find I can part with them later - one example being an Australian stock saddle that fit my first horse. I hung onto it for several years knowing it would likely never fit either of my two horses, and eventually sold it when a friend said she was looking for one and had a horse of the right build. It was an inexpensive saddle, but it took me some time to be okay selling it.

(((Hugs))). I’m sorry for your loss.

[Ruth0552]

In the past I’ve gotten rid of anything that won’t store well. A lot of leather goods do not do well in storage- leather dries out, or gets moldy. So unless I know I will need it or use it, it gets moved on. If I need another one in the future I’m sure I will want to buy a nicer one not dig out an old item I haven’t looked at in a while and reminds me of a passed on horse.

The trailer, unless you can store it inside, should probably be moved on. Sitting trailers, especially older ones, tend to rot without regular use and maintenance.

Remember the things are just THINGS. They do not have feelings and they do not remember your horse- you do. He will have a special place in your heart, but packing away 1000’s of horsey items for years will not make you feel better. Sorry for your loss.

[Foxtrot_s]

It is taking time to get rid of the things - and now I’m down to the hardest to part with. My trailer tack room is my new tack room…From then on it is bit by bit (emotionally).

[Guilherme]

Sorry for your loss. I know how it feels.

As to the stuff, do you anticipate needing it any time soon? If not, you’re likely better off to dispose of it by sale, gift, or other means. Some stuff, like pads, nylon halters, lead ropes, etc. can be cleaned and boxed and will store without deterioration if done correctly. Leather goods need to be cleaned, stored in proper conditions, and periodically inspected and cleaned, oiled, or otherwise maintained. If you don’t do this they will deteriorate and maybe become useless. As for the rest, sounds like the “cost” of storage (an unhappy SO) might be greater than the cost of replacement in the future.

Your saddle is special case. If it’s a good quality saddle that will likely fit a horse you might someday buy then keep it, understanding that it will need at least annual inspection, cleaning, and oiling. If it’s not a first line saddle or your horse was hard to fit and it will likely not fit a future horse then sell it, too.

The trailer should likely be sold as it will require proper storage, maintenance, and perhaps even insurance and licensing (depending on where you live).

If you’ve got a big house with lots of room you have lots of options. If you don’t then life without clutter is usually better than life with clutter!

Good luck and you go forward.

G.

[js]

Sorry for the loss of you horse.

I think you you should hang on to your tack and trailer. While you think it will be several years before you can get another one, horses have the ability to pop into our lives when you least expect it.

[IPEsq]

@betonbill

Universal law of horse ownership: Whenever you decide to get rid of a lot of equipment, sooner (not later) you will find yourself needing those very things. Have done this twice, and twice I have regretted it. If you must get rid of some of it, dispose of the stuff you don’t like/never used. Hold onto the rest for at least a few years before deciding to weed out more of it.

Similarly, if you keep it all, none of it will fit your next horse. Ask me how I know!

If stored in nice climate, controlled environment, your leather goods will last a long time. Inspect a few times a year if you are in a climate where they may mold (even if kept inside). Otherwise, a good conditioning 1-2 times a year will probably be fine. I still have from the 80s that are going strong. I just sold a Walsh leather halter from the mid-90s that was realistically too small for me to need any longer (see above), and with a few oilings, it’s looking great on its new horse. It doesn’t really bother me to see name plates or Sharpee markings from lost horses. I may have to have some old championship coolers made into throw pillows, though, with some of them getting moth eaten.

As for the trailer, how old is it and how many years down the road do you see needing it? We leased out our old trailer basically in exchange for help with the maintenance costs. Eventually, it couldn’t be refurbished anymore (it was steel, and the frame under the floor was getting iffy), and so it went to scrap. It was still several more years until I needed a trailer again, and given where the trailer lived, it probably wouldn’t have survived till I needed it anyway, even if I found a decent storage location. So, sale or lease made more sense. It wasn’t really worth much…didn’t cost much to begin with, so the lease helped out some other boarders from our former barn for a while and pretty much covered the upkeep. At least it was useful to someone.

[DoodlesMom]

I am so sorry for your loss. I sold a horse suddenly, and got rid of EVERYTHING. And I had quite a lot, as I too worked at a tack shop. I only kept the items that would fit my other horse, who was 2 hands shorter. A few years later, I got another horse. She, of course, was the exact same size as the horse I sold. All of his stuff would have fit her, but I didn’t have anything left, save for one purple fleece cooler. facepalm

I kept a lot of stuff when I sold my mare, thinking the next horse I got would be a similar size. He’s not. He’s a hand smaller, and one blanket size. Thankfully, my friend did the same thing I did, and kept everything from her former horse… which happened to fit my newer horse perfectly!

I think you’re smart to keep the blankets, especially if they’re clean and packaged up. We all know how expensive blankets can get. I’d keep the higher quality items, like boots, tack, etc, but then sell or give away things that can be easily replaced that hold no sentimental value. As for the trailer, that’s a tough one. You can always pay a garage to store it, depending where you are. Leasing is a good option if you want it to be cared for and used while you aren’t using it (in which case I’d say pm me). You also could sell it, then put the profit in a high yield account and save up for a new trailer when the time comes. You may not make much on interest, but you’d at least have something set aside for a trailer, and you wouldn’t have to worry about storing it long term.

[IronwoodFarm]

WNT, I am so, so sorry to hear this news! it is quite a shock.

I would donate perishable things to either your boarding barn, friends or to a horse rescue. I would hang onto the rest of the stuff for the immediate future. It’s not like tack won’t store. If you are hard up for storage, let me know as I have space for you.

But I am betting you are back into horses before too long. In fact, I see a future Fjord for your DD!

[WNT]

Thank you everyone, for your kind words and advice. I spent the afternoon just sorting stuff out, and will give all the open perishable stuff away. I’ve got a tub of things that are consignable, a tub to donate (well used but still serviceable), a pile to wash and evaluate, and manageable pile to keep for now.

Ironwood Farm, I may take you up on that. Our townhouse doesn’t have THAT much room, especially with the little one growing leaps and bounds! She’ll be sitting on a Fjord before we know it!

[WildandWickedWarmblo]

Do not sell or give away your stuff. I keep all when I lose a horse, and sometimes give blankets that don’t fit my other horses to friends. Some Cothers have some of those items. When I get another horse, which I do each time, I keep some items that I can use and give away more items. The best blankets I keep. The ones I don’t like, I give away. Ditto brushes and boots and everything else including halters and leads.

You never know when you’ll find another horse you want to buy.

Sorry for your loss. But the way to fill that hole in your heart is to get another horse, not to replace your horse but to help heal. However, if you are sure you’ll never get another horse, then donate or give away everything to someone who deserves the items.