Long term storage for tack

[kmwines]

Cross posting in a bunch of the areas:

So I recently lost my horse and am trying to figure out the best way to store all my tack. No plans in the near future for leasing or buying a new one as I am also newly pregnant, due the end of October and potential move once my husband finishes grad school in May. So riding will be out of the picture for at least a bit.

I have been storing my old show bridle in an upstairs bedroom closet but that will soon be transforming into a nursery. I have a total of 4 nice Edgewood bridles, an Edgewood leather girth, and my saddle in terms of leather items that will need to be stored. I had some mold issues with the bridles and my saddle that have been stored out at the barn so I’m hesitant to just put them in my trunk in our unfinished 3rd floor/attic.

Any suggestions for cleaning leather prior to storage that has had a mold issues? I’ve been cleaning it with a non-glycerin cleaner and tried a mold reducer and that helped (plus moving it to a better climate controlled tack room).

Would it be better to store them wrapped in the figure 8 method or just open? Flat storage or hanging?

[TheMountainsAreCalli]

Just a suggestion-- they make these small (size of two fists) dehumidifiers for gun safes that work wonderfully for a small closet space whereever you might store your leather. They have a hanger on the top, or you can just set them inside, and will help keep the mildew possibility down. Check them regularly, and plug them in to a regular wall outlet to dry. Good luck finding a safe spot!

[mmeqcenter]

For the strap goods, maybe one of thise bags that you suck the air out of and seal vacuum-tight?

[2DogsFarm]

Sorry for the loss of your horse.
But Congrats! on the baby.

I’d be tempted to clean & polish both saddle & bridles up & display somewhere in the house - family room?
Maybe a tribute to your horse in a shadowbox or framed pic(s) there too.
Wooden or brass bridle racks (hung above toddler-grab height < thinking Future) with bridles neatly shipping-wrapped & a nice wooden saddle stand.

I have my DHs old close contact saddle “mounted” on an old dining room chair in my LR.
A decorative crop someone gave me hangs from the pommel.
His dress boots stand next to the chair & various horse books are piled on the seat.
An every-now-&-then swipe with a leather cleaning wipe keeps everything looking nice.

[luvmyhackney]

I’d keep what you want for memories and sell the rest while it has value. What are the chances your saddle fits the next horse? I can promise that after baby the last thing on your mind is cleaning and oiling some bridles.

I don’t save leather goods. But bits on the other hand stay good forever!!

[kmwines]

@luvmyhackney

I’d keep what you want for memories and sell the rest while it has value. What are the chances your saddle fits the next horse? I can promise that after baby the last thing on your mind is cleaning and oiling some bridles.

I don’t save leather goods. But bits on the other hand stay good forever!!

The saddle unfortunately isn’t worth much at this point. Overall in good shape but needs a new seat and probably needs reflocked to be sold. I did my own suturing/sewing job to keep the seat from tearing more so its usable but not pretty, lol. The bridles are good Edgewood bridles but 2/4 need new nosebands to be sellable for any amount that would make it worthwhile versus the pain/cost of keeping them. Unfortunately it’s a pia to find replacement Edgewood parts.