We have been spending a lot of time sorting down the Tack Room and my various storage spots, trying to consolidate things that are alike and getting it in less locations.
Frankly, with it all spread out down the barn aisle I am SHOCKED at how much STUFF there is. I definitely will be doing the Tack Sale rounds to get rid of things!! I found out I am a secret (didn’t even suspect myself!) horse blanket hoarder. But finding one LARGE wooden box full of various blankets, adding on the Rubber Maid tubs of sheets and blankets, knowing there are more in the two horse trailers, PLUS another tack trunk half full, I will have to accept the truth. Even with ALL the horses we have, I can’t use that many blankets with daily changes! And only one horse ACTUALLY wears a rainsheet blanket in winter, and only if it is below 30F. All the others go with fur only, outside even when the cold is severe. I am afraid to add up the quantity, it will be a nasty shock. Just too many places to “put things away” in.
Harness is similar, got it out of the cabinets, trunks, boxes, trailer, laid it out to view. I bet there is a LARGE herd of cowhide in harness items. Found things I had forgotten about, others that were “I wonder where I put that” kind of things. Husband got dragged out, so we could sort what he thought would be used in the future, never going to use stuff, save for a spare items like reins of the correct width and lengths, odd things that came with other things but didn’t fit horses we have. Found some brass buckle things which will get sold, since we have no brass harness anymore.
The pile of things needing cleaning, polishing, is sizable, but none are really dirty. Just not shiny. I can see myself watching Movies on TV while polishing! Would be great if the weather wasn’t so nice outside! So far it is being a great weather winter to do things outside, which is what started this problem.
Have to say it was easy to gather up parts to assemble a single harness for the filly who came home from the Trainer on Sunday. I knew where everything was at hand! It is kind of a mixed batch, Zilco backpad, Smuckers leather, short ended V-breastcollar, Zilco bridle with Tedman traces. I have a Van Der Weil bridle if the Zilco doesn’t fit well. But all safe, solid, will fit her fine to start working here for us.
I do like the feeling of accomplishment when leather of harness is clean, flexible and soft, has that soft glow to it before it gets put back away for storage.
I got a new roll of tape for my Label Maker, things WILL be better organized this time when put away! Ha Ha The Tack Sale stuff will be boxed, then move it to another storage location for easy out and into the truck to attend the sales. Hoping my DD will come help sell. Always easier with two than just one. I am not sure exactly how this stuff accumulates, unless it is because sometimes they are “such bargins” one of us can’t resist. Then it gets put away “until we need it” and forgotten. The stuff used daily is all in good shape, nothing seems to ever wear out!
My only hope is as the young horses come along and we get back to driving Four, that more stuff gets used often to keep it nice. We can have daily use AND good stuff out to use often. Heck, maybe we will even get a Six together, I bought the Leader Reins for it! We could work everyone at the same time!! Now if we can just find a Yellowstone Coach, things will be perfect! He can drive, while I sit in back to wave at the amazed folks along the road as we canter by with the Six!! It is good to have a goal, so MAYBE someday…
