What to do with tack when you're horseless

[runNjump86]

@FlamingoRider

If the trailer will be parked where there’s electricity available, consider putting a dehumidifier in the tack room. It can be fitted with a drain hose and a connection placed into an exterior wall so you don’t have to worry about dumping the container. This way all your stuff is protected from (most of) the risk of mold and mildew. Make sure your door and windows seal up tight–would be well worth replacing all the weather stripping if the trailer is more than a few years old.

I wish I had access to electricity, that’s a great idea! Unfortunately it’s parked in a field near a tree line.

[Xanthoria]

@runNjump86

I find myself mourning not just the loss of my horse, but the loss of my horse-related identity. This is the first time in over 20 years I haven’t owned a horse. I haven’t even been near one since the day we buried Sky.

Blankets, bridles, boots…I’m keeping the majority of them as they’re easily stored and kept cleaned, but the thought of two expensive, lovely saddle just rotting away in my trailer makes me cringe. WWYD?

I am so sorry - I have read about many of your trials, and also your joys over the years.

Keep the saddles. You’ll find a way to keep them up.

[runNjump86]

@Xanthoria

I am so sorry - I have read about many of your trials, and also your joys over the years.

Keep the saddles. You’ll find a way to keep them up.

Thank you. It was truly a roller coaster. I look back and wish I had done many things differently, but there are many, many things I would do all over again even knowing how much it hurt to lose him.

[WNT]

I lost my old guy when our little one was not quite one. It’s been almost three years. I’ve kept most of my bridles and strapgoods, because it’s quite the collection of mismatched but mostly black stuff that I’ve gathered over time. I tried really hard to sell my dressage saddle as I was never in love with it, but it fit his princess-and-the-pea back. Apparently it’s too out of style for anyone to be interested in.

The strapgoods were all wiped down with a mildew-resistant cleaner and glycerine soap. It all lives in a Rubbermaid bin in my closet along with my bit box. The saddle is on a folding rack on a pile of saddle pads under the bay window in the dining room, with some stuff stashed under the rack. The pads, blankets, and grooming kit are stored in a dry barn at a friend’s.

I did sell the truck and trailer, though. I knew they would just end up sitting and rotting for way too long, as with a young kid I realized it was going to be a long time before our family would be in a position to own a horse. If you can move the trailer to a gravel or paved space, it will help keep the undercarriage in better shape. Grass growing and attracting moisture, and the possibility of ants or wasps is very real. I had to replace the floor after not hauling it for about six months. It was parked in a grassy area along a treeline. Carpenter ants moved in and demolished the floor.

I’m sorry for your loss, and the hit to your identity is hard. I haven’t even sat on a horse since before Mister passed, though I’ve kept clipping a bit and work in the horse industry. It’s not the same though. Best wishes to you.

[Xanthoria]

@runNjump86

Thank you. It was truly a roller coaster. I look back and wish I had done many things differently, but there are many, many things I would do all over again even knowing how much it hurt to lose him.

I know the feeling. You can only do what you believe in the moment to be the best - hindsight just hurts you. (((hugs)))