The tackroom should be:

• Secure (always check with the insurance company as to the security level they require to ensure your tack is fully covered if stolen). The door should have a lock, and be kept locked at all times and there should be metal bars across the inside of any windows. In the event of theft, an unlocked door could lead to your insurance being voided.
• Vermin proof.
• Dry.
• Well ventilated.
• Lightly heated but tack should be not in direct line of heaters (heaters are useful in cold weather to keep the tack room warm and stop the tack becoming damp and mouldy).
• Large enough to cater for the amount of tack. This prevents tack being crushed or damaged.
• Well lit.
• Made of brick this is more secure and has a better temperature control than wood. It is also less of a fire risk.
• Non-slip floor. To prevent unnecessary accidents.
• Tack-cleaning area. A designated area should be assigned for cleaning tack, bridle hooks should never be left hanging when not in use.

A list of all the equipment should be kept in the office for the insurance company. Ideally the saddles should have your postcode stamped on the inside or be security chipped.

Equipment should be:

• Stored off the floor.
• Boots or bandages should be kept in netted bags and hung and labelled for the individual horse.
• Lungeing equipment should have its own area so it is easily accessible.
• Any spare tack, including girths and numnahs, should be easily accessible. They can be stored in a cupboard or plastic containers to keep them clean and well protected from vermin.
• All tack should be name tagged for the individual horse, especially on commercial yards. This prevents horses from wearing the wrong tack.
• All tack should have its own saddle rack and bridle hook that is named, especially on commercial yards. This prevents horses from wearing the wrong tack and enables you to find the correct tack quickly.
• All tack should not exposed to direct sun light, as this can dis-colour and dry out the leather.

Storing tack:

• Tack that is being left for a long period of time should always be thoroughly cleaned and oiled before storing.
• Bridles and accessories should be hung up so the leather doesn’t crease and crack.
• Saddles should be stored on saddle racks and ideally covered.
• Material items, including numnahs, should be washed and dried and stored in plastic containers to keep them well protected.