Guest post by Liv Godfrey.

—

Tack trunks and organization are something I’ve always been a little crazy about. In my opinion one of the absolute worst things (at home or at a show) is having to search through your tack trunk to find something while you’re in a rush, especially if your trunk is filled with supplies. Throughout the years of being a groom, working student, and rider on the A/AA Circuit I’ve adapted some innovative ways to keep a trunk clean and organized which makes yours and your groom’s life much, much easier.

Note: I will be using my Stanley tack trunk (You can buy one at Home Depot. Similar models, such as Husky, can be found at Lowes) as a guide. This post will be at-home themed, but keep your eyes peeled for a show tack trunk organization post to come!

Tupperware: These little suckers are the key to space saving. You can find all different shapes, sizes, colors, etc. for cheap at stores like Target, Staples, and Walmart. I like having different themed Tupperware so it’s even easier to organize. For example I have a Tupperware that is for medical purposes which has things like vet wrap, Ulcer Guard, Banamine, poultice pads, a thermometer, and gauze. I also use Tupperware for Lulu’s treats. This helps save space and lets me get to the treats quickly (she’s very impatient).

Milk Crates: Instead of having your extra Ecolicious Equestrian products, fly sprays, vet cream, tack cleaner, Betadine, Thrush Buster, and liniment thrown around your trunk, pick up a milk crate at Staples! They are actually very space saving and keep all the extra products together. They go for around $8 and last forever too. Another great thing about milk crates (if your barn has lockers) is that you can stack them. At my old barn we had lockers, and I had 3 milk crates stacked on top of each other. I absolutely loved them.

Portable trays: When you buy a Stanley, the trunk automatically comes with one portable tray that slides into a designated slot and hovers on the top inside of the trunk. These trays can get a bit messy, but you have to pick and choose what you decide to put in it. I use it as my part of the trunk where I have anything I might need at home. I have extra gloves, spurs, baby wipes, face wipes (for after sweaty summer rides), a mini dry shampoo if I have to go somewhere after I ride and my hair is disgusting, braid rubber bands, granola bars, Chapstick, Hershey Kisses, feminine hygiene products, Advil, Sharpies/pens, Band-Aids, and an empty space for my trainer/vet/farrier/chiropractor to leave invoices. You can really make this part of your trunk however you wish, but I find it really easy and accessible so using it as a “rider’s spot” is perfect. If you want another tray, you can also purchase an extra at Home Depot for the other side of your trunk.

Cork boards/white boards: Although I have yet to customize my trunk with boards, that is next on my list. Cork and white boards are really great for pictures, invoices, and reminders. You can even place motivational quotes to look at before you ride that will give you the drive to drop your stirrups for an extra 5 minutes and do that lateral work. I am a huge believer in motivational quotes, and I have them all around the barn for me. They keep me going and remind me why I work as hard as I do every day.

Wrap Holders: On the sides of my trunk I have two wrap holders. I use one for what the holders are originally made for: standing bandages and standing wraps or “pillows.” On the other side above my trunk I have another wrap holder that I use for tendon boots and polo wraps. I use the big side, originally made for standing wraps, for my tendon boots (Equifits, Veredus, Eskadron) and bell boots. I use the side originally made for standing bandages for polo wraps. Wrap holders are extremely efficient and keep everything together so I can ensure my horse is protected when my trainer takes her out for schooling rides.

Bridle bags: Next to my wrap holders I have my oversized bridle bag in which I keep extra tack. I highly recommend spending the money and getting an oversized bag because it can fit much more. I have side reins, draw reins, bridles, bridle pieces, and extra reins all in one bag. I keep it simple and hang my bridle bag on a hook that I screwed into the wall.

Overall, trunk organization is super important and can help de-stress every day life at the barn. Those are just some ways I keep my own stuff neat and organized, but you can add your own little twist! If anyone has any questions or even methods to their madness I’d love to hear. You can contact me on my Twitter or my Ask.fm.

With all my love,

Liv