Searching for simple tack room storage solutions? Start with the perfect tack trunk.
As all equestrians know, horseback riding is a sport that requires lots of equipment and products. Not only do you need equipment for yourself, but for your horse as well. Equestrians also tend to spoil their horses with lots of goodies, so a tack trunk is a great way to keep all your stuff organized.
Here are the eight best tack trunks according to our research:
| Tack Trunk | Category | Summary |
| Horsemen’s Pride Tack Trunk with Wheels | Spacious | Comes with wheels. |
| Lots of room for storage and includes a tote. | ||
| It is durable. | ||
| Biltmore Deluxe All-Purpose Wooden Tack Trunk | Wooden | Classic look. |
| Holds up well. | ||
| A wooden groom box is included. | ||
| Chem Tainer Weather Resistant Tack Trunk | Weatherproof | Holds up against weather. |
| Lightweight build. | ||
| Comes with a tray and tote. | ||
| Horsemen’s Pride Sportote Deluxe Trunk | Deluxe | Includes several compartments. |
| It is durable. | ||
| It is spacious. | ||
| Rubbermaid Commercial Tack Trunk | Dust resistant | Prevents dust from getting in. |
| Includes a seat cushion. | ||
| It is durable. | ||
| Sportote Tack Trunk | Affordable | It is a good price. |
| Very durable. | ||
| Lightweight build. | ||
| Burlingham Pony Sport Trunk with Padded Seat | Dual Purpose | Padded seat for sitting at shows. |
| Variety of color options available. | ||
| Customizable. | ||
| Burlingham Western Deluxe Trunk | Western | Comes in a variety of color options. |
| Includes tray, divider, and accessories. | ||
| Lid can be padlocked. |
Key Considerations
There are several things that can be taken into consideration when choosing a tack trunk. If you travel to shows, you may want to consider buying a tack trunk with wheels, so it’s easier to transport.
If your tack trunk will be exposed to the elements, a weather-resistant trunk is your best choice.
If you want to store your saddle in your tack trunk, make sure to measure it first. Several models are not designed to fit saddles or may only fit English-style saddles.
Explore the Best Tack Trunks
Horsemen’s Pride Tack Trunk with Wheels
This tack trunk’s roomy design makes it a great match for Western or English styles of riding.
It is equipped with a tote tray that is removable and has a hinged lid that can be used with a padlock, to ensure your equipment is kept safe.
Click to see it at State Line Tack
PROS:
- Its roomy dimensions give you lots of storage room.
- It is made of polyethylene, making it durable.
- It is well-priced for its size.
- It is a great option if you travel, as it is easy to move and secure.
CONS:
- Condensation can get in, so it is best to store it indoors.
- Its large size can make it hard to clean.
- The tote tray is prone to falling in.
See customer reviews on State Line Tack
Biltmore Deluxe All-Purpose Wooden Tack Trunk
This classic-looking tack trunk is made from wood, with vinyl covering, nickel-plated hardware and locks, and leather handles.
At 36 pounds, this tack trunk can be carried by just one person.
Click to see it on State Line Tack
It comes with a removable wooden tray designed to hold grooming tools. It can be fitted for a padlock, allowing your tack to be stored safely. It measures 32 L x 16 W x 18 H in inches.
PROS:
- This tack trunk is durable.
- It is well-priced given the quality of the material.
- It is a great choice for a traditional wooden tack trunk.
CONS:
- It is not super easy to transport when full.
- It is not designed to fit all types of saddles (e.g. Western).
See customer reviews on State Line Tack
Chem Tainer Weather Resistant Tack Trunk
This tack trunk is durable and weatherproof, making it a great choice for any barn or show.
Its lightweight design makes it easy to move and store.
Click to see it on State Line Tack
It includes an easy-to-clean tray, as well as a plastic tote. The airtight design keeps pesky rodents out, so you can rest assured your tack is safe. This tack trunk measures 32 L x 19 W x 21 H in inches.
PROS:
- This trunk is weatherproof and keeps tack safe from humid conditions.
- Its design stops rodents from getting in.
- It’s lightweight, yet durable.
CONS:
- It’s not big enough to fit all types of saddles.
- Higher price range.
See customer reviews on State Line Tack
Horsemen’s Pride Sportote Deluxe Trunk
This deluxe tack trunk comes with an array of features to meet your storage needs.
It includes a removable tray, trunk divider, marker, dry-erase board, mirror, net for storing bandages, handles, wheels, and a lockable lid.
Click to see it at Amazon
PROS:
- Its spacious size allows you to store lots of equipment.
- Its various compartments keep your tack organized.
- It is durable.
CONS:
- Its handles are somewhat uncomfortable.
- It is heavy.
- Compared to similar tack trunks, it is a bit on the pricey side.
See customer reviews on Amazon
Rubbermaid Commercial Tack Trunk
It is dust resistant, which is ideal for keeping your equipment clean.
Click to see it on Amazon
It has a padded seat cushion that can be removed, which is perfect if you plan to bring your tack trunk to shows. It has a removable tray and can be fitted with a padlock. It measures 20.75 H x 36 L x 19 W.
PROS:
- This tack trunk has a strong build.
- It’s dust resistant.
- It includes a seat cushion.
CONS:
- Moisture can seep in.
- With a 60-lb capacity, it’s potentially too heavy for one person to carry.
See customer reviews on Amazon
Sportote Tack Trunk
The Sportote tack trunk is an affordable option for a first-time tack trunk buyer. Weighing in at only 16 pounds, it is also easy to transport.
It is built from UV-stabilized polyethylene, making it extremely durable.
Click to see it on State Line Tack
It includes a hinged lid that allows you to use a padlock. Front and rear bars are included, so you can safely secure the trunk when traveling. This tack trunk measures in at 21 H x 35 W x 17 D in inches.
PROS:
- This tack trunk is reasonably priced.
- It’s made to last.
- Its lightweight design makes it easy to move.
CONS:
- Doesn’t come with a grooming tray.
- Not large enough to hold Western saddles.
See customer reviews on Country Farm Tack
Burlingham Pony Sport Trunk with Padded Seat
This affordable tack trunk features a sturdy construction and a padded seat, so you’ll have somewhere to sit while you wrestle with your
Durable yet lightweight, with enough room to store a saddle.
Click to see it on SmarkPak
This tack trunk can be fitted with a padlock, won’t bend or stretch when filled to capacity, and measures 19 1/4 H x 34 L x 17 D in inches.
PROS:
- Sturdy yet lightweight construction.
- Doubles up as a comfortable seat.
- Available in a wide range of colors.
CONS:
- Cleaning can be challenging.
- Seat is not removable.
See customer reviews on SmartPak Equine
Burlingham Western Deluxe Trunk
This premium tack trunk has it all! It looks stylish and comes with every optional extra you could dream of, including a tote tray, trunk divider, and bandage net. It even comes with wheels and a pull handle to make transporting it even easier.
The handwoven padded seat adds a little flair to this functional trunk.
Click to see it on SmartPak
This tack trunk has a hinged lid that can be fitted with a padlock and measures 22 3/4 x 37 in inches.
PROS:
- Replacement parts are available.
- Inner features maximize storage capacity.
- Padded seat features a cool Western design.
CONS:
- No information available regarding weight.
- Higher price range.
See customer reviews on SmartPak Equine
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a tack trunk?
A tack trunk is used to store an array of products including tack, brushes, first aid kits, fly spray, boots, wraps, and any other equipment you need for you or your horse.
Most people keep their tack trunks outside their horse’s stall or in a tack room. Tack trunks are the perfect way to pack your equipment for horse shows or for keeping your tack organized and safe at the barn.
Q: How do you organize a tack trunk?
When organizing your tack trunk, make sure your liquid products are kept upright and separate from other equipment to prevent spills.
Most tack trunks have trays, which work great for storing brushes. You may want to consider purchasing smaller storage containers that you can use to store specific items and label them accordingly.
Q: How do you make a tack trunk cover?
Tack trunk covers are great for keeping your tack trunk clean and adding personalization. Ideally, you want the cover to be snug and cover the entire trunk, so take measurements carefully.
Nylon and quilted fabrics are some of the most common materials used for tack trunk covers.
You can visit TackTrunk.com to get tips on making your own cover.
Q: How do you build a tack trunk?
Building your own tack trunk is a great way to make sure you meet your storage requirements. If you decide to make your own, you’ll want to take measurements, choose your wood, and figure out what features you want.
You can buy different plans from Elite Tack Designs or check out YouTube for this helpful tutorial.
Q: What’s the best wood for a tack trunk?
If you’re making your own tack trunk, your best option for wood is plywood. Plywood is affordable, durable, and light. The most common types of plywood for tack trunks are oak, pine, and birch.
Q: How do you clean a tack trunk?
Many equestrians dread cleaning out their tack trunk, but a clean tack trunk is much easier to use. When cleaning your tack trunk, it is best to take everything out first and reorganize it.
Next, use a vacuum to get rid of any dirt, hay, or horse hair that may be lurking in your tack trunk.
If you have a wood tack trunk, Murphy’s oil soap is your best bet for cleaning. For non-wood tack trunks, most household cleaning products do the job, but be sure to read the label before use.
Q: How big should a tack room be?
The answer depends partly on how large your barn is, but a good minimum size is 12 X 12, or the size of a standard stall. Taller ceilings are also preferable (at least eight feet) so you can have sufficient vertical storage options for hanging saddle pads, bridles, and saddles.
Using vertical saddle racks can save space, but don’t forget to account for one tack trunk per horse or boarder. Lockers are a great choice, but can often take up more space. Keep space available for seasonal items, like blankets and fly masks, and consider leaving room for a small fridge for medications and treats.
Q: How do you organize a tack locker?
If there aren’t any hooks, consider installing a few to hang your bridle and lunge rope on. You can also install a couple of towel rods to hang saddle pads from (or store them on top of your saddle, once dry).
I keep all of my daily grooming supplies in a tote or box and keep a separate bucket for bathing supplies (shampoo, conditioner, sweat scraper, and so forth).
If there’s room, get a large clear Tupperware container to store items you use only occasionally, like backup items or blankets. Take advantage of any remaining shelf space for bottles and hoof supplies.
Your Junk Needs a Trunk (or Two!)
It may seem overwhelming how much stuff your horse needs, but luckily there are a variety of different tack trunks available to meet your storage needs. They can be a lifesaver for keeping all your tack organized.
P.S. Enjoy this article? Trot on over to:
- How to Be the Tack Room Neighbor Other Riders Don’t Hate
- Horse Riding Equipment List: What You Need & What You Don’t
- 5 Best Horse Bridle Racks to Keep Tack Tidy
- Horse Riding Gear for Beginners (Quick Print Equipment List)
- The Ultimate Packing & Horse Trailering Checklist
- What Gear Do You Need to Ride Horses as an Adult
- What’s an Average Horse Cost (All 50 States)
- How much does horse tack cost? (English + Western)
