How to Store a Horse Saddle

Storing a horse saddle starts with a clean, dry, and organized approach to keep it in tip-top shape. If you’re looking to pack away your saddle at Public Storage, a few simple steps can make the process easy and even a little fun.

Clean Before You Stash It

Before your saddle ever sees the inside of a storage unit, give it a good clean. Wipe off dust, dirt, and sweat from your last ride. Use a gentle leather cleaner for leather saddles or a soft brush for synthetic materials. Conditioning leather if needed keeps it supple and ready for your next adventure.

Choose the Right Saddle Rack

A saddle rack is your saddle’s best friend in storage. It keeps the saddle off the floor, maintains its shape, and makes organizing your storage unit much easier. In a storage unit, a standing saddle rack is perfect. Wired racks can warp your saddle, however. A good solution is to use pool noodles to soften the metal and resemble your horse’s back. If you don’t have a dedicated rack, a sturdy, padded surface can also work. Avoid stacking saddles or leaning them in corners.

How Can I Keep My Saddle in Top Shape in Storage?

Humidity and temperature swings can damage a delicate leather saddle. Use breathable saddle covers or even cotton sheets to pack away your saddle. Avoid plastic coverings, which trap moisture and can lead to mildew or mold. If your storage unit is climate-controlled, that’s ideal, but even a standard unit works, because conditions are similar to a normal tack room, as long as you keep your saddle elevated and covered.

Organize Accessories Alongside Your Saddle

While you’re storing your saddle, think about tidying up your accessories. Pack bridles, girths, saddle pads, and cleaning supplies in labeled bins so they’re easy to grab when you return.

Plan for Easy Access

You may not need your saddle every day but placing it near the front of your storage unit makes life simpler. Keep it accessible so you can take it out, clean it, or put it back without a hassle. This approach helps you save time and keeps your storage unit organized, functional, and enjoyable to use. Check on it every now and then to make sure it looks good and recondition it as needed.

Storing a horse saddle doesn’t have to be complicated. With a clean saddle, a supportive rack, proper covering, and organized accessories, your gear stays tidy and ready for action.

Features and amenities vary by location, facility, and unit. “Climate-controlled” and related terms (such as air-conditioned, heated, or humidistat-equipped) describe storage spaces designed to help maintain more consistent temperature or humidity levels compared to non-climate-controlled units. Public Storage does not guarantee temperature or humidity ranges. Availability, features, and unit types may differ by location, facility, and unit. Please confirm with your facility whether specific climate-controlled features are available on units at that location.