Start with the room's daily jobs
List what happens here: collecting tack, putting it away, cleaning, checking and preparing for events. Draw the door swing and fixed fittings first, then place those activities around them. Leave the main route clear before filling the remaining wall with storage.
The BHS riding-school criteria describe dry, secure, tidy tack storage, adequate lighting and room to clean and store equipment. They also use labelled saddle and bridle positions to help prevent mix-ups. These are useful organising principles for a private room too; they are not a claim that your layout meets an approval standard.
A simple three-zone layout
| Zone | Put here | Planning question |
|---|---|---|
| Daily collection | Regularly used saddles and bridles | Can each user lift down their own kit? |
| Cleaning and checking | Supplies, good task light, inspection notes | Is there room to work without blocking the door? |
| Occasional equipment | Labelled boxes and event kit | Can it stay organised without burying everyday items? |
Try a small layout first. For a shared room, agree a shelf or labelled allocation for each owner before choosing more furniture. A full room benefits from a clear rule about items waiting for repair and who checks them.
Measure before ordering
Use our tack room planner to explore a wall, then verify the layout with the actual equipment. Include spare tack in the count and agree where it will go. Decide where damp accessories will dry before they arrive back from a wet ride.
The BHS yard-viewing guidance also highlights clear walkways and secure, dry tack storage. When viewing a new livery yard, ask to see the room during a busy period and discuss who controls access. Finish the plan with the security checklist.
Sources & further reading
- BHS: riding school tack and equipment criteria · Checked 2026-10-25
- BHS: viewing a yard · Checked 2026-10-25