8 Items for Organizing a Tack Room and Feed Storage Area

Stepping into a cluttered barn aisle at five in the morning searching for a missing leather halter or a clean feed scoop wastes precious time and invites unnecessary frustration. A well-organized tack room and feed storage area transforms daily chores from a chaotic scramble into an efficient, enjoyable routine. Equipping your barn with durable, purpose-built storage tools keeps expensive leather supple, prevents costly feed spoilage, and protects your livestock’s long-term health.

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Planning Your Tack Room Layout for Efficiency

Designing a functional tack and feed room requires mapping out high-traffic zones before mounting a single rack. Feed storage should sit near the entrance door to minimize the distance heavy grain bags must be carried from the truck. Tack storage belongs in the dry, dust-reduced area of the room away from ambient moisture and grain dust.

Vertical wall space is the most valuable asset in a small barn setup. Elevating equipment off the floor keeps pathways clear for wheelbarrows and eliminates hiding spots for rodents. Group items by daily frequency, placing high-use bridles, halters, and feed scoops at arm level while storing seasonal turnout blankets and spare hardware on higher shelves.

Crucial Safety Rules for Storing Animal Feed

Feed spoilage poses a severe risk to livestock health through toxic mold, dust contamination, and pest infestation. Grain must always be kept off bare concrete floors, which leach humidity upwards and create damp pockets at the bottom of storage containers. Proper airflow around feed bins prevents ambient moisture buildup during sudden temperature changes.

Pests present both a contamination hazard and a severe financial drain on a small acreage. Metal storage containers are non-negotiable in areas with known rodent or raccoon populations, as hungrier pests chew through heavy plastic bins overnight. Always practice a strict first-in, first-out rotation system when topping off feed containers to prevent old grain from settling and spoiling at the bottom.

Airtight Feed Bin – Behrens Galvanized Steel Can

A reliable feed bin forms the first line of defense against rodents, insects, and ambient barn moisture. Plastic totes often fail under the persistent gnawing of rats or raccoons, leaving whole grain bags exposed to contamination. A heavy-gauge steel container ensures your feed remains clean, dry, and secure regardless of the season.

The Behrens Galvanized Steel Can is built for harsh barn environments that destroy lighter utility containers. Its corrugated steel walls provide exceptional structural rigidity, while the zinc coating prevents rust formation in damp feed rooms. The tight-fitting lid locks down securely via the steel bail handle, preventing clever raccoons from opening the bin overnight.

• 31-gallon capacity holds up to 100 pounds of textured or pelleted feed
• Offset bottom design keeps the base elevated off damp concrete floors
• Heavy-gauge corrugated steel resists crushing, rusting, and rodent chew-throughs

Mounting or placing this can requires a dry, flat surface away from direct roof leaks or open window spray. While the steel body is completely chew-proof, extreme humidity can cause condensation inside the lid if grain is loaded hot from the mill. This container is ideal for small farms storing standard sweet feed or pellets, but it is not built for storing liquid supplements or wet mashes directly against the raw metal.

Feed Scoop – Little Giant Heavy Duty Plastic Scoop

A purpose-built feed scoop brings consistency and accuracy to daily feeding schedules. Using makeshift containers or flimsy household jugs leads to inconsistent ration sizing, spilled grain, and cracked plastic in cold weather. An industrial-grade scoop ensures precise weight distribution while withstanding daily friction against heavy grain.

The Little Giant Heavy Duty Plastic Scoop is manufactured from high-impact polypropylene that will not crack or splinter in sub-zero winter temperatures. Its smooth interior walls prevent sticky molasses-based sweet feeds from clumping, ensuring every measured ration empties cleanly into the bucket. The enclosed handle protects your hand from scraped knuckles against the inner walls of deep feed bins.

• Thick-walled polyethylene withstands winter drops and heavy daily scraping
• Enclosed handle grip shields hands and fingers during deep scoops
• Flat bottom design rests upright on feed bin lids without tipping over

Before purchasing, weigh a full scoop of your specific feed on a kitchen scale to calibrate your daily feeding measurements, as volume does not equal weight across different feed types. Keep a designated scoop for each feed type to prevent cross-contamination of medicated rations or species-specific minerals. This scoop is an absolute staple for horses, sheep, and goats, though farms feeding massive herds out of bulk gravity wagons will require larger scoop capacities.

Saddle Rack – Tough 1 Wall Mount Folding Rack

Saddles represent one of the largest financial investments on any small farm or homestead. Allowing leather to sit on damp concrete or balanced precariously on wooden crates damages the internal tree and cracks expensive leather. A wall-mounted saddle rack maintains the saddle’s shape while allowing air to circulate around damp underside fleece.

The Tough 1 Wall Mount Folding Rack offers heavy-duty support while maximizing open space in narrow tack rooms. Constructed from thick tubular steel, this rack features a smooth powder-coated finish that will not snag leather or fleece lining. The integrated bottom bar provides a convenient space to hang damp saddle pads so they can dry thoroughly after rides.

• Heavy-duty tubular steel supports heavy Western and English saddles without flexing
• Folding hinge mechanism drops flat against the wall when not in use
• Under-slung wire grid holds damp saddle blankets and cinch straps off the ground

Ensure this rack is anchored directly into a solid wood wall stud using heavy-duty lag bolts, as drywall anchors will pull out under the weight of a Western saddle. Leave at least two feet of lateral clearance on either side to prevent saddle skirts from rubbing against neighboring walls or bridles. This rack is perfect for compact tack rooms needing multi-use space, but it is not intended for heavy saddle repair work where high downward torque is applied.

Bridle Rack – Easy-Up Multi-Hook Bridle Rack

Hanging leather bridles, halters, and lunging lines on nails or flat hooks ruins fine leather over time. Flat surfaces cause sharp creases in the crownpiece padding, while metal nails transfer rust directly onto damp leather straps. A dedicated bridle rack supports the natural curve of the headstall while keeping reins organized off the barn floor.

The Easy-Up Multi-Hook Bridle Rack features half-moon curved caps that distribute the weight of the bridle across the entire crownpiece. Built from heavy-gauge powder-coated steel, this rack resists humidity and sweat corrosion in unheated tack spaces. Each cap includes a lower hook designed specifically to hold reins, martingales, or matching lead ropes neatly beneath the main headstall.

• Curved half-moon cap design preserves crownpiece shape and prevents leather cracking
• Integrated bottom hooks keep reins and lunging lines neatly organized and elevated
• Five-tier gang configuration mounts quickly onto a single wall stud

Mount the rack high enough on the wall so that long reins hang at least six inches above the floor to avoid dirt accumulation. Apply a thin layer of leather conditioner to headstalls before hanging them for long-term storage to prevent dust accumulation from drying out the grain. This rack is ideal for horse owners managing multiple bridles, though single-horse owners may prefer individual wall mounts.

Blanket Rack – Schneiders Folding Blanket Bar

Turnout rugs, fly sheets, and cooler blankets take up massive amounts of storage space when folded into piles. Stacking damp blankets traps moisture, encouraging mold growth and inviting mice to build nests in the heavy fiber fill. A swinging wall rack allows air to pass freely between layers, drying damp fabric rapidly after turnout.

The Schneiders Folding Blanket Bar features multiple independent swinging arms that extend outwards for drying and fold flat when loading is complete. Its heavy-wall steel construction handles wet heavy-weight winter turnouts without sagging or warping the wall bracket. The smooth tubular design allows heavy canvas fabrics to slide on and off without catching or tearing outer denier shells.

• Multi-tier swinging arms allow air circulation between damp blanket layers
• Folds flat against the wall to reclaim aisle space when blankets are in active use
• Heavy-gauge steel frame supports up to three wet winter turnout rugs simultaneously

Install this rack near a ventilated area or window to maximize drying efficiency during wet winter months. Ensure the mounting plate is anchored firmly with heavy lag screws into solid backing timber to support wet fabric weight. This system excels for farms managing active winter turnouts, but it is not meant for long-term air-tight summer storage of washed blankets.

Storage Tote – Iris USA WeatherPro Heavy Duty Tote

Off-season equipment like summer fly masks, winter hoods, leg wraps, and extra grooming supplies require protection from dusty barn environments. Leaving fabric gear on open shelves invites ambient dust, spider webs, and destructive mice. Heavy-duty sealed totes keep soft goods clean, dry, and ready for immediate seasonal deployment.

The Iris USA WeatherPro Heavy Duty Tote utilizes a continuous foam seal built directly into the lid perimeter to exclude moisture and fine dust particles. Heavy-duty multi-point latches pull the lid down tightly against the body, creating a complete barrier against atmospheric humidity and chewing insects. The reinforced lid structure allows multiple loaded totes to stack safely without cracking the base beneath.

• Gasket-sealed lid system blocks out fine dust, ambient moisture, and spiders
• Heavy-duty latching buckles secure the seal tight across temperature swings
• Stackable recessed lid design maximizes vertical corner space in feed rooms

Label the outside of each tote clearly with painter’s tape or paint pens to avoid searching through sealed containers during busy workdays. Wash and completely dry all fabric items before locking them inside to prevent trapped moisture from causing mildew during summer storage. This tote is perfect for sensitive tack accessories and emergency first-aid supplies, though it is too rigid for oversized items like Western saddles.

Tool Wall Grid – Triton LocBoard Steel Pegboard

A cluttered floor covered with pitchforks, stable brooms, and manure scrapers creates severe trip hazards in barn aisles. Leaning barn tools against wood walls usually ends with them falling over, breaking handles, or blocking narrow doorways. Installing an industrial-grade steel pegboard keeps essential cleaning tools organized, visible, and instantly accessible.

The Triton LocBoard Steel Pegboard is built from heavy 18-gauge steel, easily outperforming cheap pressboard alternatives that warp in humid farm conditions. Its square-hole configuration utilizes heavy-duty locking hooks that stay firmly locked in place when tools are lifted off the board. The powder-coated steel finish stands up to daily impact from metal shovel heads and wet wooden broom handles.

• 18-gauge square-hole steel supports heavy steel barn tools without sagging or cracking
• LocHook locking mechanism keeps hooks locked firmly to the board during tool removal
• Internal mounting flanges eliminate the need for extra framing spacers behind the board

Mount the LocBoard near your manure pit or stall entrance for maximum operational efficiency during morning chores. Space hooks far enough apart so broad metal shovels and plastic stall forks do not overlap or tangle when retrieved. This board is an essential upgrade for high-traffic barns, but it requires solid wall stud mounting and is far heavier than standard home-workshop pegboards.

Grooming Caddy – Weaver Leather Supply Tote Bag

Carrying individual brushes, hoof picks, and fly sprays back and forth between stalls leads to dropped tools and lost time. Open wooden crates accumulate dust, straw, and hair at the bottom, creating a dirty mess that quickly transfers back onto freshly washed horses. A flexible, dedicated grooming tote keeps daily grooming tools organized and highly mobile.

The Weaver Leather Supply Tote Bag is built from rugged 600-denier polyester fabric designed to withstand rough barn use. It features a wide-open main compartment for large spray bottles and outer pockets designed specifically to hold hoof picks, sweat scrapers, and stiff brushes. The breathable mesh bottom allows dirt, dander, and shed hair to fall through harmlessly rather than collecting inside the bag.

• 600-denier polyester body resists tearing against rough wooden stall walls
• Mesh floor design lets fine dirt and horse hair drop out automatically
• Structured exterior pockets keep liquid spray bottles standing upright without tipping

Rinse the caddy occasionally with a garden hose to clear built-up dirt from the mesh weave, allowing it to air dry in the sun. Avoid overloading the outer side pockets with heavy steel tools to keep the tote balanced when carried by the shoulder strap. This caddy is ideal for horse owners grooming in cross-ties or washing stalls, but it is not intended for storing heavy farrier tools.

Simple Daily Routines to Keep Storage Clean

Maintaining an organized feed and tack area relies heavily on quick, consistent daily routines. At the end of every morning and evening feeding, brush away any spilled grain off feed bin lids and sweep the surrounding floor immediately. Leaving even small piles of feed on the ground invites mice, rats, and birds into your storage space overnight.

Establish a strict habit of wiping down leather bridles and bits with a damp cloth immediately after every use before hanging them up. Sweat, saliva, and dirt degrade leather fibers rapidly if left to dry on straps, leading to stiff, unsafe equipment. Taking thirty seconds to clear off mud and return tools to designated wall grids keeps aisles clear and ready for the next chore.

Long-Term Maintenance for Feed and Tack Gear

Seasonal maintenance prevents costly equipment failures and extends the life of your barn organization tools. Every three months, empty all metal feed cans completely to sweep out fine grain dust and check for bottom condensation. Wash the interior with a mild vinegar solution, allowing the metal to dry completely in the sun before reloading fresh feed.

Deep-clean and condition all leather tack twice a year, inspecting buckle billets, cheekpieces, and girth straps for signs of wear or dry rot. Check wall-mounted saddle racks, blanket bars, and steel pegboards annually to ensure mounting lag screws remain tight in wood studs. Replacing worn hardware and maintaining clean storage surfaces protects your financial investments and keeps your barn running smoothly year-round.

Investing time into setting up a structured tack room and feed storage area pays massive dividends every single day on the farm. By selecting chew-proof feed bins, ergonomic scoops, robust saddle racks, and breathable grooming caddys, you create a safe, efficient workspace that protects expensive gear. A clean, well-ordered barn reduces daily stress, saves money on wasted feed, and keeps your livestock healthy for years to come.