Tack trunk shopping help?

Question

I'm getting a tack trunk as a college graduation gift, and I am looking at some of my options within the budget. I currently have almost everything except my saddle squeezed into one of these: http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=11014791 I really like the portability, so wheels are a plus.

Here are the few I am considering:
http://www.doversaddlery.com/product.asp?pn=x1-27369&ids=337418307
http://www.doversaddlery.com/product.asp?pn=x1-27375&ids=337418307
http://www.doversaddlery.com/product.asp?pn=x1-2752&ids=337418307
http://www.doversaddlery.com/product.asp?pn=x1-4731&ids=337418307

I need it to fit an 18" AP saddle as well as all my other horse stuff, like boots, breeches, helmet, half chaps, grooming supplies, polo wraps, saddle pads, etc. The saddle is in a thick padded case, so I'm not really concerned about scratches while getting it in, but I don't want to have it always squeezed and give me curled flaps. My plan is, if the plastic is strong enough, I'd like to screw in a saddle rack like this: http://www.doversaddlery.com/product.asp?pn=x1-27218&ids=337418307 inside and be able to put stuff underneath so in case something spills it doesn't get all over my saddle.

I'm leaning towards the Horseman's Pride trunk, but my biggest concern is saddle fit for that. The others not so much, I just haven't seen them in person. I know someone with the HP trunk, and if I have to I'll take my saddle over to their place and see how mine would fit.

I'd like to hear about experiences with any or all of the above trunks? Or why you didn't/wouldn't buy a certain one? I kind of like the Fairfield because it looks nice and has a sliding tray and removable tote, but I don't know if it is big enough for all my stuff. So here's the order of what I'm liking most at the moment (from favorite to less favorite):

1. Horseman's Pride Trunk (http://www.doversaddlery.com/product.asp?pn=x1-27369&ids=337418307)
2. Sportote Deluxe Trunk (http://www.doversaddlery.com/product.asp?pn=x1-27375&ids=337418307)
3. Fairfield Trunk (http://www.doversaddlery.com/product.asp?pn=x1-2752&ids=337418307)
4. Sportote Tack Trunk (http://www.doversaddlery.com/product.asp?pn=x1-4731&ids=337418307)

If I must resign myself to not being able to fit my saddle in it, I think the Fairfield would be my first choice. If that were to be the case, what would my saddle storage options be? It's in a nice protective case, but I feel I need to put it on a proper rack.

Another option I haven't discussed with the gifter is building my own tack trunk (which would more resemble a tack cabinet) and having them provide some funding for the supplies. Obviously, this isn't as convenient as buying a ready-made tack trunk, but would allow for more customization. My mother, however, would like use of her garage over the summer, so I don't know where I'd build it.

BUT, the reason I'm not considering a full-out custom trunk right now is because I don't own a horse at the moment. Once I am closer to being able to afford a horse, I will more than likely pursue building my own cabinet. All the horse stuff I have right now is pretty much riding-related from taking lessons and showing for a while, so once I get all the horse-ownership-related stuff, I will upgrade.

The trunks I am looking at now are just supposed to get me maybe 5-7 years until I need one that will hold blankets, halters, bridles, lead ropes, etc.

As you can see, this is a little complicated.

Any advice?

I'll give a thumbs-up to everyone who has bothered to read this far, LOL.

Answer 1

I like the Sportote or the Horseman's Pride. I also wouldn't count on getting one of the wall-mount saddle racks to mount in any of those tack boxes. Sorry, it's a good idea in theory but I doubt it will work. I've had similar tack boxes and those saddle racks. The thought occured to me also and I couldn't find a way to pull it off, they take up too much room and you can't fold them down in the box.



To prevent spills on your saddle keep any jars of liquid in zip-lock baggies (don't skimp-get the good ones with the blue-and-yellow seal, nothing but the best :)

Answer 2

Sportote Tack Trunk

Answer 3

I own a big tack trunk but I never take it to shows, it sits at home in my tack shed and holds seasonal items. Instead I use basic plastic tubs, such as Rubbermaid tubs, that you can buy at Wal-Mart. I write supplies in indelible marker on the lids so I know what to put in each tub at each show. One will have my English riding supplies, so the list will say 1)show boots and spurs 2)breeches 3)spare collars 4)show helmet 5)hair supplies, comb, etc. The next tub will be my Western supplies. Other tubs will have my horse's sheets, slinky, stall signs and so forth. These tubs are light enough that I can easily carry them at the shows, or put them in my wheelbarrel. They will fit in the backseat of my truck's crew cab, or since they are waterproof they will also fit in the box of the truck. You can bring them inside easily to fill with supplies. And they are cheap. Not nearly as sophistocated and fancy as tack trunks, I know!

Answer 4

The Horseman's Pride is the best out of the four. I know a few people that have it, and they love it. If you take care of it, it lasts long.



I got a Stanley Utility Trunk from home depot for $60. It fits my 17.5" dressage saddle, briddle, girth, pads, cooler, grooming and riding gear. I love it! It also has a tote in it that fits my grooming stuff. I can fit almost everything in it. It also has wheels and a handle, and it's super easy to move around.



If you don't mind the look of the Utility trunk, I think that's your best bet. http://www.stanleytools.com/xhtml/literature/StanleyStorageCatalog_MKT0710.pdf (page 9, the 50 gallon one I think..)