How to Mount Saddle Racks in Horse Trailers

If you are planning to travel with your saddle in a trailer, it should be mounted on a properly fitted rack. The positioning of the rack is very important, as it should not be placed where a horse can damage it or knock it off. Some trailers have dedicated areas for saddles. In other models, it may be possible to place the rack at the front of the trailer, or in an unused compartment.



It is worth buying a dedicated rack to transport your saddle. These are inexpensive and give good support, ensuring that your saddle is unlikely to fall down while in transit. It is also possible to buy racks which fold flat when not in use.

Things You'll Need

  • Gloves
  • Safety goggles
  • Saddle rack
  • Pencil
  • Tape measure
  • Cordless drill, or drill, extension lead and plug socket
  • Drill bits
  • Assistant (optional)
  • 3-inch bolts and nuts
  • Bolt cutters
  • Adjustable wrench (spanner)
  • Carpenter's level
  • File
  • Silicone sealant
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Instructions

    • 1

      Decide where to position your rack. It should be out of the horse's reach, and high enough to prevent any straps from trailing on the ground. It should also be low enough to enable you to lift the saddle on and off easily.

      Mark the position of the mounting holes with a pencil.

    • 2

      Put on safety equipment, then drill out the holes, widening them sufficiently to place a bolt. Use a carpenter's level to make sure the holes are straight before attaching the rack. It may be easier to have an assistant hold the rack in place while you feed the bolts through and secure them with a nut from the other side.

    • 3

      Tighten the nuts with an adjustable wrench (spanner), then snip off the protruding end of the bolt with bolt cutters. If necessary, file off any sharp points.

    • 4

      Spread silicone sealant around the ends of the bolts, both inside and outside. Let dry for several hours before using the rack.