Homemade Saddle Stands

Homemade saddle stands are usually made of wood and built to be either simple and utilitarian or ornate and decorative. Some saddle stands are permanently built into a tack room; others are portable and can be moved around the stable as needed. The basic design does allow some creativity, with options for adding capacity for other tack and accessories.

  1. Planning a Saddle Stand

    • There are few standards in building a saddle stand. The stand should be tall enough so the stirrups do not drag on the floor or ground and the top should approximate the back of a horse. Other than those requirements a saddle stand can be built to almost any design.

      Many builders will use a height of about 36 inchesfor their saddle stand. This can be shortened for a youth̵7;s saddle to make it easier for a young person to remove the saddle from the stand.

    Building the Top of the Saddle Stand

    • The top of the saddle stand will slope from the center to each side of the saddle stand. This should approximate the back of a horse and allow the saddle stand to completely support the saddle. The top of the saddle stand is usually between 14 and 16 inches across. The supports for the saddle stand top can be completely rounded or a simple slope from near the center to the edge. For a simple slope cut the support for the saddle stand top so the edges are approximately 3 inches lower than the center of the middle of the saddle stand top.

    Building the Rest of the Saddle Stand

    • The saddle stand top can either be mounted on legs or attached to the wall. If the saddle stand is attached to the wall diagonal braces should be attached to the front of the saddle stand and extend at an angle to the wall below.

      The base of the free standing saddle stand is usually about 2 feet in width. A box may be included between the saddle stand top and the base of the stand for storage of accessories like brushes and trimmers.

    Accessorize the Saddle Stand

    • Closet coat hooks can be added at the ends of the saddle stand to hand bridles and halters.

      Saddle stands can be painted, stained and varnished or left natural. In many tack rooms saddle stands are built from scrap lumber.