DIY Tack Locker

To say this post has been on the back burner for a long time is an understatement. I started and finished this tack cabinet end of summer/beginning of fall as I was in dire need of more space. Even though I was only half leasing Panda I amassed a large assortment of tack and riding supplies and was looking for a better way to store it all.

I had looked to buy some cabinet but they were all super expensive ($1500++). I had also seen some plans online but couldn't find an exact layout I loved. I decided to design and build one myself and with the help of my brother in law Mike we set out to make just the cabinet I was looking for. 

The Supplies (to the best of my memory, I could find recipets if you had specific questions)

(2) 8 x 4 3/4" plywood boards cut into various sizes for the walls and interior dividers of the cabinet

(1) 2 x 4 1/2" plywood for trim and grooming tote

(1) 1" dowel for handle of the grooming tote

trim molding for a more finished look (optional)

Coarse, medium, and fine grit sand paper

Sanding block

1-2 cans of stain 

1-2 cans of varnish/polycrylic

1 staining sponge

Wood glue

Screws, saws, pocket screw jig

Sticky notes to label your cuts of wood

Trunk hardware

Ok so lets jump into it...

We had some of the cuts for the cabinet made in the store before we purchased the boards, I think they charged $.10 a cut and the first 12 were free. We made a bunch of cuts so the boards would be easier to handle and get out of the store. The worker that cut the boards for us was great and didn't mind all of the exact measurements I gave him. If you're going this route you should absolutely draw out your cuts with exact measurements so you're organized and able to get through this process quickly. I also made sticky notes with the cut dimensions and which piece it was so that I could stay more organized.

If you look closely you can see the blue sticky notes on some of the boards below

Our next step was to attach the left and right walls to the base of the cabinet. We used a nail gun as well as wood glue and pocket screws to attach the three pieces together.

Once the walls were secure we attached a piece of wood to span between the two was to hold them together.

You can see more of the sticky notes here

Here is a great photo of the pocket screws, they gave everything a much cleaner look (even though these were ones you wouldn't be able to see)

 Here is a close up of the tool that allows you to easily put in the pocket screws.

While my brother in law was working on the cabinet I set up some stain samples on scraps of the wood we were using to see what color/how many coats I liked. I used a walnut Minwax stain and was going for a darker wood. The first patch is one and two coats respectively without a wood primer and the second is the same stain, one and two coats with a primer.

Choose a dark enough stain so you only need 1 coat, TRUST ME!!

Here is the same board in natural light. I ultimately went with a wood primer and two coats of stain (although I think I might have actually done 3 coats). I hindsight I would have bought a darker stain right off the bat because 1 coat of primer and 2-3 coats of stain took FOREVER!!!!!

This photo and organization makes me happy

Once the sides and front were attached to the base we stood the cabinet up and added the back.

Finally starting to come together

Once the back was attached we added the main shelving divider. You can also see the flush pocket screws that were used to attach the back of the cabinet.

Zoe was our little helper for the day, although I think she got into more trouble than anything else.

Zoe, the cutest little helper

Our next step was to build the drawers that would house my loose items and clippers once the cabinet was completed. We attached the sides to the bottom of the drawer, added the back followed by drawer front.

We also predrilled the holes for the drawer hardware so that they would be easy to attach after the drawer was stained.

Here is the cabinet base with all of the dividers in place. I also wanted a trunk lid top for the cabinet to store all of my little odds and ends so they were in easy reach. We added the bottom of that space using 1/2" plywood. We also bought special arms to hold the lid so that it wouldn't slam down on my while I was rummaging through my things.

You can't see it well but there is a second base right below the span of wood holding the
left and right sides of the trunk together

Then the priming and staining started. Here is the cabinet with one coat of stain...

The first of many coats

Then two coats...

This is where my back started hurting

We then assembled and attached the doors, adding framing and eventually trim for a more finished look. We were getting pretty tired at this point and started winging it a little bit, staining some pieces we should have waited on and then had to tape off portions to catch up without darkening it unevenly.

The interior of the cabinet, the drawers were attached the top right compartment, the grooming tote below that

The three coats of stain were then followed by 2-3 coats of polycrylic which was lightly sanded between each coat. Seriously, by stain dark enough to get the color you want with only one coat. The staining was horrible and I had to contort myself to stain the underside of the shelving and walls.

She's so pretty, still waiting on her jewlery

Here is an up close of the trim work on the doors of the cabinet.

I'll have to find photos of the two interior drawers, saddle rack, and bridle racks we made (as the second day went on we took fewer and fewer photos so we could get everything done in the short weekend). 

I wouldn't hesitate to make another cabinet but I might consider using 1/2" plywood for everything (used for normal trunks anyway and my cabinet came out VERY heavy). I would also choose a harder veneer for the plywood since I notice some scuffing from pulling the grooming tote in and out each day. While I like having the trunk top, I would eliminate it even though I use it frequently. It took a lot of extra time and extra cuts to make it and I would rather have the shelf space for extra saddle pads. The only other thing I would change would be to build out the front cabinet doors so that I could store bridles full length since they don't quite fit in the main compartment without doubling up the reins. 

Other than those few minor tweaks I love my cabinet and I'm so happy to have had the help to build it. When all was said and done I built the cabinet including all of its components and supplies for just under $500. 

Some Spring Shopping for Soft Shell Jackets

With the summer show season quickly approaching I wanted to make sure I had comfortable and not completely unfashionable clothes to wear in my grand prix debut (jk I'm showing in hopeful hunter to build up my confidence again). But still, being comfortable is on the top of my list when it comes to what I wear when riding because yes, I am a pea princess.

Since I already have two show coats I originally wasn't thinking of getting another but then I read a thread on soft shell jackets that are extremely stretchy, water resistant, and comfortable to wear and the wheels began to turn. I've tried on a couple of soft shells before and didn't fall completely in love, so at the time I decided to purchase a well fitting RJ Classics jacket (for a steal) instead.

Anyway, I ordered three soft shells (one of which I found out was back ordered after the package arrived, bummer!) and since SmartPak has free returns on sized items, figured I'd send back the ones that didn't fit/work out. Since this wouldn't be my main show jacket I tried to keep the price point as close to $100 as possible.

The first jacket I tried was Equine Couture Raleigh Soft Shell Hunt Coat for $99.95. Honestly this had the nicer material between the two coats but the arms were SOOO baggy on me. I feel like my proportions are pretty average (not overly muscular or overly skinny) so I was surprised at this. I even tried on my other traditional show jackets to see how those fit and they were MUCH slimmer through the arm than this jacket. The length of the sleeve was also too long for me so unfortunately this coat just did't work. The fabric quality is spot on and this coat has more structure than a typical soft shell coat so it's a bit more tradition than the other coat I received.

The second jacket I tried was the Horseware Competition Jacket which was on sale at SmartPak as of 3/16/16 for $76.96; Can't beat that! This coat was a little more jumpery and the navy was more of a french blue color in person, but I kind of liked that about this coat. It's also waterproof and breathable so I thought it would be a good coat to wear instead of my good wool coat if its raining. If you want something more traditional, the black would be a better option. I might consider adding shoulder pads to help with the coat structure a little since this is the coat I decided to keep. The only thing I didn't love about this coat was the way the collar laid around my neck as it was slightly gappy. I might try to see if it can be fit a little more snug, but it wasn't enough to be a deal breaker for me

The last coat in my order was Kerrits Competitors Koat for $119.95 in Japer/White. Since this item was backordered I can't comment on the fit but the color was so interesting to me I had to see it in person. I feel like it will either be a beautiful moss green or some sort of sickly greenish gray color, there's really no way to tell until I open the package.

What's In My Tack Trunk

I saw this post done on the $900 Facebook Pony and thought it was pretty cool and that I would give it a go too. So here it is, what's in my trunk.

The top layer consists of things that get used the most. My Ogilvy half pad and baby pad on the left, Equifit Luxe open front boots, europro fleece boots, gloves, tack cleaning supplies, a small towel, a water, and thin baby pads on the right. I always keep a chap stick and extra hair nets in the top small transparent bins on the tack tray and below that are loose odds and ends that I don't want rolling around my trunk.

The middle layer consists of things that get used pretty often as well but are a little bit bigger. On the left is my grooming box with various brushes, 4 white polo wraps, a bottle of show sheen, and a box of exam gloves. Next to that is my bridle and Samshield, under which is my puffy riding vest. I keep a vest in my trunk after I realized I looked like the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man when I wear it under my heavy winter jacket. Cue the following Tommy Boy scene. Next to that is a girth and a Smartpak fleece cooler.

Anway! The bottom layer of my trunk houses a first aid kit, a braiding kit, spare half chaps, bridles, a quarter sheet, and liquids I keep in a bucket (shampoos, a loofa for bathing, thrush medicine, hoof oil, etc). The very bottom layer under this are carpet squares to help keep the bottom of the trunk clean in case of spills or any other damage that might occur.

What's in your tack trunk?

Be sure to follow my on instagram @Rocky092

Hacking Outside

Today was the first time I was able to hack out at the barn and it was GLORIOUS!! While the indoor is huge it's nice to get outside for some fresh air.

Panda has been a great confidence giver for me these last few weeks and I'm really enjoying focusing on having fun and relaxing at the barn. I'm really excited for the show season to start and I'm going to   a couple of schooling shows before it starts since I feel like I've been out of the loop for forever.

 I also got the chance to apply my Personally Preppy helmet monogram and I LOVE IT! I'm really happy I went with the 2.5" instead of the 2", I feel like its the perfect size.

Panda was looking for mints after our hack which resulted in some adorable/funny pictures of us, she can be so sweet.

Hope everyone else was able to get outside today and enjoy the fabulous weather. I'll be super happy if this continues and even gets warmer.

Follow me on instagram @rocky092 to check out more of my photographs and posts.

Special thanks to my hubby Nick for coming out to take these sweet pics of me and Panda.

A Weekend Vist to Legacy Farm

I finally had some time to drive down to Philly for a lesson and visit some friends at Legacy Farm. I took horseback riding lessons there while I was in optometry school, they have amazing instruction and very high quality lesson horses. 

After my lesson I was able to hang around and take some pictures of Emily & Zander and Brianna & Bentley. Both pairs are very photogenic and it was hard to even take any bad pictures of them.

Emily always practices adjustability and responsiveness, Zander loves to gallop and we were all shocked at just how quickly he can move.

And here is his airborne!

Bentley is just gleaming in this picture, this shot is one of my favorites from today.

Thanks to Emily and Brianna for some great action shots of their lovely boys!

If I Only Had a Horse: Spring 2015 Equestrian Wish List

The nice warmer spring weather makes me dread spending all day in the office with nothing to do until my license comes through. Because of this I've spent more hours than I'd like to admit browsing Facebook, Pinterest, and flipping through countless magazines. It was the same old, same old day in and day out until I received the new elite catalog from Dover Saddlery in the mail over the weekend. It really hit home with me how much I've been missing horseback riding while I'm "working"/wedding planning. 

Anyway, the arrival of my Dover catalog resulted in the busting out of my highlighter and going through page by page until it had almost run dry with all of the items I'd buy if I was purchasing a new horse. New clothes for me, new clothes for him, updating any tack that was borderline or worn out. This then lead to hours spent perusing the SmartPak website among other retailers to see if anything new and exciting had come out since I'd been shopping for horse stuff last summer.

So my borderline compulsive tendency to plan ahead an make lists has led me here. My spring 2015 equestrian wish list. A compilation of tack, clothing, and accessories I would want if I were purchasing a new horse, which, until the wedding is paid for and house is purchased, is only a fantasy for now. It's not a full comprehensive list, just a couple of things that would start me out on my new adventure.


1. The Tailored Sportsman Ice Fil Shirt in Tiffany ($65) 

IceFil fabric technology combined with mesh inserts under the arms help to make sure you stay comfortable and protected from the sun this summer. Finally I might not feel like I'm dying of heat stroke every time I ride in the summer.

2. The Tailored Sportsman Trophy Hunter- Front Zip in Purple Passion ($185.95)

I'm a Tailored's girl through and through. 99% of the breeches I buy are from them so I may be a little biased when I say these are the best. a unique purple hue to break up the monotony of beige, black, and grey doesn't hurt either.

P.S. These breech would look great with my new C4 belt that has a grey strap and chrome buckle. I'm addicted to these interchangeable belts (I've bought 4 in the last year) and they donate a portion of the sales to a charity of your choice. Win!

The rest of my clothes and human accessories are mostly up to date so the next portion will be for my hypothetical 4 legged friend.

3-7. The Clothes Horse Custom Rain Sheet ($293)and Dress Sheet ($382) 

I've heard nothing but positive reviews about the quality of The Clothes Horse blankets and while they are a big expense the will last for years and years. I would probably travel to the actual shop since its not too far from home, but SmartPak also sells them through their website. The Clothes Horse website also has a virtual blanket and stall drape generator so you can try out all of the color combinations other their blankets. This feature is absolutely amazing in my book and I could get lost for hours in their website testing out all of their options.

 

For stable clothing I would go for Baker's stable sheet ($122.95) and blanket ($215.95). Classic and never out of style.

For turnout I'd go with SmartPak Ultimate Turnout Blanket ($179.95-199.95 depending of fill)-10-year indestructible guarantee. Need I say more...

8. Ogilvy Equestrian Jump Baby Pad ($37)

Another great website with a customization generator is the new and redesigned Ogilvy Equestrian site. While we're still waiting on the new hunter line, I would stock up on custom baby pads to match my Ogilvy jumper half pad. Some great features are the wither relief design (so there's virtually no more slipping or bunching) and that the pads are anti-microbial and anti-fungal. That's a big win-win in my book.

9. Harwich Padded Fancy Stitch Bridle by SmartPak ($159.95) and matching standing martingale ($79.95)

This bridle has some great reviews and I'd be really interested in trying it out. With a price point under $200 people say it's nice enough for showing and holds up pretty well. I love how the headstall is designed to relieve some of the pressure on the horses poll and the matching raised, fancy stitched reins put on the finishing touches.

 

10. Eskadron® Flexisoft® Air Easy Open Front Boots and Ankle Boots ($147.95 & $107.95)

These boots supposedly keep a horses legs cooler than most other boots and I'd be interested in trying them myself. They look streamlined and modern, a matching pair in black would sure look nice.

11. Beval Ltd Triple Stitched Halter ($140) and Shipping Halter ($175) with matching lead ($69.95)

Beval  always has high quality products and I've owned their halters in the past. I love them and wouldn't hesitate to buy them again. The best time to purchase would be during their annual sale in February (my birthday weekend usually, YAY!) where most items are 20% off.

Photo from Beval Saddlery

Photo from Beval Saddlery

12. McGuinn Tack Trunk (starting at $1030 approx $1200 with added options)

This is my one splurge item. These trunk are gorgeous, made in the USA, and durable. They have so many options and can truly customize it for you. The only downside is that they are quite heavy, even when empty. For me this is just another excuse to hit the gym harder.

Photo from McGuinn

There's always more I could add too my wish list, and I'm sure I even forgot something necessary but this is where I'll start when the time comes for a new horse.

Until next time!

All photos are from SmartPak.com unless otherwise noted