Shipping Container Tack Room: The Ultimate Storage Solution for Equestrians

When it comes to looking after your horses, of course, you need stables and plenty of space for exercise and training. These are often front of the mind. But how often do you consider the needs of your tack room? Secure and good quality storage of horse tack and equipment is critical for all yards, whether you keep horses for companionship or you’re training prize-winning thoroughbreds. 

The tack room is an often underrated yet essential area for keeping your equipment in tip-top condition, and a shipping container provides the perfect solution.  

Why shipping containers make good tack rooms

Shipping containers are incredibly versatile, perfect for everything from storage and transportation to exciting modification projects. Thanks to their sturdy construction, secure design, and weatherproof features, they’re the go-to solution for a wide range of uses.

When it comes to creating your tack room, a shipping container provides a range of benefits, from excellent durability and security to versatile customisation options – all while being portable for easy relocation.

Durable

Building your tack room with a shipping container offers a substantially more durable solution compared to pre-made solutions. Designed with durability and longevity in mind, shipping containers can last anywhere from 30 to 50 years with proper maintenance, even after their days of sea travel are a distant memory. This level of durability is largely due to the fact they are constructed with Corten steel, a corrosion-resistant material that stands up to harsh weather conditions, contributing to a long lifespan even in challenging environments.

Secure

Security is paramount when it comes to looking after your valuable equestrian equipment and supplies. In contrast to traditional tack rooms built with timber that may be susceptible to break-ins or damage,  tack rooms built from shipping containers can provide a higher level of security. Plus, their adaptability allows you to install additional locks or security features.

Due to their thick steel panel walls, shipping containers cannot be cut into without heavy power tools or cutting gear. This guarantees your horse-riding equipment remains protected from vandals. On top of that, their discreet, unmarked appearance makes it difficult for the average opportunist to tell whether the container holds valuable equipment or just hay and feed, adding an extra layer of security. 

Portable

Most tack rooms are permanent fixtures in a yard, but with shipping containers, you can create a portable tack room that goes wherever you go. This is ideal if you need to move your unit to another area on your site or if you plan to move yards or stables in the future and don’t want the expense of building another tack room. Even if you’ve customised your shipping container tack room, it’s still possible to transport it in its entirety to a new location.

Customisable

Who says a tack room is all about functionality? Shipping containers are highly adaptable and spacious, so they can be easily modified to suit any customisation ideas that spring to mind. From additional personnel doors and windows to shelving and other bespoke storage features, the sky’s the limit when modifying your tack room. 

Shipping containers also come in several sizes. This means you can create a tack room with plenty of space for other uses, such as a trophy room, animal feed area, or something else.

Cost-effective

Shipping containers are also a cost-effective solution for building a tack room. A permanent structure can get expensive when you factor in labour and materials. However, opting for a used shipping container will be a much cheaper option, as the walls and roof are already in place. Even with additional modifications, the cost is still significantly lower than building a traditional structure. 

How to create a shipping container tack room

Once you’ve decided to convert a shipping container into a horse tack room, there are several things you need to consider. With the right layout, storage solutions, and modifications, you can create a tack room that keeps your equipment safe, your space tidy, and your daily routine more efficient.

Start with a plan

To create a shipping container tack room, you first need to consider what will be housed in it. You should start by taking inventory of everything you need to store and categorise the items accordingly. For example, saddles, boots, helmets, whips, cleaning supplies, etc.

Once you have an idea of the items you already have, then you can think about any new elements you may want to include in your tack room, such as:

• a sitting area
• a boot changing room
• a socialising or meeting space
• animal food/drink storage
• shower room
• animal washing station
• equipment cleaning station
• saddle cleaning/polishing space
• workspace
• trophy room/area

With a clear plan outlining what you’ll store in your shipping container tack room, you can start to think about sizes and designs.

Choose the right size shipping container

Shipping containers come in a variety of sizes, from 8ft up to 45ft. The most commonly used sizes in the shipping industry are 20ft and 40ft, which means these are the sizes that are easiest to get ahold of. Both of these sizes are suitable for use as a tack room, depending on what you plan to store in there, of course. 

If you’re planning a simple tack room with some floor and storage space, a 20ft shipping container should do the job. However, if you’d like to add more space or extra rooms to the unit, it could be worth considering a larger unit or going for custom modifications.

Another consideration when thinking about the size of the shipping container you need is whether you will buy a new or used shipping container. New shipping containers are typically more expensive than used units but are still cost-effective when compared to traditional tack rooms. It’s a good idea to consult your budget and requirements before you make a decision.

Design your shipping container tack room

When considering shipping container tack room ideas, the possibilities are almost endless, and there is a lot to think about. Depending on your needs and budget, you could modify the container yourself once it arrives on site. Alternatively, you could partner with a container conversion company that can modify your unit based on a detailed brief.

Whatever you choose to do, there are elements you’ll want to think about when working on the design of your shipping container tack room.

Electricity & lighting

It’s possible to install electricity both inside and outside a shipping container. You’ll want to consider the structural layout of the unit and plan what electrical outlets need to go where. For example, if you’re planning to clean equipment or horses in your tack room, you’ll want to ensure those cleaning areas are well-lit so you can clearly see what you’re doing. You may also want to think about eco-friendly features like solar panels or rainwater collection.

Insulation

With modification, shipping containers can be insulated and adapted to include ventilation, depending on your needs. Insulating your shipping container tack room will prevent condensation, maintain a comfortable temperature, and protect the stored tack and equipment from environmental damage. Ventilation should also be installed to support the internal environment, whether that’s via windows, vents, or AC systems.

Horse stalls

Installing one or two horse stables in your shipping container tack room is a simple and effective way to create additional space with easily transportable stables. Pre-building a stable can save the cost of building a new stable from scratch while keeping everything you need in one place and easily accessible. 

Feed storage

Animals and pests will stop at nothing to invade a fresh food supply, so keeping your yard’s food, hay, and other precious resources locked up tight is key. Shipping containers are secure by design, which makes them the ideal solution for storing feed and keeping pests at bay. But there is more you can do to really keep your feed secure and fresh.

As part of your shipping container tack room, you could build lockable and secure cabinets that keep everything locked down. These cabinets will undoubtedly create counter spaces for additional equipment, further adding to your feed storage solutions.

Weatherproofing

The steel construction and technology used to make shipping containers makes them watertight, offering good protection from the elements. However, this protection isn’t a ‘one and done’ situation, you’ll need to consider ongoing maintenance to keep your shipping container tack room in the best, durable condition. 

For weatherproofing, you could consider additional protection in the form of rust-proof paints and regular inspections to check for holes, dents, or damage. If you’re in a rainy climate – UK, we’re looking at you – a gutter or rain-catching system is a good way to recycle and use fresh rainwater.  

Storage

Equestrian activities and horses come with a lot of kit, so storage in your tack room will be essential. Every good tack room should include a wide-open space to work in. Alongside this, you need to consider shelving, storage solutions, and making the best of the available space. There are numerous ways you can utilise clever shipping container shelving and storage hacks in a shipping container – all you need is a little creativity and know-how. 

Saddle and bridle organisation

One of the primary functions of a tack room is storing saddles and riding equipment securely and in an organised manner. Shipping containers provide plenty of space for efficiently storing saddles, depending on how you utilise your space. For example, you could install saddle racks, hooks and shelves to keep your saddles clean, organised, and easily accessible without impeding too much on the floor space.

Decor

While a tack room is a functional and practical space, there are things you can do to spice things up a bit. 

With the practical elements considered, it’s time to think about how you’ll decorate your container, both inside and outside. This is your time to get creative and really create a space that means something to you.

You could add a living roof on top of the container to do your bit for the environment, or theme the inside with funky decor and paint. Painting a shipping container exterior is also a good option, allowing you to protect the unit while blending it into the surrounding environment. You may even want to clad the outside of the unit with wood panels to give it a more natural look and feel.

Security

Securing your shipping container tack room is a top priority, especially with expensive tack inside. Consider installing heavy-duty locks for your container or even investing in CCTV, alarms or fencing to further protect your equestrian kit.

Location

When thinking about where you will put your container when it gets to you, make sure you have a solid foundation for your shipping container. Most equestrian yards will not have a problem with location in terms of available space and regulations, especially if you’re putting your shipping container on private land. However, be sure to research and consider any local council requirements just in case.

Get to work

With a design and plan in mind, you can get to work on creating your perfect tack room. Whether you buy a shipping container and do it all yourself or take advantage of a container conversion service, it’s important to follow your plan and take all the necessary steps to build a stable, secure, and durable tack room. 

Ongoing maintenance

Once your new tack room is built and functional, you mustn’t forget about ongoing shipping container maintenance and repairs. At minimum, you should regularly inspect your container for signs of wear or damage and repair anything you find immediately.

You should also ensure you keep on top of the cleaning schedule. It could be worth setting up a dedicated cleaning space and posting rules about daily cleanup so everyone can see them – that way, weekly or monthly cleaning operations will be less of a big job!

The bottom line

The concept of a shipping container tack room is an exciting prospect, but there is much to consider before you start reaping the benefits of your project. It’s easy to get carried away with the finer details, such as storage, organisation, and decor. It is the fun part, after all! However, before you get to that point, be sure you’ve picked the right shipping container to meet your needs. 

Whether you’re looking for an empty unit to modify yourself, or you’re considering container customisation services, contact our friendly team for advice and guidance on the best option for your needs.

FAQs

Do you need planning permission for a shipping container tack room?

In many cases, planning permission is required for permanent shipping container structures, but this is not always the case for agricultural use. It’s best to check with your local council and their regulations or guidelines before committing to building a shipping container tack room.

Will my shipping container tack room sweat?

All shipping containers can be susceptible to condensation on the inside of the roof as they cool overnight. With expensive treated leathers being stored inside, it’s important to prevent tack damage by adding adequate ventilation, insulation, and security. Damp sticks can also be a great additional element to keep moisture levels low. 

Can shipping containers be delivered across soft ground or a field?

With the right method of transport, shipping containers can be delivered onto soft ground or a field. It’s best to check with your shipping container provider before you agree to delivery, though. In some cases, shipping container companies or drivers will ask for signed disclaimers before proceeding with any form of risky delivery. Occasionally, a site survey or visit may be needed for the company to provide an accurate delivery quote.