How to Make a Wall Mounted Saddle Rack for a Barn

Any horse rider knows that storing a saddle properly will prolong the saddle's life. A saddle that is stored on the ground can warp or become misshapen from the elements. The leather can age before its time and the fit on the horse can drastically change causing injury. It is best to store a saddle on a shelf off the ground. Although a saddle rack can be purchased, it is an easy project to make.

Items Needed:

• scrap piece of a 4 inch by 4 inch wooden post that is 24 inches in length


• saw


• chisel


• drill


• sandpaper


• wood stain


• 2-inch wood screws (2)


• eye bolt


• tie down hook


• Phillips head screw driver

1. Locate a scrap piece of a 4 inch by 4 inch wooden post that is 24 inches in length. If the piece is longer than this, it will need to be cut to the correct size with a saw. A flat surface will need to be cut out for the tie down hook at one end of the post. Use the chisel to create the flat area which should be located at one of the corners, not in the middle of the wooden post. Make sure that the tie down hook is flush with the end of the post when it is laying on the wood with the hook facing upward. Use the drill to make pilot holes in the post for the two 2-inch wood screws that will hold the tie down hook in place.


2. Use the sandpaper to smooth off all sides of the wooden post. This will keep rough edges from damaging the saddle when it is stored on the rack. If a wood stain is going to be applied, it should be done before attaching any hardware. Allow it to dry thoroughly.


3. Line up the tie down hook with the pilot holes. Make sure that the hook is facing upward. Using the Phillips head screwdriver, attach the hook to the post with the wood screws. 


4. Select the placement for the saddle rack to be secured to the barn wall. The wall should have a stud located in the spot where it will hang. Screw the eye bolt into the stud on the wall until all of the threads disappear. Continue to tighten the bolt until the open ring part touches the wall.


5. Attach the completed saddle rack to the wall by feeding the tie down hook upward, through the bottom of the eye bolt. The saddle rack is now ready for use.