The Art of Adding Equestrian Touches Throughout the Home

Accessorizing with old tack can be daunting when getting started, but if you’ve been an equestrian for any period of time, odds are that you’ve collected some treasures along the way. Now you just have to sort through it and determine what carries a story with it and what belongs in the garage.

When I lost my horse Alice of 20 years, I had lots of tack left over that I would not be using for my next horse. I hung her bridle and leather halter next to her portrait in my office. I also screwed her stall nameplate into the back of the bookshelf so it could hang like a plaque. I keep her ashes in an antique box next to collected treasures and some of our old polo mallets.

Old stirrup irons can be used as bookends of simply sitting on top of a dresser. Just remove the stinky rubber pads and voilà- they’re “clean” enough to be decor. Don’t worry if you’ve never won anything in the arena, I found these vintage trophies on eBay and they cost much less than showing fees!

Alice was an Appendix (Thoroughbred-Quarter Horse mix) and was a very different build than the Quarter Horse I have now. It was finally time to retire the $400 saddle I bought second-hand. I had a stand made for it so it could have a permanent spot in my office. I also placed my hunt boots, polo boots and polo helmet on the shelf so I could see them everyday as well.

I love the little touch of blue that this 1924 ribbon brings into my office. No, it’s not a family heirloom as I am the first rider that we know of, but there are many sources for vintage ribbons these days. I happen to find this one at Hart Equestrian.

You’re not an equestrian if you don’t have a box full of bits in your garage- haha! This snaffle bit was the last one I used for the retired years of Alice’s life. I managed to wrap it around drapery as a tie-back with a concoction of rubber bands, string and a wall hook. Full disclosure- it’s not that pretty on the backside but luckily I was able to tuck that in behind the drapes!

Make sure to save a prime spot for your best friend! She sits by my bedside in a silver frame that I DID actually win in a polo tournament, paired with a trophy that I didn’t win but purchased from The PoloHouse.

My polo years were some of the best years of my life. I wanted to make sure my mallets were represented in a way that featured them like artwork. And also I’m from California and the fear of earthquakes makes it hard for me to hang heavy artwork above my head.

No matter how you use your tack, as long as it is meaningful to you, then you’re doing it right! I’m sure your past and present four-legged friends will appreciate being honored in your home.