Whether you’re running a busy boarding barn or just trying to keep your own horses organized and cared for, the dollar store is your secret weapon. Seriously! With a little creativity and a few bucks, you can stock your tack room with handy tools, clever organizers, and supplies that would cost much more anywhere else.
I’ve rounded up 100 dollar store items that are perfect for your tack room – from cleaning gear and grooming tools to first aid supplies, labels, snacks, and more. The best part? Most of them are just a buck or two. Smart, simple, and budget-friendly.
Cleaning & Grooming Supplies
You don’t need fancy equipment to keep your tack and horses clean – just a well-stocked stash of these:
- Hair brushes for manes and towels
- Soft scrub brushes
- Nail brushes (great for hooves!)
- Lint rollers (for clothes and saddle pads)
- Microfiber cloths
- Towels and washcloths
- Spray bottles (mix fly spray or detangler)
- Hand soap
- Hand sanitizer
- Baby wipes
Horse Care & First Aid
Create a mini vet kit for minor scrapes or emergencies on the cheap:
- Plastic bins (organize vet supplies)
- Cotton rounds
- Gauze pads
- Medical tape
- Rubbing Alcohol
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Travel-size shampoo bottles (for mane/tail washing at shows)
- Plastic tweezers
- Pill organizers (for supplements or meds)
- Flashlight or headlamp
Buckets & Storage Solutions
Organization = less chaos when you’re looking for fly spray or treats in a rush:
- Small storage baskets
- Plastic bins with lids
- Stackable drawer organizers
- Laundry baskets (carry tack or dirty towels)
- Buckets
- Over-the-door organizers
- Large tote bags
- Foldable fabric bins (nice to have in your trailer dressing room!)
- Shower caddies (great for grooming supplies!)
- Ice cube trays (portion feed or treats)
Tools & Hardware
Because barn hacks are powered by zip ties and duct tape:
- Zip ties
- Duct tape
- Electrical tape
- Scissors
- Screwdrivers
- Mini toolkits
- Super glue
- Carabiner clips
- Bungee cords
- Velcro strips
Tack Cleaning & Maintenance
Keep your gear in great shape with these low-cost cleaning helpers:
- Sponges
- Toothbrushes (for detailed cleaning)
- Dish brushes
- Spray nozzles
- Funnels
- Measuring cups
- Rubber gloves
- Plastic tablecloths (for work surfaces)
- Paint brushes (for applying conditioner or oil)
- Shoe polish sponges (quick boot shine)
Barnwear & Rider Comfort
Throw a few extras in a drawer for you or your students:
- Socks
- Beanies
- Gloves
- Ponchos
- Sunglasses
- Headbands
- Neck gaiters
- Insoles
- Sunscreen
- Bandanas
Power & Lighting
Because every barn has at least one pitch-black corner:
- Battery-powered lanterns
- Clip-on lights
- LED tap lights
- Extension cords
- Batteries
- USB charging cables
- Power strips
- Outlet covers (for safety!)
- Clipboards with lights
- Solar garden lights
Office Supplies & Labels
Perfect for feed charts, stall tags, and managing lesson programs:
- Clipboards
- Whiteboards
- Dry erase markers
- Label makers or stickers
- Permanent markers
- Notebooks
- Index cards
- Laminating sheets
- File folders
- Binders
Barn Chores & Organization
Tidy barn = happy horses (and happier you):
- Gloves for mucking
- Mini dustpans and brooms
- Trash bags
- Air fresheners
- S-hooks
- Wall hooks
- Dish racks (hold brushes/tools)
- Shoe trays
- Clothespins
- Small rugs/doormats (outside stalls or doorways)
Snacks & Extras
Toss a few of these into your tack room “treat drawer”:
- Mints (for horses or humans!)
- Treat containers
- Drink coolers
- Trail mix
- Granola bars
- Reusable water bottles
- Instant coffee packets
- Mini fans
- Reusable ice packs
- First-aid kit (for humans)
Make sure you always keep snacks/food items in a hard-sided container to keep the critters out!
Final Thoughts
Your tack room doesn’t have to be fancy to be functional – and dollar store finds are an easy way to upgrade it without blowing your budget. Next time you’re out grabbing shampoo and snacks, take a stroll down the cleaning, hardware, or storage aisles. You might just find your next barn essential for $1.25.
Would you add anything to our list? Share them in the comments below!
While you’re here, make sure to check out our big list of dollar store horse show supplies, too!
