Pole storage is an ongoing issue for a lot of yards, how do you store the poles so they look tidy, are maintained and also easy to access for use?

The first place to start is by working out how many and how often the poles are used. If you are regularly getting all the poles out for a pole party you want them in a much easier to access place, than if you just need one or two poles occasionally.

Next look at the material of the poles – lightweight plastic ones are much easier to move and lift over the fence, whereas heavy wooden ones are better left as close the arena as possible, and also in a location where they can be taken through the gate, rather than lifted over the fence.

Now look at your arena, where do you have space to put poles? Is there room outside near the gate? Do you have a corner they can go in; can you get pole holders on the outside of the fence?

Once you know the use, access and area available you can choose the best option for your pole storage.

• 1. Wall mounted storage racks – These are brackets you screw into the wall; they have arms sticking out that the poles rest on. This type of storage is great if you have a large empty wall space close to the arena. Make sure it is not in reach of any horses that are stabled or tied up in the area. Also make sure to check the height you put it at so the top poles can easily be reached. 

https://www.countrysideshowjumps.co.uk/product/wall-mounted-pole-storage

• 2. Fence mounted storage racks – These are almost identical to the wall mounted ones – except they go on the fence. Perfect for keeping poles to hand, right where you need them, and up out of the way – keeping the floor clear. Make sure they are mounted on the outside of the fence – so you will need to lift them over in to the school to use. The poles should be mounted on the inside, as it could cause injury from knees or toes hitting them / getting caught. Also make sure they are not in chewing reach of any horses that may be turned out in the arena.

Pole Storage Brackets

• 3. Pole Tidy – These are free standing pole holders that sit on the floor and hold poles. They look a lot like pole raisers. These are perfect if you need your poles at ground level, or you have a spare corner in the arena you can utilise.  They are a single line and can be stacked, so you can store upwards instead of outwards too.

https://www.countrysideshowjumps.co.uk/product/pole_tidy

• 4. Pole Tidy Racks – These are frames that the pole tidy’s sit inside, so if you have a lot of poles to store and you want them freestanding, these racks will keep everything contained and secure.

https://www.countrysideshowjumps.co.uk/product/equi_rack

• 5. Jump wings – If you have a set of wings you can put cups in each hole and store all of your poles on these. This is a really cost-effective way if you already have some wings.

• 6. On the arena floor – you can keep the poles tucked in the sides of the arena pushed up against the edge. This works brilliantly if you use the poles daily, as you can just drag one end out and they are across the track, ready to go. However, it is not the best way for the poles, as it does not allow air flow so the poles cannot dry out if they get wet – which can lead to the materials breaking down faster. Also make sure the poles are out of the way, so your horse won’t catch and trip on the end of the pole as they are going around.

• 7. In a homemade storage area – The possibilities are endless here – how creative can you get? A really quick and easy way is to lean the poles upright against a wall, then put in rails on the floor, for the bottom of the poles to brace against, and then rails on the sides, to stop them falling over. This is another great way to utilise a spare corner in the arena, or spare space outside.

• 8. Shipping container / old trailer – if you have the space putting a shipping container or old horse trailer next to the arena is a great way to keep the poles tidy and protected. You can then just put the poles inside on the floor stacked on top of each other, or use any of the above methods inside too. This is great if you have wooden jumps and poles as it keeps them dry through the winter. Just make sure you have enough clear space to open the doors and / or ramp for access.

Please share any pole storage ideas you have with us.

The Tidy Tack Rooms Team xxx