Horse Show Trunk Buying Guide: Everything You Need to Know

A horse show trunk (also called a tack trunk, equestrian trunk or competition tack box) is a wheeled cabinet in which a rider carries and locks away their own equipment and their horse's at shows. This guide covers what to check before buying one.

What is a horse show trunk for?

Unlike a sports bag, it is built to cope with:

• the stable environment: shavings, mud and damp;
• loading and unloading from the lorry or trailer;
• the weight of equestrian gear: saddles, bridles, boots and rugs;
• being left in the show stable area with everything inside and locked.

Tack trunk sizes: what fits?

They usually come in three sizes. In the Alfako range we stock they are called MINI, MIDI and MAXI.

MINI (small)

For the essentials of a one-day show: helmet, gloves, spurs, boots and a small grooming kit. It also works as a second trunk alongside a larger one.

MIDI (medium)

For a full competition outfit and the equipment for one horse. Some models, such as the Alfako MIDI PRESTIGE or MIDI X, also have room for two saddles.

MAXI (large)

For multi-day shows, more than one horse or professional use: several outfits, boots for several horses, rugs and spare equipment.

Tack trunk materials

• Powder-coated steel: very resistant to knocks and heavy use; most Alfako cabinets are made of it.
• Aluminium: lighter than steel, useful if you move the trunk often. It is also used for smaller accessory trunks.
• Stainless steel: the best at withstanding damp, and the most expensive.
• Plastic: lighter, cheaper trunks, often as trolleys with two wheels and a pull-out handle. The Supreme trunks we stock range from 109 to 240 litres.

What to look for in a tack trunk

• Wheels: pneumatic wheels roll better over grass, gravel or uneven ground; solid wheels cannot puncture. Check that at least two have brakes.
• Locking: the whole trunk should lock, as it is left alone in the stable area.
• Interior: drawers, rails to hang bridles and room for saddles, depending on what you carry.
• Size and weight: make sure it fits in your lorry or trailer. As a reference, a steel Alfako MIDI ECONOMY is 1,085 mm high with wheels and 600 mm deep, and weighs about 82 kg empty.
• Accessories: a top module adds space for rugs, and a protective cover shields it if it stays outdoors.

Tack trunk vs fixed tack room cabinet

If you do not need to transport it and want permanent storage, a fixed stable cabinet is the better choice: a unit with saddle racks, bridle hooks and shelves. Alfako makes one in galvanised steel. See our equestrian cabinets.

Shop competition trunks

At Rincón del Valle, an equestrian shop in A Coruña, Spain, our horse show trunks section has the Alfako competition cabinets (MINI, MIDI and MAXI) and lighter trunks from Supreme, Umbria Equitazione, Equestro and Yurt. If you are torn between two sizes, our Alfako trunk guide compares every version.

Competition cabinets are bulky items and travel by special transport: they are not included in free shipping, and the cost, from €250, is calculated at checkout according to weight and destination. If you have questions about sizing or delivery, email us at info@rincondv.com or message us on WhatsApp at +34 620 17 64 18.