How to Store Hobby Horses
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One hobby horse leans in a corner. Five of them take over the hallway. However many you have, how you store them decides whether the heads keep their shape and the manes stay tangle-free, or whether they come out squashed and dusty. Here is how to store hobby horses properly, from a single horse to a full stable.
Why Storage Actually Matters
A hobby horse is mostly fabric and stuffing on a stick, and both parts are vulnerable when they sit still. A head left face-down under other things flattens on one side. A mane left tangled sets that way. A stick left damp can warp or splinter. None of it is dramatic, but over a season of bad storage a good horse starts to look tired. Good storage costs nothing and prevents all of it.
How to Store a Single Hobby Horse
Stand It Upright
The best position is head up, stick down, leaning in a corner or against a wall so nothing presses on the head. This keeps the sculpted shape and lets the mane hang naturally instead of matting.
Use a Hook or a Bracket
A sturdy wall hook holds the horse by the top of the stick or a ribbon loop, keeping the head clear of everything. It also turns the horse into a bit of decoration rather than clutter, which is why a lot of riders end up displaying them.
Keep It Off the Floor
Floor level means dust, damp and the risk of being trodden on or chewed by a pet. Even a simple stand lifts the horse out of trouble.
Building a stable? Add another breed to the collection.
Shop Stick HorsesHow to Store Several Hobby Horses
Once you have a few, they need a system or they end up in a heap.
A Wall-Mounted Rail
A row of hooks or a coat rail along a wall stables several horses side by side, heads up, manes free. It is the tidiest solution and it looks the part.
A Tall Bin or Barrel
A deep container, stick-end down, holds several horses upright at once like umbrellas in a stand. Quick to grab, and the heads stay clear at the top. Make sure it is deep enough that the horses do not tip and lean on each other.
A Dedicated Corner
If you have the space, a corner with a rail and a shelf for tack becomes a proper little stable. Riders who compete often set one up, and it makes packing for a show far faster.
| How many horses | Best storage |
|---|---|
| One | Corner lean or a single wall hook |
| Two to four | A short rail of hooks, or a tall bin |
| Five or more | Wall-mounted rail plus a tack shelf |
| Travelling to shows | A padded bag, head wrapped, laid flat and secured |
Storing a Hobby Horse Long-Term
If a horse is going away for a while, out of season or waiting for a younger sibling, a little prep keeps it fresh.
- Clean it first. Dirt left on fabric sets in and can attract pests over months.
- Brush and settle the mane so it does not store in a tangle.
- Wrap the head loosely in a breathable cloth or an old pillowcase, never sealed plastic, which traps damp.
- Store somewhere dry and cool, away from direct sun so the colours do not fade.
- Keep it off the floor even in storage, to avoid damp and pests.
Avoid sealed plastic for long-term storage. It seems protective but traps moisture against the fabric, which can lead to a musty smell or mildew. A breathable cover in a dry spot is far safer.
Storage Mistakes That Damage a Hobby Horse
- Face-down under weight flattens the head permanently.
- Damp cupboards or garages warp the stick and risk mildew on the fabric.
- Direct sunlight fades the coat colour over time.
- Sealed plastic bags trap moisture long-term.
- Floor storage invites dust, damp, feet and pets.
Avoid those five and almost any storage works. The single best habit is simply keeping the horse upright with the head clear, whether that is one horse in a corner or ten on a rail.
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Shop Stick HorsesFrequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to store a hobby horse?
Upright with the head up and the stick down, either leaning in a corner or hung from a wall hook, so nothing presses on the head and the mane hangs free.
Can I hang a hobby horse on the wall?
Yes, and it is one of the best options. A sturdy hook holding the top of the stick or a ribbon loop keeps the head clear and doubles as decoration.
How do I store lots of hobby horses?
A wall-mounted rail of hooks or a deep bin holding them stick-down keeps several upright and tidy. For five or more, a rail plus a shelf for tack works best.
How should I store a hobby horse long-term?
Clean it, settle the mane, wrap the head in a breathable cloth, and keep it upright somewhere dry and cool out of direct sun. Never use sealed plastic.
How do I transport a hobby horse to a competition?
Wrap the head to protect it, lay the horse flat in a padded bag or across a car seat, and secure it so the stick cannot slide around. Pack spare tack separately.