Grooming a horse is more than just a daily chore. It’s a bonding ritual, a chance to check for injuries, and a quiet moment of connection. But all that magic can be quickly overshadowed when brushes are missing, bottles are scattered, and hoof picks vanish into the void. That’s where having a grooming tote comes in. Rather than buying one, I decided that making a DIY horse grooming tote would be a practical and fun project that not only reflects my style but also suits my specific needs around the barn.
Having the ability to customize each pocket, divider, and handle makes a massive difference. I know exactly where every item lives, and I can build in flexibility depending on the season or horse. In this guide, I’ll share the entire process of creating a sturdy, functional, and good-looking grooming tote that’s just as hardworking as your grooming routine.
Why Make Your Own Grooming Tote?
Store-bought totes can get the job done, but they don’t always offer the layout, durability, or personality I want. Some are too bulky. Others lack compartments. Many fall apart after a few months of barn life. Making a DIY horse grooming tote gave me the freedom to choose materials that hold up and to design the compartments exactly the way I needed them.
It also helped me keep my gear organized in a way that makes sense for my daily routine. For instance, I like my hoof pick and mane comb on one side, sprays on the other, and small tools in a secure pouch. That kind of organization cuts down time and frustration every day.
Planning The Design
Before picking up any tools or materials, I sketched out my ideal grooming tote. I thought about what I carry daily, how I move around the barn, and whether I needed my tote to sit on the ground or hang on a fence post.
Questions That Helped Me Plan:
- Do I want soft or hard sides?
- How many compartments do I need?
- Will it be washed frequently?
- Should it have a shoulder strap or handles?
- Do I want built-in brush holders or loops?
I also measured the space in my tack trunk and grooming station to make sure the finished tote would fit where I wanted to store it.
Choosing The Right Materials
The beauty of making a DIY horse grooming tote is that I had total freedom over the materials. I’ve seen people repurpose wooden crates, fabric canvas, even plastic bins, but I opted for something in between: a combination of durable duck cloth fabric and lightweight plastic reinforcement for structure.
Suggested Materials For Different Styles:
- Fabric (canvas or duck cloth): Soft, washable, customizable, and easy to sew.
- Wood (pine or poplar): Great for a rustic, heavy-duty tote.
- Plastic or recycled feed bags: Lightweight and waterproof, though less elegant.
- Repurposed containers: Milk crates, old toolboxes, or buckets with fabric liners.
For my project, I used heavy-duty canvas with reinforced plastic base panels and stitched-in dividers.
Sewing A Fabric Grooming Tote
Sewing the tote gave me flexibility in shape and size, and it was easier than it looked once I had the pattern in place.
Materials Used:
- 1 yard heavy-duty canvas
- 1 yard lining fabric (cotton or waterproof polyester)
- Heavy-duty thread
- Fusible interfacing or plastic sheet for structure
- Webbing or cotton straps for handles
- Velcro, snaps, or zipper (optional)
Basic Steps I Followed:
- Cut the pieces: I cut two rectangles for the front and back, two smaller rectangles for the sides, and a square base. I also cut lining pieces in matching dimensions.
- Add interior pockets: Before assembling the body, I stitched pockets onto the lining panels, brush holders, elastic loops, and a zipper pouch.
- Sew the outer body: I stitched the canvas panels together, added interfacing to the base and sides, and then repeated the same with the lining.
- Attach lining and base: I nested the lining inside the outer shell and sewed them together at the top, leaving space for turning it right side out.
- Install handles and finish: Webbing handles were stitched on the exterior, and I topstitched around the top edge for reinforcement.
This process gave me a sturdy, machine-washable tote that could handle dirt, moisture, and daily use.
Building A Wooden Grooming Tote
For those who prefer a more traditional look, building a wooden tote is another fantastic approach. It’s surprisingly simple and only requires basic woodworking skills.
Materials Used:
- 1/2-inch plywood or soft wood
- Wood glue and nails
- Sandpaper
- Wood stain or paint
- Handle (wooden dowel or rope)
- Drill and jigsaw
Steps To Assemble:
- Cut pieces to size: I cut two 12″x8″ panels for the front and back, two 6″x8″ panels for the sides, and a 12″x6″ panel for the base.
- Assemble the box: Using wood glue and nails, I attached all sides to form the box. I added interior dividers based on the brush sizes I had.
- Add the handle: I drilled holes into the top edges of the side panels and inserted a wooden dowel. For a rustic look, a thick rope handle works well too.
- Finish the wood: I sanded everything smooth and applied a dark walnut stain, followed by a waterproof polyurethane coat.
This wooden version looks beautiful sitting in the barn, and it’s incredibly sturdy. I use it mostly at shows where appearance matters.
Organizing The Interior
Once the tote is constructed, organizing the interior is just as important as the design itself. I arrange my tools in a way that minimizes digging and keeps messy items separate.
What I Include In My Grooming Tote:
- Body brush
- Curry comb
- Mane comb
- Hoof pick
- Shedding blade (seasonal)
- Fly spray
- Coat conditioner
- Microfiber cloths
- Treats (because why not?)
Tips For Organization:
- Use elastic loops to hold brushes in place.
- Add a waterproof section for spray bottles.
- Attach a clip inside for keys or hoof knife.
- Add a removable divider to create flexible space.
This internal structure helps keep things clean and efficient, especially when I need to groom multiple horses quickly.
Decorating Your Tote
Making a DIY horse grooming tote is also a chance to get creative. I enjoy decorating mine with embroidery, iron-on patches, or painted monograms.
Ideas For Personalizing:
- Add your horse’s name
- Use barn colors or logos
- Paint small horseshoes or stars
- Sew on ribbons or patches from past shows
- Add reflective strips for visibility
Adding these personal touches turns a basic tote into a reflection of my horse and me.
Portability And Use
Depending on your barn setup, portability can make or break your grooming routine. I made sure my fabric tote had both hand straps and a shoulder strap. For the wooden tote, I added rubber feet to keep it from sliding in the trailer.
If your tote needs to hang on stall fronts or fences, adding clips or hooks makes it easy to access. I’ve seen some folks add metal rings so it can attach directly to the grooming station or cross-ties.
Cleaning And Maintenance
One big benefit of making your own grooming tote is how easy it is to clean. I designed mine so I could toss the fabric one into the washing machine when it got too dusty or hairy. For wooden totes, a simple wipe down with a damp cloth does the trick.
Maintenance Tips:
- Use removable liners or pockets for easy washing
- Avoid soaking wooden totes, use sealants
- Don’t store wet tools or sprays inside long-term
- Vacuum the inside regularly to keep hair buildup down
These small habits extend the life of your tote and keep it looking sharp.
Eco-Friendly And Budget-Smart
Making a DIY horse grooming tote also gave me a chance to reuse materials. I made one using an old feed sack as the outer layer, lined with scrap canvas. Another version came from a retired toolbox wrapped in fabric.
Not only is this approach environmentally friendly, but it also saves money. Buying a grooming tote with the same level of customization would’ve cost two or three times more than making one myself.
Involving Friends And Barnmates
This project turned out to be a fun way to bond with others at the barn. A few of us decided to make our own totes over a weekend, bringing different materials and trading ideas. It became a little creative workshop filled with sewing machines, drills, brushes, and lots of snacks.
One rider made a grooming tote out of an old diaper caddy. Another repurposed a fishing tackle box. The variety and creativity were inspiring, and we all left with something truly personalized.
Project For All Skill Levels
Whether sewing, nailing, or hot-gluing, making a DIY horse grooming tote doesn’t require any fancy tools or expert-level skills. It’s a great project for beginners, teens, and long-time horse enthusiasts alike. Even if something goes wrong along the way, the final result is always rewarding because it’s tailored to fit your style and needs.
Conclusion
Making a DIY horse grooming tote is one of the most practical and enjoyable projects I’ve done in the equestrian world. It brings together creativity, problem-solving, and everyday functionality. Whether you build it from wood, sew it from sturdy fabric, or repurpose existing items, the end result is a tote that suits your exact grooming habits and makes barn life a little easier.
With the right tools and a few hours of time, anyone can put together a tote that not only keeps grooming supplies organized but also reflects the personality of the rider and the horse. There’s a special kind of satisfaction in reaching for a hoof pick and knowing exactly where it is, because you made the perfect spot for it.
