Dollar Store DIYs for Horses: Treat Buckets, Brushes & More

Caring for horses can get expensive, but creativity can go a long way in making equine care more affordable and just as effective. If you’ve never thought of walking into a dollar store to grab horse supplies, you’re missing out on a world of clever, low-cost ideas.

With just a few bucks and a bit of imagination, you can create handy, practical items your horse will appreciate—from treat buckets to grooming tools and simple barn hacks.

This isn’t about cutting corners. It’s about making the most of what’s accessible and repurposing everyday items into functional tools for life in the barn. It’s fun, it works, and it keeps things fresh without breaking the bank.

Unexpected Finds That Really Work

You might not expect to find horse supplies in a store that sells dish soap and seasonal decorations, but that’s where the magic lies.

Plastic containers, storage bins, sponges, and even kitchen brushes can all be transformed into useful, stable gear.

Many of these items are made of durable materials, designed for repeated use, and are easy to clean, making them surprisingly horse-friendly.

The video project that inspired this article showcases how these simple tools can be repurposed for a wide range of barn tasks. From sturdy buckets for treats or feed to soft brushes that make grooming sessions easier, each DIY solution offers real value without the hefty price tag of specialty equestrian gear.

Making Grooming Sessions Easier

Grooming tools can be pricey, especially when you start replacing them regularly. But walk through a dollar store, and you’ll spot dish brushes, bath gloves, and soft bristle dusters that do the job just as well.

Some even provide better grip and flexibility than traditional horse brushes, especially for hard-to-reach spots or sensitive areas.

One smart example from the video shows how to attach a strap to a bath mitt for a customized curry comb. It’s simple, effective, and comfortable in your hand—plus, you can toss it in the wash when it gets grimy.

These small innovations don’t just make your routine more efficient—they add a little fun and personalization to your tack box, too.

Storage Solutions That Help

Keeping your barn organized doesn’t require a big investment. With baskets, bins, and hooks, you can create designated spaces for brushes, sprays, bandages, or snacks—all without clutter.

Stackable containers and hanging caddies from the dollar store make great organizers for everything from hoof picks to treats.

There’s also something satisfying about making a space feel tidy and personalized.

Labeling your bins or color-coding them adds charm and function. When each item has its place, daily care becomes smoother, and the barn feels more peaceful, not to mention safer.

Feeding Made More Convenient

Treat buckets might sound like a luxury, but they can be a game-changer when it comes to training, bonding, or just making your horse’s day a little more exciting. Small containers with lids, like snack boxes or plastic pails, work wonderfully as treat holders.

They're lightweight, easy to carry, and prevent you from fumbling with crinkly treat bags during training sessions.

You can even get creative with how you deliver food or enrichment. Muffin tins, for example, make great slow feeders or boredom busters.

A few treats scattered in the wells will keep your horse engaged and mentally stimulated.

Creative Touches That Go a Long Way

Dollar store DIYs don’t have to be purely functional—they can be fun, too. Decorative tape or colorful stickers can personalize grooming tools, buckets, or spray bottles.

This can be especially great if multiple people are caring for horses at the same stable, helping to keep gear identified.

These small custom touches don’t just look nice—they make barn chores a little more enjoyable. Knowing your tools are personalized makes them easier to spot and harder to lose, especially in busy shared spaces.

Reuse and Repurpose with Intention

Part of the charm of these DIYs is their resourcefulness. Repurposing items isn’t just about saving money—it’s also a more sustainable approach.

Instead of tossing out an old brush or buying new gear every season, finding second lives for household items reduces waste while keeping your barn functional.

It’s also an approach that invites experimentation. If a certain brush style doesn’t work as you hoped, no problem—it only costs a dollar or two, and now you know what to avoid next time.

There’s freedom in this kind of trial and error that makes caring for horses feel more creative and less rigid.

Bringing Personality into the Barn

Horses have their quirks and preferences, and dollar store DIYs allow you to cater to them without making a big investment. One horse might love a soft rubber brush, while another prefers something firmer.

Some may get excited at the sound of a treat tin; others like a quiet handfeed.

The ability to try out different tools gives you a chance to learn what works best for your horse’s unique needs.

It’s not about finding a perfect product—it’s about creating something functional that makes your horse’s life a bit better. Whether that’s a brightly colored treat container or a gentle homemade face brush, the care and thought you put into each item speak volumes.

Turning Chores into Moments of Joy

What makes these projects even more special is how they transform the everyday. A trip to the store becomes an opportunity for inspiration. A quiet evening becomes a chance to build something useful.

And ordinary objects turn into trusted tools that support the connection you have with your horse.

In the video, that spirit comes through. It’s not just about saving money—it’s about putting love into the things you use every day. That intention is felt, not just by you, but by your horse, too. It shows up in the calmness during grooming, the eagerness during treat time, and the trust that builds through consistent, thoughtful care.

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