10 Creative Horse Show Ribbon Display Ideas

There’s something undeniably satisfying about a big, colorful stack of horse show ribbons. They don’t just show off your wins (although they’re great for that 😉)—each one is a little reminder of a fun weekend, a first with your horse, or a goal finally reached. But after a few seasons (or a few decades), those ribbons really start to pile up.

Maybe your walls are already covered in a kaleidoscope of satin, or maybe your collection’s hiding out in a dusty box somewhere. Either way, finding a creative and meaningful way to display your ribbons can help you celebrate those moments—not just stash them.

We’re sharing unique, beautiful, and totally doable display ideas to help you give your ribbons the attention they deserve. Whether you’re dreaming up a grand wall display or just want to add a personal touch to your tack room, there’s an idea here to turn your ribbons from closet clutter into a tasteful way to show off your success.

How to display horse show ribbons

Before you jump into crafting your ribbon masterpiece, it’s helpful to think through your goals and gather your materials. These tips will help you start strong and make the most of your display.

Choose your display style

Are you going for rustic barn vibes or something sleek and modern? Choosing a style up front will help guide your color palette, layout, and materials. Try to match the overall aesthetic to your space—whether that’s your bedroom, entryway, or tack room—to create a cohesive look you’ll love seeing every day.

Shop equestrian home decor →

Pick a space

Think about where you want to show off your ribbons. Some riders love making a bold statement with a large display in a hallway or living room, while others prefer something more personal in their bedroom or horse trailer. Wherever you display them, make sure it’s a well-ventilated spot away from direct sunlight to keep the colors vibrant for years to come.

Sort your ribbons

If you’ve been collecting ribbons for years, it can be tempting to try to display everything—but sometimes less is more. Try sorting them by horse, discipline, year, or color. You might feature just your first-place finishes, your most meaningful shows, or rotate out your most recent wins. Sorting them first helps you plan your layout and may even inspire a theme.

Keep them looking new

Horse show ribbons are delicate. If you’re planning to display them as-is, avoid using pins or adhesives that might leave marks, and try to limit exposure to moisture and sunlight. A gentle once-over with a soft brush or lint roller can remove dust without damaging the fabric. If you’re turning your ribbons into a DIY project, a little cutting, gluing, or stitching might be part of the fun—just be sure to save any sentimental favorites for displays that keep them intact.

Horse show ribbon display ideas

Whether you’ve got a few special ribbons or boxes full of them, these creative ideas will help you turn your collection into a meaningful display. Here are some of our favorite ribbon displays for every space, style, and level of craftiness.

1. Ribbon wreath

A cheerful, colorful wreath adds a personal touch to your bedroom door, stall, or tack room. Create a pattern with your favorite colors or dedicate one to commemorating a special show season.

What you’ll need:

• Wreath form
• Scissors
• Hot glue gun

How to make it:

1️⃣ Cut the ribbon tails from several rosettes.

2️⃣ Hot glue the ribbon tails around the wreath form, or hot glue the rosettes in a staggered arrangement. Continue until the wreath is completely covered.

3️⃣ Finish by gluing one or several intact ribbons at the bottom of the wreath.

We all know I am NOT very crafty, below are some examples of ribbon wreaths from some of my favorite
professional wreath makers, with links to their pages. Not everyone can have amazing skills like this~

2. Candy jars

This is more my style! Turn your ribbons into vibrant decor by tucking them into glass jars—perfect for a shelf, mantle, or centerpiece. Just make sure you top it off with a lid or rosette to protect your ribbons from dust.

What you’ll need:

• 5 gallon glass candy jars or very large glass vases.
  Amazone is great for the Anchor glass jars, Marshalls or Home Goods are usually great for large glass displays.

How to make it:

1️⃣ Arrange whole ribbons or rosettes so that they’re visible in the glass.

2️⃣ Continue layering until you’ve achieved your desired look.

3️⃣ Place the lid or another rosette over the top.

3. Lattice panel

A lattice panel is a super easy and flexible way to display growing collections. Hang it in your room or tack room, and rotate your ribbons each season.

What you’ll need:

• Lattice panel
  Easy to pick up at Lowes, Home Depot, Ace Hardware etc.

How to make it:

1️⃣ Clip the ribbons to the lattice with bridle hooks.

2️⃣ Rearrange or switch them out as you add to your collection.

4. Shadow box

Build a mini time capsule with your favorite ribbons, photos, and keepsakes. Shadow boxes are perfect for commemorating special shows or once-in-a-lifetime wins. This is probably the extent of where my creativity lives!

What you’ll need:

• Shadow box
• Sewing pins
• Horse show mementos

How to make it:

1️⃣ Arrange horse show keepsakes like ribbons, photos, and show numbers inside.

2️⃣ Use pins to secure your ribbons in place

3️⃣ Close the box and hang it up or display it on a shelf.

This is probably as far as my creative skills go, below is an amazing shadow box by Top Line Designs. If like me you are lacking in the creative skills, check out her beautiful designs!

5. Display case

Make a bold statement by piling your ribbons into a clear box. It’s an easy way to display large collections, looks festive, and is a great alternative to keeping them stowed away in a box in your closet!

What you’ll need:

• Display case or clear box –
  Amazon has some affordable options if you search for shoe or purse display boxes!
• Lots of ribbons!

How to make it:

1️⃣ Lay the ribbons in an even layer at the bottom of the case.

2️⃣ Continue layering until you’ve filled the box or used them all.

3️⃣ Artfully display your favorite rosettes along the outside, or do a different color on each side.

6. Ribbon quilt or pillow

This one’s for the sewing-savvy equestrians. Transform your ribbons into a stunning quilt-style wall hanging or quilted pillow for your bedroom or living room. Since ribbons aren’t the softest material, we recommend making this as a decorative piece rather than a cozy blanket.

What you’ll need:

• Scissors
• Fabric for the backing
• Sewing pins
• Sewing machine
• Thread
• Hot glue gun

How to make it:

1️⃣ Separate the ribbon tails from the rosettes.

2️⃣ Cut the fabric to your desired quilt size.

3️⃣ Arrange the ribbons on the fabric and pin them down.

4️⃣ Sew along the edges of the ribbons to secure them to the fabric.

5️⃣ Hot glue or hand sew rosettes and loops for hanging if desired.

There is no scenario where I could make something like this myself, but isn’t this beautiful?
if you are handy with origami, and a sewing machine, let me know how it goes! The rest of us will be clicking over to Top Line Designs!

7. Bulletin board

Create a colorful, easily moveable ribbon display that you can update over time. Try adding notes (like your top scoring dressage test!), photos, or show numbers for a dynamic scrapbook look.

What you’ll need:

• Bulletin board
• Push pins or sewing pins
• Scissors
• String

How to make it:

1️⃣ Add one pin at each end along the top of the board.

2️⃣ Tie a piece of string around one pin, stretch it straight across, and tie it to the other.

3️⃣ Repeat every few inches down the board.

4️⃣ Starting at the bottom, attach ribbons to the string with bridle clips.

5️⃣ Stagger ribbons so the tails don’t cover the rosettes in the row below.

8. Wall hanging

Cover a panel in colorful ribbons for a striking piece of equestrian art that doubles as a ribbon hanger. These are perfect for hanging over doorways, whether it’s in your home or over your horse’s stall.

What you’ll need:

• Wood or foam board
• Scissors
• Hot glue gun
• Picture or foam board hangers

How to make it:

1️⃣ Cut ribbon tails away from rosettes.

2️⃣ Starting at one end, hot glue the tails to the board, overlapping them slightly.

3️⃣ Attach picture hangers to the back.

4️⃣ Hang your ribbons by attaching bridle clips to the top edge.

You can totally take this up a notch by weaving your ribbon tails together to make patterns.
As far as I’m concerned this is definitely for those with expert level crafting skills! They are so pretty!

9. Ribbon frames

Give old picture frames new life with a bold border of ribbon tails—perfect for showcasing your favorite show memories or horse photos. Make a few to create an elevated gallery wall.

What you’ll need:

• Cheap frames
• Scissors
• Hot glue gun

How to make it:

1️⃣ Cut the ribbon tails from the rosettes and size them to fit the frame width.

2️⃣ Remove the glass to avoid getting hot glue on it.

3️⃣ Arrange and glue the ribbons onto the frame.

4️⃣ Wrap the ends around the back of the frame, glue them down, and trim any excess.

Look at this next level take on ribbon frames from Show Ribbon Wreaths? Stunning right?
For sure not in my skill set, but how elegant, what a great way to remember a beloved horse, show season, or circuit!

10. Horse show scrapbook

Capture all your best show memories in one place with a scrapbook cover made from your favorite ribbons. It’s an easy-to-store, coffee-table-worthy keepsake—no wall space required.

What you’ll need:

• Scrapbook
• Scissors
• Hot glue

How to make it:

1️⃣ Arrange the ribbons on the front cover of the scrapbook. You can use tails, rosettes, or a mix.

2️⃣ Hot glue them down and secure the edges to the inside of the cover, trimming any excess.

Rein in the ribbon clutter

Ready to get crafting? Instead of letting those hard-earned ribbons collect dust or spill out of a tack trunk, turn them into something beautiful. Whether you’re showcasing big wins or sentimental milestones, a creative display is the perfect way to celebrate the rides and memories behind each rosette.

Let’s face it we can’t win every weekend, so even if your ribbon box isn’t over flowing with tri-color ribbons, there are still some pretty amazing things that can be done to make even that brown ribbon from a heritage horse show special and something to talk about. Like this origami horse from For The Love Of Ribbons!

Have more ribbons than you know what to do with? If you’ve got extras you’re ready to part with, consider donating them to a therapeutic riding center. Many programs repurpose gently used ribbons to recognize their riders’ achievements—and your retired awards could brighten someone else’s day.

We’d love to see what you come up with! Share your finished displays and ribbon creations with us on social by tagging @farmhousetack—we might even feature your masterpiece.

You might also like:

• Personalize Your DIY Tack Trunk!
• Show Awards No One Wants to Win
• 5 Homemade Horse Treats You’ll Love Making

Special thanks to Top Line Designs, For The Love Of Ribbons and Show Ribbon Wreaths for letting me use your images for inspiration, or in my case – leads to have pretty keepsakes made! Be sure to check out the websites and social pages! Memento boxes, hanging ornaments, quilts, the creativity of these ladies is truly endless!