Must Read For Equestrian Lovers: Horse Show Checklist

Before starting, there are several things to figure out in order to start packing.

ARETHESE QUESTIONS POPPING UP IN YOUR MIND AS WELL?

Is this an overnight show, if so how many days?

How far away is the show grounds from your barn?

Does your horse eat and/ or drink away from home?

Will the grounds provide water?

How much are entry fees?

Is there a trailering fee?

Which classes are you entering?

Is this a rated or schooling show?

Will you or your barn be renting stalls or will you be tying to the trailer?

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Making separate lists for the rider and for the horse can be an easy way to organize yourtack,clothingand supplies.

Knowing this information first will make packing much easier and you and your horse will be prepared. For instance, you will not need extra bedding, pitchforks etc. if your barn will not be renting stalls. Familiarizing yourself with the overview of the show, accommodations, for both horse and rider, and other expectations will determine what (and how much of it) you will pack.

WHAT PAPERWORK DO I NEED TO BRING TOPARTICIPATE INA HORSE SHOW?

The first things to think about when packing for a show are paperwork and necessary documents that the show delegates will require of you. These might depend on the governing body that is facilitating the show.

A few general documents that should always have a place safely tucked in a closable folder are:

• Coggins/ health certificate
• Required membership information (for rider and horse)
• Horse’s registration papers (copies)
• The rule book of the governing body

Trailering all the way in and finding out that you don’t have the needed paperwork to even step into the ring can be quite frustrating. Compensate for the time needed to acquire the paperwork too! Don’t wait until the day before the show to ask your vet for a negative Coggins or health certification.

What do I bring for my horse in the horse show?

After you’ve wrangled up your paperwork and answered those first few questions, you should start the official packing.

This is where a few of those questions are necessary to have answered. If your horse is a finicky eater and you know or have doubts that he or she will eat and drink regularly off property, bringing food and water from “home” may help. Even slightly different tasting water can seem like the world is ending to a picky horse.

WHAT WILL MY HORSE EAT IN THE HORSE SHOW?

Not eating will add additional stress to your horse, not allowing them to perform at their best. If your horse has not eaten or consumed water in a long amount of time and they seem lethargic or depressed, scratching from the rest of your classes may be the healthiest choice. Shipping sicknesses can also be a part of this too– another reason why having an updated health certificate is so important; it isn’t just an inconvenience, it’s to protect the horses!

• Hay
• Water
• Buckets (at least 2- 1 for drinking water and another for bathing)
• Flavoring and/ or electrolytes
• Grain (the usual type, brand and amounts)

Bringing food and water from home is a good idea anyway in case there are issues with the provided feed or water. Packing a powdered electrolyte or flavoring mix could be the difference between a healthy or dangerously dehydrated horse. Always offer water multiple times throughout the day even between classes.

Also Read:How to care for your Horse

WHAT HORSE TACK WILL I NEED IN THE HORSE SHOW?

Depending on the type of show you’re attending and if you compete in several disciplines, be sure to pack the trailer with your necessary tack. If you are an all-arounder and dabble in several disciplines, but are attending a hunter- jumper show, don’t bring your western saddle, “in case you need it”. It is only more work and clutter in the trailer’s tack room. More is not always more.

• Horse halterand lead
• Horse Saddle
• Bridle
• Extra horse bits(if necessary)
• Saddle pad(s)
• Boots(like Majyk Equipe)
• Girth
• Leather hole punch
• Leather cleaning kit
• Rags
• Toothbrush
• Leather cleaner
• Leather conditioner
• Tack sponge
• Stirrup iron polish
• Crop and/ or whip (dressage and/ or longe) if necessary)
• Horse GroomingKitand its contents

• Hard brush
• Soft brush
• Hoof pick
• Horse coat conditioner(such as Carr & Day & Martin)
• Hoof polish
• Baby powder
• Baby oil
• Mane and tail comb
• Horse razor and small travel clippers for touch ups
• Bedding (if needed)
• Sponge
• Fly sheetor scrim
• Fly spray
• Extra braiding materials and tools (you know those buggers never stay)

If you sometimes need to change bits, bridles, girths or even saddles during your lesson, bring all that you expect to use or might need. If you decide to enter into a fence class and you always school fences in a pelham, then bring a pelham.

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