Peace of Mind with Pre-Show Packing
It’s the week of the show, and you’ve got a million things on your mind. Instead of winging it last minute, put your mind at ease with a little preparation. As I’ve mentioned in previous blogs, I am a huge advocate for organization and preparation. Two things that I believe go hand in hand and lead to success. If you are organized, you will know where everything is, and if you are prepared that means everything you will need is ready to go. And that will give you peace of mind.
As I prepare my own students for a show this weekend, I’d like to share some of the lists that I have helped them put together. It can be especially nerve racking if you haven’t been to a horse show before. Without guidance, it can be a lot to take in and believe me it’s easy to forget important items. I found that breaking the lists down into three separate categories makes sense, is easier and helps the process along:
Stable supplies
Horse
Rider
STABLE SUPPLIES
Shavings (can be pre-purchased through the show venue)
Grain, hay & supplements (always pack extra in case your travel home is postponed)
2 water buckets
1 feed pan
2 double sided snap clips (great to have on hand for hanging buckets or miscellaneous items)
Bailing twine & zip ties
1-2 stall fans
Extension cord
Muck bucket & pitchfork / shovel (or wheelbarrow)
Hose (in case one isn’t provided)
Hanging tack hook (for halter)
Bridle rack(s) / saddle rack(s)
Set of cross ties
Storage shelves
White board
Mirror
Tack trunk
Tack cleaner
Safety pins (for tacking your show number onto your saddle pad)
Medical / emergency supplies & first aid kit
HORSE
Copy of Coggins / shot records
Halter / Lead rope
Grooming brushes & sprays
Bathing supplies (shampoos, stain remover, sponge)
Towels
Shipping boots / standing wraps / ice boots
Splint boots / liners / bell boots / polo wraps
Saddle pads (schooling & show)
Half pad / non-slip pad
Girth
Saddle
Martingale / breastplate
Bridle / bit(s)
Ear plugs / bonnets
Treats
RIDER
Garment bag / boot bag / backpack
Schooling clothes
Show clothes (shirts / pants / show jacket)
Belt
Gloves
Spurs / crop
Helmet (hairnets, spare hair ties, brush)
Tall boots
Sunscreen / chapstick
Visor or hat
Water / SNACKS
So there it is, a fairly complete listing of what you will need at the show for you, your horse and for your horse’s stay at the show venue. In some cases, your trainer will provide some of the barn items on my list, but make sure you know in advance what that is so you can bring what they don’t provide.
Some barns will transport your barn trunk to the show which makes things a lot easier. Just be sure to check in advance that everything you will need is in your trunk. There is nothing worse than opening the trunk to grab something you need at the show only to find it isn’t there.
I hope these list suggestions will be helpful to you, and I recommend you review mine and modify as your requirements dictate.
Happy showing!