11 ways to be organized at a horse show!

 

The most stressful time at a horse show? When you can’t find what you need and you are already behind. Or about to be behind. So, with a few organizational tips, you can help your horse show experience be one to remember in a GOOD way. Tackle organizing your time, and tackle organizing your horse’s stuff.

 

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Horse show bucket and step stool

 

 

For time-related matters at a horse show… it’s all about the planning.

 

  • Use a whiteboard or calendar app or piece of paper to literally write down when you should be doing stuff. Even stuff like eating lunch, cleaning tack, and tossing hay.

 

 

  • Take your ring time and work backward – including travel to/from the warm-up and main ring. This really only matters in huge shows, but you get the idea. Then calculate the tacking up and grooming time. Add time if your horse is wiggly at a show or you are a bit nervous.

 

 

  • Don’t set yourself up for failure by thinking that you will finally all of a sudden be able to braid, groom, tack up, and get yourself dressed in the same amount of time it takes at home. You should still practice all of these things at home, but add some time in.

 

 

  • Add extra time when you arrive to really let your horse settle in. Lots of ways to do this – graze, walk, munch on some hay. More ideas here.

 

 

  • Keep your horse’s schedule as close to his home schedule as possible. The internal clock of a horse is not only tuned to the second but can hold a grudge for quite a while.

 

 

  • Add in more time for things that you need to mimic at a show. For example, he won’t be getting turned out at a show, so add in a hand walk.

 

 

  • Same goes for stall cleaning. The horse on 12 hours of turnout is going to have a lot less poop to clean up than the horse at a show. Plan accordingly.

 

 

jumper braids on a black horse with white tape

Allow extra time for braiding at a show.

 

 

For keeping all of the horse stuff together at horse shows…here are some tips.

 

  • Label, label, label. If you think it might not need a label, you should put a label on anyway. Use a sharpie, a label maker, big letters from the mailbox and address section of a hardware store.

 

 

  • Have plenty of tools to hang things from. If it’s all getting shoved into trunks and bags, you will be wasting time and also letting dirty stuff touch clean stuff which is basically the cardinal sin of horse showing. Not really.

 

 

bridle on rack at a horse show

 

  • Have a way to separate the laundry. A bag is great, this makes things easy to get out of the way. You can even take the laundry to the trailer at the end of the day.

 

 

  • Keep all of the similar items together. This is why I love buckets with labels! You can also use compartments or smaller storage containers to tidy things up.

 

 

horse show shelf with bucket

 

 

 

How do you stay organized at a horse show?

go-shopping

 

Click these links to shop for horse supplies. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, which are not a penny more for you. I couldn’t be more grateful for your support! You can also visit my Amazon storefront here:  PEG storefront.

J.T. INTERNATIONAL Cleaning Hook
$17.59 $8.41

Clean anything and store anything with this versatile hook. Easy to bring to horse shows, too!

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HORZE Supreme Silent Crochet Ear Bonnet
$25.99

If your horse can't hear it, it won't eat them.

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Dover Saddlery Fleece & Nylon Training Surcingle
$49.95

If you love options, this surcingle has a kabillion rings to pick from.

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Artificial Grass Turf Broom - Curved Bristle Broom
$28.99

This is the best broom for getting every last bit of shavings out of the barn aisle.

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Huntley Equestrian Deluxe Grooming Bag
$59.99

Keep all of your poops in a group with this handy tote.

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Tack Shack of Ocala Custom Vinyl Stall Guard
$124.95

Classy and practical stall guard, custom made for you!

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Dura-Tech Schneiders Deluxe Dura-Mesh Stall Guard
$94.99 $84.99

Let your horse have the best view with this spiffy stall guard!

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Tech Equestrian Rain Sheet with Neck Cover | 1200Denier
$79.95

Keep your horse dry during bad weather, this rain sheet is also great for windy days.

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Hefty Shrink-Pak - 4 Large Vacuum Storage Bags
$17.84


This is SO SATISFYING to shrink up your seasonal horse blankets and gear.

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Sterilite 3 Drawer Mini Desktop Unit, Clear w/White Frame
$22.00 $21.00

Be sure to check the size. Don't want doll house size or marshmallow man size, either.

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Keter Storage Cabinet with Doors and Shelves
$179.99 $152.99

Vertical storage is the best! No more digging through trunks.

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Apple AirTag 4 Pack
$99.00 $69.99
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Toolwiz Magnetic Sweeper with Wheels, 50 Lbs Capacity
$72.97

You will be amazed at what the ground will throw at ya.

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16 Pack Vacuum Storage Bags with Travel Hand Pump
$39.99

Plus you can keep dust and rodents out of your horse's blankets while saving space.

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Thank you! 

 

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