The Ultimate Horse Show Packing Checklist!
So you are headed to a show! You will likely spend time packing for a horse show, hoping you don’t forget anything. I have compiled a handy horse show packing list organized by category. This comprehensive horse show packing checklist lists items for “overnight” (or longer) shows. You can edit down much of this stuff for day shows, where you may haul in and out.
I also might have put some things in multiple categories, because some of us like our widgets with other widgets, and some of us want our widgets with our sprockets. Your game of trailer tack room Tetris awaits.
Table of Contents
Your game of trailer tack room tetris awaits.
The Grooming Kit
Curry comb
Grooming gloves
Body brushes – hard, soft, finishing brush
Hoof picks with attached brushes
Mane and tail brush
Mane comb
Hoof dressing
Detangler
Shine enhancer
Baby powder or cornstarch
Step stool
Fly spray
Bucket
Vet kit or first aid supplies
Touch up clippers
Baby wipes
Wash Rack Supplies
Shampoo
Conditioner
Sponges
Washcloths
Sweat scraper
Hoof polish
Towels for drying off
Liniment
Tack Cleaning Supplies
Glycerin soap
Double-sided sponge
Toothbrush
Metal polish
Braiding Supplies
Apron or fanny pack
Yarn
Elastics
Scissors
Hair product/braiding spray
Seam ripper
Stiff nylon brush
Hair clip
Stall Set-Up Supplies
Pliers
Hammer
Long-handled magnet
Staple gun
Screwdrivers
Bailing twine
Duct tape
Cross ties
Stall guards
Carabiners
Zip ties
Screw eyes
Double-ended snaps
Water buckets
Feed bin
Hooks for hanging bridles and halters
Saddle racks
Shoe removal tools
Manure fork
Broom
Garden rake
Hose(s)
Hose nozzle
Wheelbarrow or muck tubs
Extension cords
Locks
Flashlight
Batteries
Fans
Hay nets and hay
Grain meals and Supplements
Warm-Up Ring Supplies
Hoof pick with attached brush
Bottled water
Washcloths – damp and dry
Camera – still/video
Body brush
Test book
For the Rider
Helmet
Hair accessories like ties, barrettes, bobby pins, hair nets, hair spray
Small mirror
Show clothes like shirt, tie, pin, jacket, breeches, etc.
Schooling tops/polos
Schooling breeches
Safety vest
Belt
Boots
Gloves
Spurs
Whip/crop
Rain gear
For the Horse
Saddle
Girth
Girth covers
Schooling saddle pads
Show saddle pads
Bridle(s)
Schooling boots
Honor round polo wraps
Numbers for saddle pad or bridle
Ear bonnets
Cooler
Scrim sheet
Weather appropriate blankets
Shipping halter and everyday halter
Shipping boots
Standing wraps and bandages
Lunge whip
Lunge line
Martingale
Surcingle
Bell boots
Studs and stud removal kit
Stud chain
Extra buckets
Extra horse tack (bridle, halter, stirrup leathers)
Stall card
Small freezer
Ice boots or icing system
Poultice paper
Miscellaneous Accessories
Safety pins
Lint roller
Boot shine kit
Sewing kit
Boot pulls
Sunscreen
Garment bags
Water
Snacks
Folding chairs
Kleenex and toilet paper
Human first aid kit
Cameras
Laundry bag
Pop-up tent
Banners
Trash bags
Show paperwork – Coggins, health cert. all association membership cards
Dry-erase board and markers
Paper towels/wet wipes
Phone numbers – hotel, pizza delivery, overnight watch service, show office, trainer, on-site farrier, on-call Veterinarian
And last, but not least, your sanity.
Paperwork
You’ll also need paperwork, equine passports, and other documents. The best thing you can do is double-check with the show’s information packet about what is required. If it’s vague, you can also look at the ruling body’s documentation. For example, a USEF-rated show will follow USEF rules, but the showgrounds may also have some documentation requirements.
You might need:
Vaccination records
FEI passport
Proof of negative Coggin’s test
Your horse’s registration papers
Feed and shavings request form for the showgrounds
“In case of an emergency” information for you and your horse
Download a Horse Show Packing Checklist
Grab a Horse Show Packing Checklist PDF here:
When should you start packing for a show?
Consider packing at least a few days before your first horse shows. You’ll want to balance your time packing, bathing, and braiding so you have plenty of time on the day of your show. This may be a few days before you leave.
How much does it cost to compete in a horse show?
Horse shows vary greatly by show organization and any included travel costs. Rated shows are more expensive than schooling shows, and you’ll need to factor in how many days, stabling costs, hotels, food, and associated feeds. Local shows could be a few hundred dollars for a day or two, while rated shows could be in the thousands for a few days.
Go Shopping
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This is handy to bring to shows and keeps your boots and grooming gear off the floor.
Classy and practical stall guard, custom made for you!
Spot removing, deodorizing, dust busting, shine adding spray.
Clean anything and store anything with this versatile hook. Easy to bring to horse shows, too!
and adds a nice sheen!
If you love options, this surcingle has a kabillion rings to pick from.
This is the best broom for getting every last bit of shavings out of the barn aisle.
Keep all of your poops in a group with this handy tote.
Classy and practical stall guard, custom made for you!
Let your horse have the best view with this spiffy stall guard!
No escaping, please.
Keep your horse dry during bad weather, this rain sheet is also great for windy days.
Could you be even more organized? Likely not.
This is SO SATISFYING to shrink up your seasonal horse blankets and gear.
Be sure to check the size. Don't want doll house size or marshmallow man size, either.
Vertical storage is the best! No more digging through trunks.
Keep your horse's water and noms warm this winter.
You will be amazed at what the ground will throw at ya.
Plus you can keep dust and rodents out of your horse's blankets while saving space.
