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

 

horse-show-supplies

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

Thermometer

Bucket

Vet kit or first aid supplies

Touch up clippers

Baby wipes

 

horse-grooming-kit

 

Wash Rack Supplies

 

Shampoo

Conditioner

Sponges

Washcloths

Sweat scraper

Hoof polish

Towels for drying off

Liniment

 

horse-shampoo-bucket

 

Tack Cleaning Supplies

 

Glycerin soap

Double-sided sponge

Toothbrush

Metal polish

 

browband-cleaning

 

Braiding Supplies

 

Apron or fanny pack

Yarn

Elastics

Scissors

Hair product/braiding spray

Seam ripper

Stiff nylon brush

Hair clip

 

horse-braids-with-yarn

 

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

 

horse-wooden-grooming-box

 

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

 

horseback-riding-helmet

 

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

Poultice paper

 

horse-water-bucket

 

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: 

show_packing_checklist

 

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

go shopping button for horse products

Stock up here for your horse supplies! As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, but it’s ZERO extra cents to you.   As a Walmart Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases as part of their affiliate plan.  Thank you for your support! You can also visit my Amazon storefront here:  PEG storefront. You can visit my Walmart shop here:  Walmart shop. Thank you! 

Dunatou Saddle Rack Freestanding
$59.99

This is handy to bring to shows and keeps your boots and grooming gear off the floor.

07/09/2025 03:04 pm GMT
Tack Shack of Ocala Custom Vinyl Stall Guard
$106.21

Classy and practical stall guard, custom made for you!

07/09/2025 04:02 pm GMT
Shapley's Easy-Out No Rinse Shampoo 32 fl.oz
$17.61

Spot removing, deodorizing, dust busting, shine adding spray.

07/09/2025 02:01 pm GMT
J.T. INTERNATIONAL Cleaning Hook
$32.40

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

07/09/2025 11:04 am GMT
HORZE Supreme Silent Crochet Ear Bonnet
$25.99

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

07/10/2025 08:00 am GMT
Dover Saddlery Fleece & Nylon Training Surcingle
$49.95

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

07/10/2025 11:01 am GMT
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.

07/10/2025 11:02 am GMT
Huntley Equestrian Deluxe Grooming Bag
$59.99

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

07/10/2025 08:03 am GMT
Tack Shack of Ocala Custom Vinyl Stall Guard
$106.21

Classy and practical stall guard, custom made for you!

07/09/2025 04:02 pm GMT
Dura-Tech Schneiders Deluxe Dura-Mesh Stall Guard
$84.99

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

07/09/2025 01:05 pm GMT
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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.

07/09/2025 01:04 pm GMT
Hefty Shrink-Pak - 4 Large Vacuum Storage Bags
$17.84 $15.88


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

07/09/2025 11:05 am GMT
Sterilite 3 Drawer Mini Desktop Unit, Clear w/White Frame
$19.77 $17.99

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

07/09/2025 05:02 pm GMT
Keter Storage Cabinet with Doors and Shelves
$179.99 $152.99

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

07/09/2025 12:04 pm GMT
Apple AirTag 4 Pack
$99.00 $92.19
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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.

07/09/2025 12:04 pm GMT
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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.

07/09/2025 01:04 pm GMT
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