Packing List for a Horse Show

Whether you are the equestrian competing or you are a horse show mom or dad, preparing to go to a horse show presents challenges and stresses. Horse riders must prepare mentally and physically to compete, clean and take care of their mount, and ensure they have all of the supplies necessary for the length of the competition. Maintaining a packing list, and checking that everything is in its place, relieves a lot of the anxiety inherent in equestrian competition.

  1. Tack

    • To protect your cleaned and oiled saddle and bridle from the dust and dirt of a show, tuck them into padded, protective bags, and hang them in your trailer tack room. If you don't own bags, you can cover your saddle in an old sheet and keep your bridle in an old pillowcase. Bring along one clean saddle pad or blanket for each day of the show to present a better appearance for you and your horse. Extra pads also protect your mount's skin from getting sores made by dried dirt, sweat and horse hair on the underside of the blanket. In case of breaks, many equestrians pack two girths or cinches, two bridles and two lead ropes.

    Feed

    • You'll need to bring enough grain, hay and water to feed your horse for the length of the show. In "The United States Pony Club Manual of Horsemanship," Susan Harris recommends packing your correct amount of grain -- plus any supplements -- in separate paper bags for morning and evening feedings, stapling them closed and labeling them for each competition day. You will need enough hay for each feeding, plus extra for the horse to munch on in its stall. Since many horses will not drink water from strange places, purchase one five-gallon tank for each day and fill it with water from home. You also need to bring at least one large water bucket and two smaller feed buckets with stall clips, or a feed tub, to place in the stall for the grain.

    Grooming Supplies

    • Because you want your horse to look its best, you'll need to bring your normal grooming tools, plus a few extras. Pack a rubber or plastic currycomb, a stiff "dandy" brush, a soft "body" brush, a hoof pick, a hoof brush, and a mane comb or hairbrush. To keep your horse clean, purchase two or three small sponges for the face, and a large sponge for the body. Use several towels to remove sweat marks and polish your horse's coat after grooming. Experienced equestrians pack a spray bottle of mane and tail conditioner to keep them free of tangles and shiny in the arena lights.

    Clothing

    • To keep everything clean and wrinkle-free, carry your formal riding gear -- including your show shirt, jeans or breeches, and jacket -- in a hanging bag or suitcase. Whether you wear tall boots, paddock boots or cowboy boots, store them in a boot bag when you aren't wearing them. Bring a rag and leather cleaner to polish your boots between classes. Helmets, top hats and cowboy hats should be enclosed in a hatbox for cleanliness, along with your riding gloves. Depending on the time of year, you may need long underwear to wear under your clothes for warmth. In cold, wet weather, bring a pair of waterproof muck boots to work in the rain and mud, writes Susan Daniels in "The Horse Show Mom's Survival Guide." Bring a bag with toiletries and casual clothes to wear when not competing.

    Miscellaneous

    • Depending on your riding discipline, the length of your drive and your horse's temperament, miscellaneous items to take to a show may include a longe line and side reins, a riding crop, splint boots and bell boots to protect your horse's legs and hooves, and shipping boots. You may also want to consider packing a cooler with enough water and healthy snacks to keep from feeling hungry for the length of the competition.