Horse Show ChecklistA horse show checklist is something I use on a regular basis when getting ready for a horse show. However, I have come to the conclusion that no matter how prepared you are, you are always rushing at the last minute and usually leave something important at home. I have found the best way to make your own checklist is categorize different items you plan on packing. After all, we all have different needs for our horses such as where we are traveling, how long we will be gone, and what we are showing in. Some of the most important things you will need to show your horse are outlined below. Not everything will apply to you, but you'll have a better idea of just how many things you need to remember when getting ready for a show.
Paper Items
There are some important pieces of paper that you must make sure you have with you at all times. Without your horse's negative coggins papers you won't be able to show your horse anywhere. I have never travelled to a show where they did not require you to show proof of negative coggins while entering your horse in classes. Also, remember to bring your checkbook and some extra cash when you travel. You will need to pay for your entry fees and various other expenses somehow. I usually carry a small amount of extra cash in case of emergency. Other important pieces of information include your horse's registration papers if you are showing at a breed specific show or in an age specific class. Membership cards if you belong to an organization, a show bill, rulebook, and map to the show grounds are all useful to bring with you to a show as well.
Personal Items
If you are planning on showing for longer than one day, you will need to make arrangements ahead of time to determine where you will be staying. If the show is close to home, consider yourself lucky. If you have to travel further away you may have different options of camping or getting a room for the show. Pack your clothing and other personal items while planning ahead for any changes in weather. Bring plenty of clothes you are comfortable riding in. Food and drinks may be recommended if you plan on eating your own food during the show. At the very least pack some water and healthy snack options to keep you going. You may also need to keep in mind what personal grooming products you will need to get yourself ready for your classes. I believe you can never have too many bobby pins or safety pins. I know I buy a lot every year, but usually wind up borrowing from someone else at least once or twice a year. On my horse show checklist I include a couple of camping chairs to sit in when I get some down time. I recommend bringing chairs for both one-day and multi-day shows. I have a few of the essentials listed above that I never leave home without.
Show Appearal
Aside from the personal clothing and items you need, don't forget to organize and pack all the show clothes you will need. You do not want to run into any surprises (such as forgetting your breeches) at the last minute. What show clothes you put on your horse show checklist will depend on what you are showing in. I have found the easiest way to pack show clothes is to think of each class you will be in and review what you need for that class. I tend to keep it as a separate section of my horse show checklist. For example, if you are showing in any in-hand halter/showmanship classes you want to make sure you have your showmanship outfit, boots, hat, and accessories. If you are in any english classes you will need breeches, boots, a hunt shirt, a hunt coat, helmet, and gloves. For western you will need boots, pants, chaps, a show shirt/jacket, hat, and accessories. As you can see the more you show in, the more you will likely be brining. I prefer to sort through my show clothes 1-2 days before I load everything in the truck. I break down each class and make sure I have it in my show clothing stack. Word to the wise, check and re-check your show clothing items.
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Travel Items
Safety on the road is the most important thing to keep in mind when transporting horses to the show. This part of the horse show checklist is vital to arriving safely and on time to the show. You want to make sure that your truck and trailer are in top shape to make the trip. Check your trailer for working lights (inside and outside) and plenty of air pressure in the tires. Make sure your truck has been getting the regular maintenance it needs to keep running smoothly and that all running lights are working as they should. In case of a roadside emergency, you may want to have phone numbers for road side service. Truck and trailer jacks will also be very handy in case of the all too common flat tire. Having a spare tire with you at all times is also very important as you travel. I can remember an instance when I was set to leave the barn, horse and all, for a show. I was driving down the driveway when I checked my tires in the mirrors and noticed a flat on the driver's side of the trailer. I did not have a spare and needless to say I had to hitch a ride with someone else to the show. In addition, your horse may need some preparation before getting in the trailer. Shipping boots or wraps, sheets, and head bumpers are commonly used to help protect your horse from potential injury during transport. You can use the list I have provided above, or you can make your own. This is an important part of your horse show checklist to ensure safe travel for you and your horse.
Horse Items
Items your horse will need once you get to the show can vary. Start this part of your horse show checklist with the basic necessities your horse will need. For example, your horse will likely need some fresh water and hay when you get to the show. If you travel for more than one day, make sure you include plenty of hay and grain. I usually pack extra, just in case. Also, if your horse will be stalled overnight, you will need some bedding for the stall. The amount of bedding needed depends on the ground surface. If it is a dirt surface, less bedding is needed than if it is a concrete surface. I have seen horses at a weekend show end up sore-footed by the end of the show because they were bedded too lightly on concrete. How would you like to stand on concrete for a weekend? You might be sore too. Other items on your horse show checklist important to bring include all the tack items you will need to both work and show your horse. You may have a tack stall if you are showing for a couple days, or you can keep everything in your trailer for a day show. This list above can definitely be added on to. Every show, horse, and owner is different so use it to customize your horse show checklist.
Grooming Items
Yes the grooming stuff needs it own section on the horse show checklist because the it is actually endless. Taking regular inventory, especially at the start and end of show season will help you keep track of each item you have. This will also prevent you from running out of something while you are at a horse show. There are some standard items that every horse will need when being prepped for show. Brushes, clippers, bands/braids, and bath equipment are the bare essentials of what you need to bring. When it comes to last minute touch-ups, there are a variety of preferences to choose from. When it comes to polishing up white areas some stand by baby powder, others prefer white touch-up spray, and even still others use white chalk. This grooming section is highly customizable. I have listed above some of the items you may want on your horse show checklist, but feel free to edit when creating your own
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