Ultimate Horse Show Checklist

Show days are exciting, but they can be stressful, too! You’ve got a lot of things to pull together to make sure you’re prepared for your competition. The trick to maintaining your sanity when you’re getting ready is a horse show checklist that includes everything you need to be prepared for your big day. Here’s a horse show survival kit you can use and customize to your specific needs.

How To Prepare for a Horse Show

If you’ve never been to a horse show before, it’s a great idea to check one out so you can see what it’s like before participating in your first show. Once you know what to expect, you can prepare for your own show more effectively. Here’s a horse show prep timeline to guide you.

2-3 Days Before Your Show

A couple of days before your show, look over your truck and horse trailer to ensure everything is working. Clean it out (a great way to burn off extra energy from nerves!) and lay some fresh shavings if you use them. Fill up the gas tank and hook up the truck and trailer, making sure everything is secure.

Then, pull out your clothes and make sure they are in great condition, clean, and well-pressed. Hang them neatly in a garment bag to make sure they stay clean, and pack a backup outfit just in case. Clean and polish your boots and brush your helmet, and put them in a bag or case to keep them clean. Pack your truck and trailer using the checklist below. 

You’re going to give your horse a special grooming session before the show. So now, when you’re not rushed, is a great time for body clipping and mane pulling. 

1 Day Before Your Show

Give your horse a bath, and don’t forget proper hoof care as well. Spend extra time cleaning your horse, and focus on his mane and tail, brushing them out well. If you will braid your horse’s tail and he will leave it in, do that the day before. Otherwise, take care of it on the morning of your competition. 

Clean and polish your bridle and saddle with saddle soap and a leather conditioner, and polish the silver as well. Pack your tack in padded bags and get them loaded onto the trailer. 

Fill up the feed bin or hay net in your trailer. Prepare your horse’s wraps, or shipping boots if he wears them, and if you blanket your horse, get that ready as well. Grab some snacks and water for yourself, too! Review the checklist and pack up anything you will need that you won’t use the morning of the show.

Show Day

Arrive early to be sure you have plenty of time to get ready. Take some of that time to get familiar with the grounds, turn in your paperwork, and pick up your show number.  Since you groomed your horse the previous day, show day should just be touch-ups for your horse and tack. Wipe down your horse with a clean cloth, brush out his tail, and braid his mane if you didn’t do that the night before. Take time dressing, and make sure both you and your horse look your best.

Horse Show Checklist

Here’s a list of all of the different things you may want to bring.

1. Paperwork — All of the documents you will need to participate in the show
2. Grooming supplies — Anything you’ll need to keep your horse looking his or her best
3. Horse tack — The equipment and accessories your horse will need
4. Horse tack care — The supplies to keep your tack in great shape and working properly
5. Rider attire and supplies — Everything you will need as a rider in your competition
6. Horse care — Food and supplies your horse will need
7. First aid supplies — Supplies to care for both you and your horse
8. Miscellaneous — Anything else you might need

Paperwork

• Registration papers
• Health papers and permits (and proof of negative Coggins)
• Horse insurance card
• Membership papers 
• Rule book
• Contact information and location for the show facility

Grooming Supplies

• Soft and stiff brushes
• Currycomb
• Mane and tail comb
• Hoof pick and polish
• Bucket and sponges
• Shampoo, conditioner, spray-on coat conditioner, and mane and tail detangler
• Towels 
• Sweat scraper
• Clippers
• Yarn for braiding
• Scissors
• Tail wrap
• Misc: fly spray or insect repellant, baby powder or cornstarch, baby oil, plastic razor, and rubber bands

Horse Tack & Tack Care (Horse Trailer Packing List)

• Tack trunk
• Saddle, saddle pad, girth, saddle soap or leather cleaner, saddle oil, and an old toothbrush for cleaning saddle stitching
• Bridle, bits, show halter and lead, reins (and an extra pair)
• Martingale / breastplate / attachment
• Extra stirrup leathers and stirrup-iron pads
• Halter and lead rope
• Protective boots and/or wraps
• Sponges and/or cloths
• Paper towels
• Bucket
• Metal polish
• Bit wipes
• Hole punch

Learn more: Show Jumping Tack: The Complete Tack List

Rider Attire and Care

• Your show attire and a backup outfit, including breeches, shirt, jacket, boots, hair net, stock and stock pin, helmet, and gloves 
• Air-vest, spare C02 canister & tools to replace it
• Grooming apron or coveralls
• Hat brush, boot polish and rags, and towels
• Hair comb or brush, spray and/or gel, bobby pins, and mirror
• Rain jacket and boots
• Stain remover and a sewing kit with scissors

You may also like: Navigating Show Dress Codes: From Schooling to Competitions

Horse Care

• Feed, feed bucket, and treats
• Hay and hay net
• Water buckets
• Supplements
• Stall fans and electrolytes, if needed
• Manure fork, wheelbarrow or bucket, and broom
• Optional: fly net or fly mask and a horse blanket

First Aid Supplies

• Your vet’s phone number and a local vet contact
• First-aid book 
• Complete vet kit, including disinfectant, triple antibiotic ointment, and an anti-inflammatory
• Non-stick gauze pads and non-stick bandage or vet wrap
• Blunt-ended scissors 
• Thermometer
• Human first aid kit, including a pain reliever
• Liniment
• Eye flush
• Sunscreen
• Chemical ice pack

Don’t forget a thing with our Horse First Aid Kit Essentials guide.

Miscellaneous Items

• Credit cards and cash
• Cell phone and optional camera
• Copy of show schedule or class list
• Jumper cables, jacks, spare tire, tools, flashlight, batteries, and emergency flares
• Extra clothes
• Rain poncho and sunscreen
• Supplies like plastic bags, paper towels, antibacterial wipes, duct tape, bungee cords, and extension cords
• Insect repellant
• Ice chest
• Drinks and snacks
• Reading material
• Folding chairs

Printable Horse Show Checklist

Horse shows are fun, but packing can get overwhelming. Click the image to print out our complete Horse Show Checklist to make life easier.

Knowing How to Prepare for a Horse Show Brings Confidence

Knowing that you have a plan for your horse show prep will help to calm your nerves and give you confidence that you’re ready for the competition. Horse shows are exciting, and you want to bring your “A-game” to every competition. Make your show day stress-free by being sure to leave yourself ample time to get ready, and thoroughly prepare. Good luck, and have fun! 

You Might Also Like:

• Dressage Riding: Beginner Equestrian’s Guide
• A Guide to Show Jumping for Beginner Equestrians
• How To Groom Your Horse for Competition (Step-by-Step Guide)
• Finding Your Perfect Horse Show Coat And Fit Guide
• Best Horse Riding Hairstyles for Competition
• How to keep your show day stress-free