With a little preparation, horse show packing doesn’t need to be stressful.
Going to jumping horse shows can be a lot of fun. It can also be quite stressful, especially if you’re new to competition. Whether you’re a show rookie or a real pro, it helps to have a packing checklist.
It’s always better to be over prepared so you don’t pull into the show ground and realize you’re missing something important.
We did some of the work for you so when you are packing for your horse show you don’t have to be stressed out! Remember that each horse, rider, and show is different. You may need to adjust this list accordingly.
New to the sport? Check out our 26-Page Horse Rookie’s Guide to Jumping.
Paperwork
Depending on where you live and where you are traveling, you’ll need to provide various types of paperwork to horse show management. It’s a smart idea to call the show office in advance to find out what paperwork you need.
It’s also a good idea to have a binder that contains all the necessary paperwork, so all you have to do is “grab and go!”
- Proof of negative Coggins
- Health certificate
- Horse registration (if you are going to a breed show such as APHA or AQHA)
- Membership papers (if you are going to a rated show USHJA, USEF)
- Horse passport and FEI registration papers (if you are traveling internationally or competing in FEI classes)
New to the sport? Check out our horse jumping glossary to learn the lingo.
First Aid
- A complete vet kit
- Talk to your veterinarian who can either provide you with one or give you a comprehensive list of what to put in it.
- Iodine based antiseptic (Betadine)
- Triple antibiotic ointment or something similar
- Gauze Pads and gauze rolls
- Stretchy bandaging tape and elastic adhesive tape
- Scissors
- Liniment
- Bute and Banamine
- Before administering any medication, read up on association and/or show ground rules.
- Thermometer
- Petrolium jelly
- Poultice
- Poultice paper
- Disposable gloves
- Ice boots (Make sure to bring a freezer for them!)
Click to see this pre-made equine first aid kit at Amazon.
New to the sport? Check out our 26-Page Horse Rookie’s Guide to Jumping.
Trailering
- Shipping boots or shipping wraps
- Breakaway halter or shipping halter with fleece padding
- Hay nets filled with hay
- Buckets for water
- Jugs filled with water for longer trips
- Extra lead ropes and halters
- Head bumper (if your horse needs one)
If you’re new to trailering to shows, check out our guide to trailering a horse for the first time.
Grooming
- Curry comb
- Brushes (hard, soft, finishing)
- Hoof pick
- Mane/tail brush or comb
- Spray on coat conditioner or Showsheen
- Fly spray
- Baby powder or cornstarch for white markings
- Baby oil
- Hoof oil, hoof conditioner, hoof black (if association permits)
- Towels
- Electric clippers and blades and hand razor for last minute touch ups
In the market for new show clippers? Check out our 5 best horse clippers so your horse looks his best.
Bathing
- Bucket
- Shampoo/conditioner
- Sponge/bathing mitt
- Sweat scraper
- Hose (if needed)
- Towels for drying legs
- Liniment brace wash
Credit: Johanna & Bunny
Here’s a simple horse bathing tutorial.
Braiding
Many horse shows have professional braiders onsite to help if you do not know how to braid. But, learning to braid well yourself will be a lot less expensive.
- Scissors
- Yarn or braiding bands that match (or are similar to) your horse’s mane color
- Pulling comb
- Needle (for sewing braids in)
- Braiding Aid Comb
- Pull through
- Seam ripper
- Fake Tail(s)
- Tail wrap
- Spandex/Lyrica neck hood
- Quick Braid or spray bottle with water
- Hair clip
Here’s a handy braiding tutorial from equestrian vlogger Montana O.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDbpB0HXqIA
Braiding can make or break your horse’s show appearance. Learn how to create the 3 Easiest Mane Braids.
Horse Tack & Gear
- Saddle
- Stirrups and leathers
- Girth
- Girth covers
- Show saddle pads
- Schooling pads
- Bridle(s)
- Extra bits
- Schooling boots/polo wraps
- Show boots/polo wraps
- Bell boots
- Martingale (standing or running)
- Breastplate
- Scrim sheet
- Show cooler
- Draw reins (if you use them)
- Earplugs (if your horse needs them)
- Extra reins and stirrup leathers
- Ear bonnet
- Show number holder and number
- Safety pins for number
- Horse show studs and stud kit (if needed)
Check out equestrian vlogger and jump trainer Shelby Dennis’ 10 Best Stirrups for Jumping Clear (And Staying Safe).
Rider Apparel & Gear
- Schooling pants and shirts
- Schooling boots
- Show breeches (white or tan or similar color)
- Show shirt (Asmar Equestrian has beautiful show shirts made from recycled water bottles!)
- Show jacket
- Tie, pin, choker, or stock tie
- Show Boots
- Gloves
- Belt (Check out C4 Belts for tons of fun cut-to-fit options!)
- Helmet
- Hairnet(s), hair ties, bobby pins
- Rain gear
- Sewing kit with extra buttons
- Rider number with strings
- Body protector and/or air vest (if you wear one)
- Boot polish
Go the extra mile for your safety with by reading about our 6 best horse body protectors and our Hit Air Equestrian Vest Review.
Cleaning Supplies
- Saddle soap (glycerin or liquid soap)
- Bucket
- Conditioner
- Sponges
- Old toothbrush
- Oil
- Bit wipes
Feed
- Grain
- Grain scoop
- Feed bucket/feed pan
- Hay
- Hay net for stall
- Water bucket
- Double end clips to hang buckets
- Supplements/medication/electrolytes
- TREATS for all the good horses, of course!
Check out some of our favorite horse treats at Amazon!
New to the sport? Check out our 26-Page Horse Rookie’s Guide to Jumping.
Stabling
- Shavings (if you can’t buy them from the show)
- Wheelbarrow
- Pitchforks
- Brooms/rakes
- Watering can
- Stall fans
- Extension cords
- Bungee cords and duct tape
- Small tool kit (hammer, screwdriver, etc.)
- Show stall curtains (if desired)
- Staple gun with extra staples
- Zip ties
- Muck tubs
- Tack trunk
- Hooks to hang bridles
- Saddle rack(s)
Need a way to organize all your gear? Check out our 6 best tack trunks.
Warmup Ring
- Ring side grooming kit (brushes, fly spray, towels, hoof pick, hoof dressing)
- Water for rider
- Rag for rider’s boots
- Phone/camera for videos
Capturing your show experience is a big part of the fun! Read about our 8 best horse cameras.
Miscellaneous
- Hole punch
- Cash/checks/credit card
- Jack/spare tire/jumper cables/tools for trailer and truck
- Folding chairs
- Camera/phone (See our horse photography guide!)
- Extra clothes for when you are not riding
- Snacks
- Water
- Cooler with ice for drinks
- Sunscreen and bug spray
The most important thing to bring to your next jumping show is a good attitude and a smile!
P.S. Enjoy this article? Trot on over to:
- 10 Best Stirrups for Jumping
- Jumping Tips for Beginners
- What is the correct jumping position for horse riders?
- E-Bikes You’ll Love Riding *Almost* as Much as Your Horse
- 33 Things You Can Do Now to Calm Your Riding Nerves Forever
- Horse Rookie Riding Essentials Amazon List
- The Ultimate Horse Trailer & Packing List
- 8 Best Horse Cameras (Action, Trailer, Barn, Drone)
- Horseback Riding in College: Tips from Alyssa Simin
- Cinched, Not Pinched: 8 Most Comfortable Girths for Horses
- FLY FREE: 14 Best Horse Fly Sprays (Brand Name and Homemade)
