SubscribeGift a Sub
Enable cache 100

Horse Show Checklist

Download a printable (pdf) version of this horse show checklist Print this page

Paperwork:



Map to showgrounds
Show information
Rulebook
Membership cards
Horse registration
Health certificate, coggins, other required veterinary information
Emergency telephone numbers
Test booklet (dressage riders); NRHA patterns (reiners)
Checkbook/wallet/I.D.
Veterinarian phone number



For Travel:

Truck and trailer registration
Head bumper
Shipping boots or wraps
Tail bandage
Stable sheet
Leather or breakway halters
Lead ropes
Ties
Jack for trailer
Tail bag/wrap
Spare tire
Jack
Manure fork
Emergency phone numbers in case of breakdown
Trailer first-aid kit
Plenty of stored water for horse(s); buckets

For You:

Sunblock
Sunglasses
Hat or cap
Comfortable clothes/shoes for after competition
Beverages and snacks
Folding chairs
Aspirin, Band-Aids
Camera
Cell phone
Lint remover
Toiletries
Safety pins and sewing kit
Grooming apron or other cover-up

For Your Horse:

Bridles
Bits
Saddles
Saddle pads
Cinches/girths
Legwear (for warm-up, as well as show-ring–as dictated by your discipline)
Approved martingales or other auxillary tack
Spare stirrups and leathers
Breast plate, as needed
Whip/crop
Longe line and longe whip (optional)
Stud chain (optional)
Halter and lead line, plus a spare
Horse blanket and cooler (optional)
Drinking water and bucket
Hay/haynet, other feed
Equine first-aid kit
Treats
Stall guard and screw eyes (if you’re boarding overnight)

For Grooming:

Fly spray
Buckets
Shampoo / conditioner / detangler
Sweat scraper
Brushes, curries
Hoof pick
Coat polish
Spot remover and/or whitening product
Sponges and rags
Hoof dressing / polish
Grooming tote
Leather cleaner
Cordless clippers (for missed hairs)
Water in a spray bottle
Braiding kit / banding supplies
Scissors
Ribbons for mane (saddleseat)
Rain gear, if needed

Show Apparel:

Breeches/jodphurs
Jeans or show pants
Chaps
Boots
Boot pulls and jack
Boot socks
Boot polish
Spurs
Shin and knee guards (games/gymkhana); other protective gear
Coat, jacket or vest
Show shirt
Helmet or hat
Hair net/hair accessories
Tie / pin / scarf / choker
Underpasses (saddleseat)
Gloves
Belt/buckle
Rain gear, if needed

Horse Illustrated

Horse Illustrated is the magazine for people who are passionate about horses. Each issue offers advice on horse health and care, plus user-friendly training tips for both English and western riders and engaging lifestyle features for horse lovers.

View Comments

Recent Posts

Equine Sedation 101

It's likely that at some point during a horse’s life, he will need to be sedated, either for a routine…

2 hours ago

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Horse Clinics

Learn how you and your horse can get the most out of your clinic time with these tips from trainer…

3 days ago

Brooke USA Launches Fire Horses Emergency Campaign Supporting Equines Affected by California Wildfires

Lexington, Ky. – Brooke USA Foundation is committed to helping equines in need during times of disaster and to this…

4 days ago

ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: Tundra

Welcome to Horse Illustrated’s weekly installment of the Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, offered in partnership with the…

4 days ago

Vet Adventures: Big Angus, Part One

Lily was a solemn little girl with wild black braids, and I used to love watching her with her beloved…

5 days ago

Senior Horse Care 101

Senior horses gradually require additional care as they age. Whether it’s handling heat and humidity, flies, or changes in diet…

6 days ago