The Ultimate Show Day Packing List for Horse & Rider

competition, equestrian tips, packing list, show day -

The Ultimate Show Day Packing List for Horse & Rider

Introduction

Show day nerves are inevitable — but forgetting your number bib or your horse's haynet doesn't have to be. Whether it's your first local show or a big affiliated competition, a solid packing list means you can focus on riding rather than panicking in the lorry park. Here's our tried-and-tested checklist for horse and rider.

For Your Horse

Tack & Equipment

  • Saddle, girth, and stirrups (check leathers and irons the night before)
  • Bridle with correct bit for the class
  • Spare girth and stirrup leather
  • Martingale or breastplate if used
  • Boots or bandages (schooling and competition sets)
  • Lunge line and lunge whip
  • Spare headcollar and lead rope
  • Fly spray and fly mask for the warm-up

Grooming & Turnout

  • Full grooming kit — body brush, dandy brush, hoof pick, mane comb
  • Hoof oil or hoof polish
  • Coat shine spray
  • Plaiting kit (needle, thread or bands, scissors, pulling comb)
  • Tail bandage and tail guard
  • Stable rubber for a final polish in the ring
  • Baby oil or chalk (for grey horses)

Rugs & Travel

  • Travel rug or cooler for the journey
  • Show rug or fly rug for between classes
  • Travel boots or bandages with padding
  • Poll guard and tail guard

Feed & Water

  • Haynet or haylage net — pre-filled and ready to hang
  • Feed for the day (pre-measured in bags)
  • Water containers and a bucket
  • Electrolytes if it's a hot day or a long show
  • Treats (well-deserved after a good round!)

First Aid (Horse)

  • Wound wash and antiseptic spray
  • Bandaging materials and gamgee
  • Poultice and duct tape
  • Thermometer
  • Your vet's phone number

For the Rider

Clothing & Safety

  • Riding hat (check it meets current safety standards)
  • Body protector if jumping 
  • Show jacket and shirt with stock or tie
  • Jodhpurs or breeches (pack a spare pair)
  • Gloves — at least two pairs
  • Riding boots, polished the night before
  • Spurs and whip if permitted in your class
  • Hair net and pins

Admin & Essentials

  • Entry confirmation and schedule
  • Horse passport and vaccination records
  • Number bib (and safety pins!)
  • Cash for entries, parking, or on-the-day classes
  • Phone, charger, and a portable battery pack
  • Map or directions to the venue

Comfort & Fuel

  • Packed lunch and plenty of water
  • Sunscreen and lip balm
  • Waterproof jacket (this is the UK, after all)
  • Spare clothes for after
  • Painkillers and plasters

The Night Before: Don't Leave It to the Morning

The best show days start the evening before. Run through this list, load the lorry or trailer, and lay out your own clothes. Check your horse's shoes are secure, plait up if you can, and get an early night. A calm, organised morning makes for a much better ride.

Shop Your Show Day Essentials

Make sure you're fully kitted out before the big day:

Good luck out there — we hope you come home with a rosette! If you have any questions about kit or need advice before your show, get in touch with us.

Back to News

Tags