What Should I Bring To A Horse Show?

First the good news: You’re planning to attend your first horse show. You’ve been training with your horse for months. The two of you are ready, willing and able. Both of you are in top form; you couldn’t be better.

More good news: You’re attending World Equestrian Center (WEC), the largest indoor equestrian arena in the United States. It is nationally recognized as a first-class facility for horse shows.

Even more good news: WEC in Southwest Ohio is known for showcasing its exemplary equine-related disciplines. WEC has more than 100,000 square feet of climate-controlled riding space.

Now for the bad news: You arrive at WEC only to discover you have completely forgotten to bring a dozen necessary pieces of equipment or items. Your horse show experience suddenly turns sour.

Back to the good news: You’re reading this article. We’re going to tell you exactly what you’ll need to be prepared for a horse show.

HorseChannel.com provides a checklist of the absolute necessities to make your equestrian experience wonderful.

Paperwork:

1. Map to WEC
2. Show information
3. Rulebook
4. Membership cards
5. Horse registration
6. Health certificate, coggins other required veterinary information
7. Emergency telephone numbers
8. Test booklet, NRHA patterns
9. Checkbook, wallet and identification
10. Veterinarian phone number

Traveling:

1. Truck and trailer registration
2. Head bumper
3. Shipping boots or wraps
4. Tail bandage
5. Stable sheet
6. Leather or breakaway halters
7. Lead ropes
8. Ties
9. Jack for trailer
10. Tail bag/wrap
11. Spare tire
12. Jack
13. Manure fork
14. Emergency phone numbers in case of breakdown
15. Trailer first-aid kit
16. Plenty of stored water for horse(s); buckets

You:

1. Sunblock
2. Sunglasses
3. Hat or cap
4. Comfortable clothes and shoes for after competition
5. Beverages and snacks
6. Folding chairs
7. Aspirin, Band-Aids
8. Camera
9. Cell phone
10. Lint remover
11. Toiletries
12. Safety pins and sewing kit
13. Grooming apron or other cover-up

Your Horse:

1. Bridles
2. Bits
3. Saddles
4. Saddle pads
5. Cinches and girths
6. Legwear
7. Approved martingales or other auxiliary tack
8. Spare stirrups and leathers
9. Breastplate, as needed
10. Whip/crop
11. Longeline and longe whip (optional)
12. Stud chain (optional)
13. Halter and lead line, plus a spare
14. Horse blanket and cooler (optional)
15. Drinking water and bucket
16. Hay, haynet, other feed
17. Equine first-aid kit
18. Treats
19. Stall guard and screw eyes (if you’re boarding overnight)

Grooming:

1. Fly spray
2. Buckets
3. Shampoo, conditioner, detangler
4. Sweat scraper
5. Brushes, curries
6. Hoof pick
7. Coat polish
8. Spot remover and whitening product
9. Sponges and rags
10. Hoof dressing, polish
11. Grooming tote
12. Leather cleaner
13. Cordless clippers
14. Water in a spray bottle
15. Braiding kit, banding supplies
16. Scissors
17. Ribbons for mane
18. Rain gear, if needed

Show Apparel:

1. Breeches, jodphurs
2. Jeans or show pants
3. Chaps
4. Boots
5. Boot pulls and jack
6. Boot socks
7. Boot polish
8. Spurs
9. Shin and knee guards, other protective gear
10. Coat, jacket or vest
11. Show shirt
12. Helmet or hat
13. Hair net/hair accessories
14. Tie, pin, scarf, choker
15. Underpasses
16. Gloves
17. Belt, buckle
18. Rain gear, if needed

WEC has bedding available for purchase and the climate-controlled facility removes the need for additional blankets and coolers during shows. WEC is a complete, full-service show facility, designed and operated by a family who owns and shows horses. Call us today for more information or to book a show!