Horse Shows Packing aka Moving Your Entire Barn for a Weekend

Going to a horse show is stressful enough. No need for packing to add to that stress pot. Over the past 7 years I have learned things that add and detract from the baseline jitters most of us experience leading up to and/or at a show. Without further ado here’s some of my tips for packing!

First, lets talk about packing strategy. Think about about this like goal setting. When you have one big lofty goal what happens? You get overwhelmed. Same goes for packing. When you thinking of the full gamut of things you have to pack for yourself, your horse(s) and the barn its hard not to feel overloaded. So you might ask, what’s my strategy? I break it into pieces: myself, the horse(s) and the barn. I also try to not pack over one day – that’s too intense for me. I start by organizing my show trunk, she is a “smol” lady named Petunia. I love having a separate trunk for shows – if you want her dimensions let me know in the comments. I can easily carry Petunia without assistance which definitely helps with packing/unpacking or for when I go to a show without my barn-mates. I will make sure Petunia is nice and tidy over a few days usually a week or two before the show. Next, I work on my 2-3 show “tubs” these are various Rubbermaid type containers. Yes, I did say 2-3. Petunia being the small lady she is cannot fit everything needed for two horses. Before the days of Enzo I would bring Petunia and 1-2 tubs depending on the show and time of year. Once everything is organized, I’ll start packing. I usually start with my tubs and horse show specific items – show pads, scrim sheet, etc.. Then I’ll pack Petunia at the barn. Lastly, I’ll pack myself this is typically the night before the show because Luna (doggo) gets so sad when she sees me packing.

Okay, so what to pack? There are a few variables to factor in – time of year, show grounds, type of show, classes/divisions you’re showing in. I’ll break down the lists into 3 categories: rider, horse(s), and barn. I’ll link some of my favorite items too! 🙂

Rider List:

• Safety equipment: helmet, protective vest/air vest (if applicable), extra cartridges for air vest (if applicable)
• Undergarments: socks (Dreamers n Schemers only here!), panties and sports bra. Pro Tip: pack AT LEAST 2 extra pairs of panties and sports bras especially when showing in warmer weather, you’ll thank me later.
• Show clothes: breeches, show shirt, show coat(s)
• Belt(s): I don’t know about you but I like to have options. I pack at least 2-3.
• Footwear: casual shoes – make sure to have options for when you’re around horse and not around horses (we should be wearing closed toe, hard shoes when handling horses, don’t believe me look up “degloving foot” pictures – yes that is what can happen), rubber boots (other something water resistant) for bathing and hosing, tall boots
• Boot polishing kit: I love the Effax Leather Care Case, everything you need in a convenient case to help keep you organized.
• Toiletries: It is important to not deviate from your normal routine, don’t forget to pack SPF! I find bringing my URGO Beauty BB cream keeps my skin protected and gives me that added glow.
• What do I pack in? I usually use a couple of bags – a duffle, a tote, garment bag and back pack. My duffle of choice is an off-brand in a gray color (dirt resistant). I am patiently awaiting Riviera’s Stella Garment bag – one word: GENIUS. Both my tote and boot bags are from Veltri Sport. If you are not familiar with the brand she utilizes ~90% recycled materials which is amazing for our environment! My backpack is from tried and true Kerrits – yes from when we were children! If you are flying I would recommend Veltri’s Delaire backpack with the internal helmet compartment.

Horse List:

• Tack: Bridle, martingale (if applicable), girth, saddle. Oce goes in a D’yon Bridle that I absolutely love. Little brother still loves to teeth on tack so he is utilizing second hand options to horse show. For girths Ocelot needs all of the nonslip and goes in the Professionals Choice VenTech Contoured Jump Girth. Enzo is a more gentle giant and likes a softer girth. We show Enzo in the Equine International Pro Series Girth.
• Saddle accessories: saddle pad, half pad, nonslip pad. Ocelot shows and loves our EcoGold Secure Hunter Pad. “Little” brother is still growing and goes in an Ovation show pad that has a half pad built into it. When I hack Oce the ACE Pro4mance Nonslip pad is an absolute life saver. Extra schooling saddle pads, I usually bring one a day per horse plus 1-2 extra.
• POMMS all of the POMMS.
• Standing wraps and pillow wraps. I don’t like anything fancy here. Just simple no-bows and standing wraps.
• Ice boots. Ice boots for the King. I use both hock and leg ice boots on Ocelot and he just loves the Professionals Choice ones.
• Bell boots. Mine travel in bell boots but I make sure to have an extra pair for both.
• Supplements: this includes daily supplements, hydration additives, banamine, and any other supplement/medication you’ll need or might need during the show
• Ulcergard. FarmVet coming in clutch with the retained best deal in town on Ulcergard.
• Poultice and paper towels. Another thing I don’t like to overcomplicate. I like simple poultice. However, I am particular about the paper towels. I prefer the Viva paper towels.
• Blankets. In the summer I bring a scrim sheet. In the cooler weather a wool cooler and the appropriate blankets for the temperature.
• Clippers, blades, blade wash for any last minute touch ups. However, I try to have this complete before we leave. You know what they save better have and not need…
• Grooming supplies: Brushes, coat spray, hoof pick, hoof oil, brush
• Tail (if applicable) #hunterprincesslife
• Bathing supplies: shampoo, Dawn (best at getting poultice off), whitening shampoo (this white legs life is no joke guys!) Check out the blog on how you get your horse’s white legs/spots glistening here!
• Treats! Lots and lots of treats!

Barn:

• Grain
• Hay
• Wheelbarrow
• Pitchford
• Hose
• Shelving and tack hooks
• Buckets: 2 water buckets per horse, 1 grain bucket for the stalls. 1 grain bucket per horse to make the grain. 1 beet pulp bucket. Flat feeding pan for Enzo (bonus it doubles as a toy).
• Towels. Lots of towels. When you think you have enough, grab more.
• Cooler
• Chairs and table
• Tack cleaning supplies: cleaner, sponges, bit bucket

Something I forgot to add? Let us know in the comments! 🙂