The Equine Expert
 

From Tack to Toiletries: The Guide to Packing for Your Next Horse Show Adventure
By Tanja Schnuderl



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Packing for a horse show requires careful planning to ensure you have everything you need to care for your horse and yourself and compete effectively. I like to divide my packing list into packing for my horse (Tack, Grooming, Horse Clothes, Horse feed, Stall supplies, paperwork) and packing for myself (Show attire, paperwork, provisions, personal care and miscellaneous stuff to be comfortable at the show). Here's a checklist to help you prepare:

For Your Horse:

  1. Tack:
    • Saddle and bridle
    • Girth or cinch
    • Saddle pads
    • Stirrups and leathers
    • Martingale or breastplate (if needed)
    • Bridle and reins
    • Bit(s)
    • Halter and lead rope
    • Lunge line/lunge whip
    • Leather cleaning supplies
  2. Grooming Supplies:
    • Brushes and combs
    • Hoof pick
    • Mane and tail detangler
    • Shampoo and conditioner
    • Show shine/Spray on conditioner
    • Braiding supplies (Comb, rubber braid bands, yarn/sewing needles)
    • Scissors
    • Sponges/Towels
    • Sweat Scraper
    • Fly spray
    • Hoof dressing
    • First aid kit for your horse
  3. Horse Clothing:
    • Show sheet or cooler
    • Fly mask/bonnet
    • Leg wraps or boots (if necessary)
    • Tail wrap (if necessary)
    • Rain sheet (if needed)
  4. Feed and Water:
    • Sufficient hay and grain
    • Water buckets and feed buckets
    • Haynets
    • Any necessary supplements or medications
    • Treats
  5. Stall Supplies:
    • Bedding (straw or shavings)
    • Stall guards or chains
    • Bucket holders
    • Muck bucket and pitchfork
  6. Health Documentation:
    • Coggins test results
    • Health certificate (if required)
    • Proof of vaccinations

 

For Yourself:

  1. Riding Attire:
    • Show jacket
    • Riding breeches
    • Show shirt and stock tie or choker
    • Gloves
    • Riding boots and boot socks
    • Helmet
    • Belt
    • Whip/Spurs
  2. Casual Attire:
    • Comfortable clothing for before and after your ride
    • Sunscreen and sunglasses
    • Hat or cap
  3. Personal Care:
    • Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, etc.)
    • Medications
    • First aid kit for yourself
    • Pain relievers
    • Upset stomach relieve
  4. Food and Drink:
    • Healthy snacks
    • Plenty of water
    • Cooler or thermos
  5. Documentation:
    • Show entry forms and confirmation
    • Identification (ID, driver's license)
    • Emergency contact information
  6. Money:
    • Cash and cards for show fees, food, and any unexpected expenses
  7. Miscellaneous:
    • Folding chairs
    • Umbrella
    • Bug spray
    • Stain remover pen

Remember to check the specific requirements and rules of the horse show you're attending, as regulations and facilities may vary. Packing well in advance and using a checklist will help ensure you have everything you need for a successful and enjoyable horse show experience.


Tanja Schnuderl is the Director of International Services with The Equine Expert LLC, a multi-discipline equine expert witness and consulting firm with expert equestrians offering legal expert witness and consulting services in court cases and legal matters. Tanja is an expert on Barn Management and Horse Behavior. She was the barn manager at several boarding facilities and a private training facility of a FEI Dressage rider before taking over as Director of The South Carolina Equine Park, an established multi-discipline equine facility which hosts about 30 horse competitions each year. She has established her own equine appraisal company, Sigma Equine LLC. Tanja grew up in Germany and was a paralegal for many years. For more information on Tanja Schnuderl email tanja@theequineexpert.com, www.theequineexpert.com

 

 

 
   
   
 
 

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