Smart Horse Show Essentials to Help You Stay Show-Ready
Preparing for your first horse show can feel overwhelming. But having the right horse show essentials can make all the difference! From grooming gear to riding attire, every item you pack plays a role in making the day successful, smooth, and stress free โ for both you and your horse.
At The Trainerโs Loft, we help equestrians gear up for shows of all levels. Whether you are attending a small schooling show or a more competitive event, this guide will walk you through everything you need to bring to be prepared, confident, and show ready.
1. Understand the Type of Show Youโre Entering
Before packing anything, ask yourself the following questions. Your answers will help shape the list of horse show essentials necessary and prevent any last minute surprises.
- Is it a schooling show or a rated competition?
- Are you riding Jumpers, Dressage, English, or Western?
- Are there tack or attire requirements?
- Do you need a current Coggins, health certificate, vaccination records or other documentation?
2. Horse Show Essentials for the Rider
What you wear and bring for yourself matters just as much as your horseโs gear. Here is your rider checklist:
- Helmet (certified and show legal)
- Show shirt and jacket
- Breeches or riding pants
- Tall boots or paddock boots with half chaps
- Gloves, belt, and stock tie if required
- Number holder or safety pins
- Hairnets, bobby pins, or show bows
- Rain gear or an extra set of clothes
- Extra rags for cleaning off boots
- Water, snacks, and sunscreen
At The Trainerโs Loft, we carry show apparel, accessories, and gently used options that are perfect for first time competitors or budget conscious riders.
To see our current selection of riding apparel, click here!
3. Horse Show Essentials for Your Horse
Keeping your tack polished and your horse groomed shows judges that you are serious, even if it is your first outing. Your horse deserves to look and feel their best on show day. Pack these must haves to ensure comfort, performance, and safety:
- Clean saddle, bridle, girth, and show pad
- Grooming kit with brushes, hoof pick, mane comb, coat polish, hoof polish, and detangler
- Fly spray and sponge/sweat scraper
- Shipping boots or leg wraps for travel
- Show halter and lead rope
- Buckets for water and grain
- Hay net and plenty of hay
- Tack cleaning supplies for last minute touch ups
- Basic first aid kit
To see our current selection of tack, click here!
4. Trailer and Day of Essentials
Creating a designated show trunk to keep these horse show essentials in one place can help streamline packing for future events. Many first time competitors overlook the basics needed at the trailer or show grounds:
- Mounting block
- Trailer tie or stall tie ring
- Pitchfork, muck bucket, and manure bags
- Cooler, blanket, or fly sheet โ depending on the season and weather
- Electrolytes or mash to encourage hydration
- Coggins and vaccination records
- Cash or card for food, emergencies, or class add-ons
5. Helpful Extras
Shows rarely go perfectly โ and thatโs okay! A positive attitude and sense of humorgoes a long way. These little items can help smooth over any rough patches. Even if they donโt make the official list, these extras are crowd favorites among seasoned riders:
- Towel or rag for last minute dusting
- Baby wipes for quick cleanups
- Duct tape and scissors
- Phone charger or backup batter
- Notebook with class info, patterns, or ride times
6. Post Show Wrap Up
Once your classes have concluded:
- Offer your horse water and a cool down walk
- Untack and groom your horse again before the ride home
- Check legs and hooves for any swelling or soreness
- Clean up your trailer and/or stall area
- Reflect on what went well โ and what to prep better for next time
Celebrating your wins, learning from the rest, and caring for your horse after the show are all part of the experience.
Horse Show Essentials
Horse shows are about more than ribbons, they are a chance to grow, bond with your horse, and connect with the equestrian community. With the right horse show essentials packed and ready, you will feel confident stepping into the ring for the first time.
Need help getting started? Stop by The Trainerโs Loft. Weโve got the tack, gear, grooming supplies, and show clothes you need, whether youโre prepping for your debut or getting ready for another big win.
