Feeling overwhelmed with prep and packing for an away show (or clinic)? This post includes my away horse show tips and a printable packing list.
Important note: The packing list is linked at the end of this post. My website does not require you to install special software to print the list. The printable is a PDF file. If you see an ad-looking image that says "download now" or "print now" or "print PDF," that is not for the packing list. I have been reporting those to my ad provider. When you get to the section with the printable list, hover over the link. If the address that shows up begins with thehungryequestrian.com, it's legit.
The packing list is for (low-level) eventing but could easily be tailored to other English disciplines. I've used the same packing list when I did dressage and competitive trail at the Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover. The list includes blank spaces for you to add your own items that might not be on the list (e.g., martingale, ear plugs).
I'm often not traveling with a barn or team, so my packing list might include more things than you need if you're traveling with others. There are a few things that can be shared if you're going with one or more friends (e.g., you probably don't both need to bring wheelbarrows).
Know Before You Go: The Venue
Here are some key details I like to find out about the venue if I'm stabling overnight. The answers to some of these questions affect what you might need to pack (or what you can leave at home).
Do the stalls have mats? Most of the venues where I go have stall mats, but some (e.g., older barns at Kentucky Horse Park) don't have mats. In this case, I bring my own. I've cut my mats into more manageable pieces to be able to move them alone. I've also used interlocking puzzle piece gym mats, but after one week at a show I found they were not worth saving. They also took up a lot of room, whereas the stall mats can ride in my truck bed with other things sitting on top. Some venues also offer stall mat rentals (e.g., Dever at Kentucky Horse Park). Some people also just bed stalls deep and don't use mats, but one of my horses has very sensitive feet, so I've never felt that's a good option for us.
Are there any restrictions on types of bedding (e.g., shavings vs. straw)? I haven't found this to be very common, but always good to know in advance. For example, a couple of places I've stayed overnight with my horses only allow straw bedding.
Are there places to buy bedding onsite or nearby? Also consider whether bedding has to be ordered in advance (more common at short/weekend shows) or if it can be ordered during the show (more common at large venues and longer shows). On-site bedding delivery is generally more expensive, but it can be convenient. I usually plan for 5 bags of shavings to start with and one bag per day after day 2.
Are the stall fronts ones with bars or half-doors? I really only want this information because of my tack stall. If the stalls have half-doors I will take my saddles home at night since technically someone could jump in and take them. This also will affect where I hang certain things (e.g., halters) because my horses like to pay with things, but I usually don't care about that ahead of time. Others might have other reasons for needing to know this information (e.g., horses that do not do well when fully enclosed).
Are there restrictions on what you can plug in? For example, some venues only allow 3-prong plugs and do not allow extension cords. I like to bring a slow cooker with chili for fall shows. My Instant Pot has a 3-prong plug, so I bring it to keep chili warm since my regular Crock Pot brand slow cooker is only a 2-prong plug.
How far are drop trailer parking and car parking from stabling? I usually unpack more at my stall when drop trailer parking and car parking are far away from stabling.
What kind of food is available onsite? I always pack way too many snacks... the blog name Hungry Equestrian fits! I don't pack quite as much when I know I will be able to get something decent to eat onsite. If you want some easy, on-the-go sandwich ideas, check out these Equestrian-Approved Horse Show Sandwiches & Wraps.
Horse Stalls and Tack Stalls
Tack Stall or Not?
I always get a tack stall even if I'm going alone for a two-day show with one horse. I like being able to lock my stuff up overnight, not crowd the stall fronts with all of my stuff, and have a nice place to sit in the shade or out of the wind. It's also nice to have a place right there to change.
Tack Stall Setup
I usually set up my tack stall with a rug (more on that below), some chairs, a small folding table, my tack, hay, feed, and shavings. I like to set up my chair so I can see out the door (and say hi to my friends when they walk by!) The folding table is mostly for snacks, but it's also handy because I can stash things under it.
Hay, Shavings, and Feed Storage
I stack my hay on a pallet in the corner. Sometimes I will forego the pallet (if it's a short show) and put a tarp down as long as I don't think there's risk of moisture accumulation in that short period of time. I will usually stack bags of shavings near the hay or in another corner where I might want to put other things on top of them.
Some people pack their horses' meals and supplements in gallon zip-top bags. I will do this for a show that's a few days long, but for longer shows I usually just bring a bag of grain. In either case, I bring a short or tall trash can to keep critters out of the feed.
Tack Stall Rug
This outdoor rug is one of the best tack stall purchases I've made. It has a carrying case with a handle, so it packs away easily with all of my other stuff. I don't recommend this rug for regular home use (e.g., permanently on a deck) because it does not seem like it would hold up to the elements like that. But to go on the floor of a tack stall at a horse show? Perfect!
At first I thought it was silly when people brought rugs, but then I realized it actually does serve a purpose. It helps to keep dust down in the tack stall, and you can actually walk around in socks. When would you be in socks? When changing clothes or putting your boots on/taking boots off. Most tack stalls are just regular stalls that have had horses in them at prior shows, so the floor is not going to get clean enough to be sock-worthy no matter how much you sweep. Why not just use a tarp? Sure, you could, but I find they are hard to keep down and tend to bunch up.
Tack Trunk, Saddle Pad Storage, Etc.
I use a Milwaukee Pack-Out instead of a traditional tack trunk. It lives in my trailer all the time, and I like that it takes up less space in my trailer (horizontally, anyway) than a tack trunk.
Plan for things to get dusty. Keep saddle pads bagged or in your trunk and use a garment bag for your clothes. I also keep my bridles in a bridle bag.
Hanging Things
Don't assume you will be able to screw or nail things to walls. This is allowed at some venues near me with older barns, but it's not uncommon for this to be prohibited. I bring lots of zip ties for hanging things. Hay bale twine also works well, but I like zip ties because they look a bit nicer. I pack a lot of carabiners and double end snaps for attaching things to zip ties and twine. For water buckets, I use bucket hanger straps.
If you use a hay net, hang it safely so your horse can't get hung up in it overnight.
Safety & Biosecurity
Especially at venues where you are allowed to put holes in walls, inspect your stall for shark things before putting your horse in it. I've pulled some sketchy nails out of stall walls.
Don’t forget to confirm your information on your stall card (or fill it in). Most venues will tape or staple a card with your information to the stall front, but sometimes you need to fill your phone number in. This is the fastest way for people to know how to contact you if there’s an emergency when you’re away from your stall.
Bring your own hose and spray nozzle. Put it away when you're not using it so others don't borrow. Sharing hoses, especially when the hose is submerged in a water bucket when refilling, is a fast way to spread contagious ick.
Other Misc. Away Show Tips
Make a Throw-Away Bridle Number
Most shows require horses to be wearing their numbers any time they’re outside of their stall. I use an old bridle number, some white electrical tape, and a sharpie to make a number I can use while not showing. That way my actual number doesn’t get messed up. I also have a universal number I use for showing so I can use the show-provided number for grooming, bathing, and schooling… but sometimes one extra isn’t enough if I’m there all week.
Printable Packing List
Important note: The packing list is a PDF file. My website does not require you to install special software to print the list. If you see an ad that says "download now" or "print now" or "print PDF," that is not for the packing list. I have been reporting those to my ad provider.
Download the printable packing list here.
