Horse Show Days Check Lists

The key to a smooth show season is planning and that is just where I am at right now. Soon enough it'll be time to wing my way across the pond and start my intense training with Greta in preparation for a few FEI Grand Prix shows that I'll be doing later in the season. Packing to head abroad is a little different - especially on the paperwork side, but the principles for a good show day are the same. I am very fortunate to have a great groom to help me and a super support team that has been doing this longer than even I have - certainly more regularly.


Show Gear

Must haves for me include an easy to open/access garment bag with my name and address etc. for my shadbelly/or show jacket, blouse, a couple of high tech cool T-shirts ( I like Horze & FITS & Werth ), stock ties, pins. I like all my luggage to match just because it is easier to locate 'yours' then, and I like all the luggage to have an inside and outside label. For security I don't place my street address on the outside, just my name and cell number and an emergency contact.

A boot bag for my various spurs ( I take a few types with leather straps of course), cool tech thin socks ( a number of pairs ) and show boots which is where I stuff the socks, plus a tidy up grooming mit for dust cleaning just before hitting the ring. I have my dressage whips in a special bag and it attached to the side of the boot bag. I have been known to enter the ring carrying the whip ( which means elimination ). Believe me that only happens to you once.

Buy one with a divider between the boots so they don't constantly bang into one another en route.  I put a little shoe clean kit in with my grooming kit. I love my boot bag because it has a handle on both the top and the side, so I can carry it sideways. It's easier. I pack two pairs of show gloves in here too.

Then a hat box for the all important head gear. Kudos to Isabell Werth for leading the challenge with the fancy gold riding helmet. I opt for wearing a 'real' riding helmet except for the actual ring time. Hair nets and ties, a small hair gel ( that the airline won't mind size wise) that I use on my own hair and my horse's braids to calm the frizzies. I also add a lip salve and lipstick. My hat box has a mirror in the lid which is useful. I also stuff a bucket  hat or sun visor in here to wear between classes on the ground.

My saddle, with two girths, two sets of leathers and one set of irons is packed in an easy to access saddle bag and I also put at least one saddle pad and half sheepskin non slip here too.

A bridle bag is a must. In here I like the ones with compartments and I take a double and snaffle plus bits.

If that is not enough I have a another tote bag. I like the ones of wheels ( like this one above) because I can't carry everything from A to B otherwise, and in here go two pairs at least of show breeches ( white stain so quickly) a training mac or trench coat for the downpour that will arise for sure if you don't have one handy.  Mine is a great riding mac and covers the saddle too but is light and easy to wear. Plus all relevant bounce stopping bras, seamless underwear ( I like the FITS capri underwear underneath white show breeches, very comfy). Also in this tote goes my jogging shoes ( not sandals, I value my feet), a nice pair of creaseless pants for the jog and a pretty horsey blouse also for the jog.  It's important that you look neat, tidy and practical when you are jogging up your horse for the vet check.
I have a scribe board and a few other goodies in here too including deodorant, small make up bag, girlie needs ( who hasn't had their period arrive early), sun tan lotion with a high protection. A red nose is not attractive and neither is cancer.  I also add a small camera that I can grab or pass to someone for a quick photo on the grounds. The video work and photo work in general I leave to the pros at the show.

There's the little things I like to take too - copies of all the tests I am riding, copies of all the entry paperwork, copies of everything. Plus emergency contact numbers for home and family. For these important documents I have a special wallet that fits everything neatly and I use it for my horse's paperwork too. Handy when you turn up for the jog.

As many of these things as possible are cleaned and returned to their location immediately following the show and I keep a check list in each bag so my groom can check me out too. It is so easy to forget.  I find it much easier to have 2 of most things and do it this way. It saves so much time. And I never leave my clothes and personal gear just to the groom. They are so hard to replace quickly and mistakes can be made. This way if I do forget something I am not having a tantrum with my groom at the start of the day. Which I'd like to say has never happened, but it has.

Showing adds pressure and so having personal knowledge that you have checked the list yourself helps - me anyway. The horse gear - well that's another story. Most of that I do leave to the groom. Double checking each other is always a good plan though and a good groom won't mind that. The hitch up of equipment I always double check myself, whether I am driving or not. I do a walk around. Major preparation of the equipment should have been done regularly and well before the hour.

What's Next

I'll leave the long list for your horse's other needs and transport checks for another blog.  I need to get on with some serious organizing.

Remember on your travels to take time out like I am in the photo here, to spend some time in the country you are visiting having some non horsey time. This was taken of me in Lisbon one year, at the top of the famous St. Justa lift. The views were spectacular and being a photographer I really loved that. A campari and soda before lunch - well - I deserved it. The last ten feet you exit the 'lift' and clamber up a small spiral staircase that is on the outside of the building. As I don't like heights that had me pausing a few times to spare the vertigo, so the drink was needed.

Safe travels.