Most competitors know that one of the most stressful aspects of preparing for a show is packing your tack trunk. I personally just cannot stand leaving the barn with that feeling like I forgot something! The easiest way to make sure you remember all the essentials is to make a checklist! So here is an easy-to-use checklist broken into 4 categories of essentials for your tack trunk!
Tack and Equipment
Different barns and trainers operate differently with packing tack, so make sure you know what you personally need to pack in your trunk. Here is a basic list of tack and equipment that is helpful to have with you in your tack trunk at every horse show!
- Bridle, martingale, and any extra schooling bits you may use
- Girths (I like to have one for schooling and hacking and another for showing so you always have clean tack in the show ring!)
- Show pad
- Schooling/ Square pads and any extra padding you use with your saddle
- Ear plugs / ear bonnets
- Polo wraps for schooling and lunging
- Front/ hind boots
- Tack cleaner and conditioner
- Crop
Grooming Supplies
Most show barns do have grooms, but if you are someone who does your own grooming or just wants to spend a little bit of extra time with your horse, here is a list of grooming supplies that can help your partner in crime come home with that best turned out award!
- Basic grooming supplies
- curry comb, hard brush, soft brush, mane and tail brush, hoof pick
- Fly spray
- Show sheen or any shine/ detangle spray
- Baby oil to shine up your horse’s nose, face, and ears
- Baby powder for white legs
- Hoof paint
- Seam Ripper (for taking out braids)
Horse Care
Our horses are our most important assets and the ultimate athletes. They always need a little TLC when performing for us at shows!
- Tail wrap and hoodie to protect braids
- Wash bucket with bathing supplies like
- Shampoo, conditioner, whitening shampoo, liniment to help sore muscles, sponge, and sweat scraper
- Poultice and poultice paper to help with any soreness or swelling
- Hoof packing to help reduce any pain or inflammation in your horse’s feet (I love the brand Magic Cushin to use overnight at shows)
- Your horse’s favorite snacks and treats… Obviously 😊
Rider Care
You and your horse are both athletes that make up a team, so you have to take care of yourself at shows too! Here are some things I like to keep in my trunk for myself!
- Sunscreen
- Chapstick
- Deodorant
- Bug spray
- Hand warmers
- Band Aids
- Scissors
- Phone charger
- Spurs (I like to keep a few different size options)
- Riding gloves
- Hair nets & hair ties
- Boot polish
Remember, the most important thing to do is learn how your barn operates and what they pack and supply for your horse. It could be helpful to create your own personalized list based on your barn’s specific system to make sure you are well prepared for showing! For most competitors though, this list of essentials should be a great starting point! Happy packing!
