The Hunter Jumper Show Checklist for Horse and Rider
Download the PDF at the bottom of this article for a printable Hunter/Jumper Show Checklist you can use!
Horse shows are a beautiful exhibition of the sublime connection between equine and equestrian: a test of athleticism, training, and preparation that helps to advance and improve equine sport. But they can also be pretty stressful too.
The best way to minimize the stress of showing is, in principle anyway, pretty simple: be prepared. And not just for the expectations of the judge or class, but being prepared for what your day will bring, too.
Preparation is more than just making sure you remembered your number – it’s about making sure your mind is ready for the ring, as well. With that in mind, we’ve prepared the Ultimate Hunter/Jumper Horse Show Checklist to help you take control of your show day- from what’s in your tack box to how you’ll stay calm and focused before you enter the ring.
We can’t promise you’ll end up in the ribbons, but you should at least make it home with your sanity (mostly) intact.
Reduce Show Ring Stress
Being prepared means having what you need, but also being able to find it when you need it.
Make a list of everything you need (Hint: the lists below are a great guide!), and keep a copy with your show equipment, on your phone, in your tack box – wherever you might need it.
When it comes to packing your show gear, here are a few tips:
- Label everything Especially important if you’re bringing several boxes. If you’re shipping multiple horses, color-code each horse’s equipment.
- Prepare to stack Look for rugged containers with lids that you can stack on top of one another. Avoid flimsy containers like cardboard boxes and grocery bags.
- Start early Start compiling and packing your show supplies well in advance of the show.
- Pack with unpacking in mind Pack logically, in the order you’re likely to use things. If you know you’ll need a lead rope and bucket right away, don’t pack those at the back of the trailer. Make sure your first aid kit is always readily accessible.
If you show regularly, consider investing in “show only” supplies – a kit that stays with your trailer or packed away in a kit that only goes with you to shows.
Show Tack Checklist
Pack everything your horse usually needs to do his job. If you have spare tack (even if it’s just your old stuff) consider bringing that along as well in case of an emergency or accident. This is especially true for thinner leather goods, such as bridle pieces or stirrup leathers. Even if you never use it, you might be able to help a less-prepared barnmate in a pinch.
Here’s what your show tack checklist might look like:
- saddle
- girth
- girth cover
- breastplate
- martingale (if allowed in your division)
- show bridle
- extra bits
- schooling saddle pad for warmup
- show pad
- sheepskin half pad
- underpad, riser, non-slip or therapeutic pads (if used)
- ear net
- reusable bridle numbers
Protective Equipment
- jumping/ splint boots
- polo wraps
- bell boots
Horse Equipment Checklist
What exactly you need to bring will depend on the duration of the show, as well as how far from home you are. Here’s a sample list for a 1 to 2 day show, away from home.
Horse Equipment
- blanket(s), depending on weather
- show sheet or dress sheet
- cooler
- rainsheet
- leather halter
- shipping or spare halter
- extra lead ropes
- first aid kit
- tack cleaning kit
- quilts/ no bow wraps
- stall or standing wraps
- liniment or poultice
- stud kit (if used)
- lunging equipment: lunge line, whip, cavesson
- treats
- paperwork: immunization record, proof of a negative Coggins test, passport or registration papers for larger shows.
Grooming Supplies
- grooming kit – curry, stiff mud brush, body brush, finishing brush, grooming mitt, hoof pick, hoof polish, etc. (check out our step-by-step grooming guide here)
- braiding kit – mane comb, clips, yarn, elastics, pull-through, seam ripper, scissors.
- bathing kit – bucket, body and face sponges, shampoo, conditioner, detangler, sweat scraper, towels.
- ring bucket – hoof pick & brush, finishing brush, 3 towels (a dry one, a wet one, and one for slobber), baby wipes, small scissors, shine spray, treats, water bottle, plus extra sunscreen, spare sunglasses, or anything else you tend to forget.
- touch up clippers
- fly spray
- baby powder or cornstarch for white markings
- shine spray, like Showsheen
Stall Supplies
If stalls are provided by the organizer, they should be safe and well maintained. However, it’s smart to be prepared to do a bit of cleaning (or decorating) yourself:
- pliers
- hammer
- bailing twine or wire (for hanging up those ribbons!)
- staple gun and staples
- multi-head screwdriver
- duct tape
- zip ties
- extension cords
- horse-safe fans
- fire extinguisher
- hose and nozzle
- lock (for tack room)
- stall ties or cross ties
- stall guard
- saddle and bridle racks
- shavings fork or pitchfork
- wheelbarrow or muck hopper
- box curtains for tack room or nervous horses who get stressed at shows
- cleaning solution to disinfect the stall (preventing infectious diseases at horse shows has never been more important. Read our article for more advice on how to keep your horse healthy at a show)
- water buckets
- feed pan
- hay net
- stall card with your horse’s name and your emergency contact info
- plenty of hay, feed, and water from home to last the entire show
Rider Apparel Show Checklist
If it’s been packed away since last season, try on your show outfit and give it a quick once over for repairs or alterations that might be needed. Then, pack your expensive show duds in protective cases or garment bags, where appropriate.
Here’s what to pack, from head to toe:
- helmet
- hairnet or barrette with attached net
- show shirt
- show coat
- body protector (for cross country)
- gloves
- crop
- breeches (pack a spare pair in case of a muddy fall. Or coffee spill.)
- belt
- boot socks, plus spares
- boots
- spurs (if used)
- extra spur straps
- boot pulls
- boot jack
- rubber boot covers
- rain coat
- rain pants
- barn clothes for dirty work, like mucking or bathing
- lint roller
- needle and thread
- stain remover stick
- extra buttons that match your show coat and shirt
- laundry bag
- sun hat or visor
- sunglasses
- extra hair ties, bobby pins, etc.
- safety pins and string for your number
Rider Equipment for a Horse Show
You keep your horse comfortable, hydrated and rested between rounds – don’t forget to do the same for yourself. Pack what you need before you head out for the day if it’s a local show, or pack a cooler (and ask for an in-room fridge) if you’ll be staying overnight in a hotel.
Make sure to bring:
- lunch
- healthy snacks
- lots of water
- folding chair
- step stool
- sunscreen
- phone charger and spare battery or battery bank
- baby wipes
- tissues
- toilet paper (you never know when the port-a-potty will run out, and you never want to be caught without this!)
- cash and credit cards, as there will probably be fees in addition to your registration fee
- your cheering squad! Showing is supposed to be fun above all. Sharing your show experience with family, friends, and barnmates, and maybe enjoying a little healthy competition along the way, is what showing is all about.