10 + Surprising Things You Didn't Know You Needed For Show Season

Horse show season is fast approaching so it’s time to start thinking about everything you’re going to need for the year. We all have our standard packing lists that include the normal gear we all have to bring, but there are a lot of small things that you may never have thought of before. They aren’t going to make or break your show experience but I guarantee some of them will make your life 10x easier and you’ll be cursing yourself you haven’t been bringing them sooner!

Read on for our Top 10 items you didn’t know you needed for show season!

1. Expandable Hose

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gotten through a long day of showing only to discover that there are no hoses in the washracks and that happens to be the one item I didn’t neurotically pack. The last thing I want to do most days is dump endless buckets of water on my horse. Having a designated “horse show hose” that lives in your trailer is a great way to never forget one again.

I’m obsessed with my Gardgaurd 50ft Expandable Garden Hose I got off Amazon because it takes up barely any space in your trailer and even comes with a super handy storage case.

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2. Dry Shampoo

Dry shampoo is a must to keep in my show trunk! That way I can feel less like a creature from the black lagoon after I rip off my helmet. Just spray a bit here and there at your scalp to absorb some of the oil and sweat and I swear you will feel like a new person. No more being embarrassed about your horse show hair as you head out to dinner for the night.

3. Utility Trunks

Speaking of show trunks, I’m a sucker for a classic wood one, but Husky and Stanley make two options that are low-key SO convenient for showing, that if you try one, you may never go back to a traditional trunk again.

The Husky 37” Rolling Utility Cart gives you the essence of a traditional trunk, but all the extra benefits of wheels and a handle to lug it around with.

These mobile tool boxes are my favorite for storing my first aid supplies for my trailer. Everything neat and tidy without taking up much room. 

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4. Chalk or Baby Powder

This one goes out to all my grey owners! You may have never thought of it before but chalk, baby powder or corn starch can transform deep stains on your grey horse. Sometimes no matter how much you scrub, you can not get those white legs to sparkle. Slap a little of one of these on those stains and you’ll be amazed at the transformation.

5. Extra Phone Charger / Power Bank

Another lifesaver to keep in your trunk is an extra phone charger or power bank. I don’t know about you, but when my phone starts to get low on power it gives me unnecessary anxiety, and that is def not something I want more of at a horse show. I like to keep an extra-long 10” version handy because you never know what the outlet situation will be like at the show grounds.

6. Black Vet-Wrap

Black Vet-Wrap may seem like a random choice for this list but… there is no worse panic than being in the warm-up ring and feeling your tall boot zipper pop straight open midway up your calf. You’re only a few trips out with no time to do anything. I’m telling ya, black Vet-Wrap is a super quick fix and isn’t as bulky as tape ( plus you don’t have to scrub off the adhesive off your boots) you never know you’ll need this until it’s too late. It’s a super handy bandaid for last-minute fixes.

7. Ringside Backpack

If you spend a lot of horse shows either running around as a rider or groom, then a ringside backpack is almost a necessity. Keep all your essentials handy in one place so you never have to worry about forgetting anything

back at the barns again. I’ve got the old school Grand Prix Backpack but the new Samshield Iconpack is as gorgeous as it is handy.

8. Electrolytes!

Hydration is key for competing in the summer, for you AND your horse! Nerves get the best of everyone sometimes and it’s easy to get lost in the moment. Dehydration is no fun and no one wants to be the rider the EMT’s have to fetch out of the schooling area with heat exhaustion. The side effects are no fun either! Stay hydrated, skip the sodas and keep water or electrolyte beverages nearby and remind yourself to drink! Don’t forget your horse, be sure to monitor their water consumption while competing! If you’re going to be at the in gate for a while bring a pail of water to the gate with your show bag. Pro tip: you can also add electrolyte drinks to your horses water

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.9. Zip Ties / Baling Twine

The most versatile piece of equipment to keep handy in your trunk is some zip ties. Forgot your bucket snaps? Need to hang a stall chain? Want to hang some cross ties? You guessed it – Baling Twine or Zip Ties can usually solve all of these issues!

10. Power Problems Solved

My most under-rated piece of equipment is a 30′ extension cord that is self contained and has multiple outlets embedded in the carry case.  I have yet to find a show grounds that I’ve not been able to spider monkey my way up the stall walls to plug this baby up, in that lone outlet at the top of the barn rafters!
( I see you Highfields, FENCE, Harmon Field and TIEC – I’m ready for you!). This piece is easy to keep away from curious muzzles and once plugged up, the outlet is handy for fans, clippers, phone chargers etc. On more than one occasion I’ve walked in to feed dinner and found someone sitting on my trunk working on their laptop that’s connected to my power station.  It’s all good, that’s why I bring it. We all need something from someone at one point or another.

11. Toiletries

I’m not going to tell any big stories here because your imagination is likely as wild as mine. Keeping a small bag of essentials in your trunk can be a life saver!  I keep the following in a small make-up bag in my trunk:
Contact lens supplies, spare eye glasses, travel size sun screen and some travel size deodorant.  In short, no one likes to stink, your contact lenses will plot against you at the most inconvenient times possible. As for the sunscreen – I’m not a diva about much, but I am about my sunscreen. I always have my Murad Invisiblur sunscreen for my face in my trunk.

12. Airbag vest tools

Be ready for that unexpected involuntary dismount. Keep a spare cartridge handy and keep that Allen key wrench someplace that you won’t lose – maybe it’s just me but I’ve got make up bags out my eyeballs, you guessed it – cute make up bag to the rescue. ( At least those Ipsy bags have a use now). A ziplock works just as well.

If you have any great items that you have to have at horse shows, let me know in the comments!

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• Ultimate Horse Show Checklist