Are you gearing up for a horse show and feeling a little overwhelmed with all the packing? Trust me, we’ve all been there. Between getting your horse ready and making sure you have everything for yourself, it can feel like you’re packing for an entire village. But don’t worry—I’ve got your back.

This is my complete packing list that ensures you and your horse are perfectly prepared for your next hunter jumper show. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or gearing up for your first event, this packing list is a game-changer.

We’ve all experienced that sinking feeling of arriving at the show only to realize we forgot something important.

Ugh. It’s the worst. This list covers everything, from essential tack to personal items you might overlook.

Beyond the essentials; these are a few of my favorite grooming hacks and MUST-HAVE horse show essentials.

For the horse:

Towels: simple right? But seriously, you can’t have enough clean towels. I either find some cheap towels or rotate out the older ones from home and CUT THEM UP into smaller hand towel sizes that are perfect for drying legs.

Microfiber hand cloth: these are great for your ring box. They are perfect for wiping off the dust from the warm up ring off your horse and your boots for that final polish before stepping in the ring.

Ice boots: these are a post-show grooming essential that I don’t leave home without. Cooling your horses legs after hard word is important for their recovery, reduces swelling and is a nice way to keep cool in the summer heat. I also unroll a boot and lay it across her back while I’m taking out braids.

For the Rider:

Vanity Kit: This is one of my FAVOURTE hacks. Get yourself a travel cosmetic bag – the kind that folds up with a hanger on the end – and use this for your personal items like sunscreen, hair ties, hair net, feminine products.

Nail kit: hang nails, broken nails, the need for a file.. this always comes in handy. I’m usually grateful I have it when I need it.

Cell phone charger: somehow this important items always gets forgotten. Nevermind bringing the one from home, get yourself a charger that you leave in your horse show trunk or travel bag so that you never panic at that 10% notification again!

Back at the Barn:

Laundry Basket: a foldable / collapsible laundry basket that sits at the back of your grooming stall for all those used towels, stable wraps, polos or anything else that you just toss into this bag that you’ll pick up and walk to your car at the end of the day/show. Easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy.

Plastic Shelving: these Home Depot specials are a must-have for keeping your grooming stall organized. They assemble / disassemble so easily and are something you shouldn’t go without!

Miscellaneous: for the love of all things horse show – do not forget – zap straps (zip ties), duct tape, scissors and extension cords. These are things you will be cursing yourself for if they get left behind. Even better, have extras tucked away somewhere.

If you want to take the stress out of packing and make sure you’re always prepared and set up for success, grab my packing list here.

If you’re new to horse shows or looking for more tips and tricks, check out our other posts and guides.

Other Posts You Might Like