Show Planning 2026: What to Organise Now (So You're Not Rushed Later)

A strong season rarely starts at the first show. It starts in the weeks (and often months) beforehand, when you set your plan, check your kit, and remove the small stress-points that tend to snowball into last-minute spending and rushed mornings.

 If you want a calmer, more consistent 2026 season—this is the checklist to begin with.

1) Build Your “Season Map” (Your Plan for the Year)

Before you buy a single new item, map the season. This is what keeps your training focused and stops you entering shows on impulse. 
Start by listing your target shows and ranking them:

  • A-priority: your key goals (championships, qualifiers, must-attend dates)
  • B-priority: strong options that suit your schedule and budget
  • C-priority: backup plans for experience or local runs 

Then add the dates that matter just as much as the show days:

  • Entry open/close dates 
  • Qualifier deadlines 
  • Training clinics and warm-up competitions 
  • Travel time, overnight stays, and realistic recovery days 

If you’re coming off a quieter winter or a holiday break, build in time for fitness and
conditioning so your first outing feels confident rather than rushed. This guide is a useful reference point while you schedule your lead-in:
READ: How Long Does It Take to Get Fit Post-Holiday Before Show Season?

2) Horse Kit Essentials (Check, Replace, and Upgrade Early)

Once your plan is clear, do a practical kit audit. The goal is not “more stuff”—it’s fewer surprises. 
Work through the essentials:

  • Saddlery and fit: check condition, stitching, and fit well ahead of the first show
  • Boots: make sure both your work boots and show boots are in good shape (no rubbing, no broken straps) 
  • Rugs: have the right options for travel, temperature changes, and post-work recovery 
  • Grooming and plaiting kit: restock the basics and replace anything that’s worn out

If you find gaps, it’s far easier (and usually more cost-effective) to sort them now rather than in a last-minute panic. You can browse key categories here as you update your kit:
SHOP: Boots & Bandages • Horse Rugs • Grooming Essentials. 

3) Rider Kit Essentials (Comfort, Compliance, and Weather-Proofing) 

Your horse might be ready, but your ride will only feel as smooth as your own preparation. Rider kit issues are one of the most common reasons show days feel uncomfortable and distracted.
Do a quick check of:

  • Approved safety gear: hat and body protector (where applicable), including condition and compliance
  • Core show clothing: gloves, shirts, jackets—clean, correctly fitted, and ready to go
  • Warm-up layers: waterproof and practical pieces that keep you comfortable in unpredictable weather 

If you need to refresh anything, it helps to do it early so you can wear-test at home. Start with Rider Apparel for show-day staples, and check Rider Safety for compliant protective essentials.

4) Travel + Horsebox Checklist (Prevent the Problems You Can Avoid)

Travel is where small issues become big stress, quickly. A short inspection and restock now can save you an entire show day later.
Before the season begins, confirm:

  • Tyres, lights, and flooring: inspect properly and fix early
  • First aid and emergency supplies: replace out-of-date items and top up what’s been used
  • Spares you always need: lead rope, headcollar, haynet, tape, spare clips—keep them in one dedicated place 

If you want a simple way to cover the basics, browse: Travel Essentials and refresh your medical kit through: Horse Care

5) Organisation Systems That Save You (All Season Long)

The best show seasons aren’t always the most expensive—they’re the most organised. A few simple systems remove repeated stress and reduce the chance of forgetting something vital. 
Consider setting up:

  • A dedicated show trunk or labelled boxes (grooming, boots, tack spares, rider items) 
  • A printed checklist for your discipline (and keep a copy in the horse box)
  • Planned wash/repair days in your calendar so kit maintenance doesn’t pile
    up

If you’re improving your set-up this year, you’ll find practical options in Stable Equipment & Supplies.

Closing CTA

If you want to make this even easier, start with a curated set of the most-used items and build from there. Start your 2026 season prep here:
SHOP: Show Essentials Collection.

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