Travel Tack Checklist: What to Bring to Shows

Pack once, ride relaxed. A ringside-friendly list + quick links to shop the essentials

Whether it's a local one-day or a full weekend away, the same rule applies: simple, clean, and duplicated where it matters (spares!). Use this list to pack fast, avoid last-minute scrambles, and keep your horse comfortable.

1) Horse essentials (tack & competition kit)

Saddle & Accessories 

• Saddle + stirrups + leathers (spare set if possible)
• Girth (and spare-different size + studs girth if jumping on grass)
• Competition saddle pad (plus one clean spare)

Bridle & bits

• Show bridle (cleaned & checked)
• Spare reins (rubber/grippy)
• Bit wipes + martingale stops
• Running/standing martingale or breastplate (if used) 

Discipline add-ons

• Jumping/XC:
  • Studs
    • Spanner 
    • Tap
    • Stud holes cleaned,
  • Stud guard girth
• Dressage:
  • White pad, 
  • Spurs (if permitted),
  • Approved whip (length rules!)
• Showing:
  • Browband
  • Number bib
  • Garter straps as required

Protection

• Brushing/tendon boots
• Overreach boots
• Travel boots or bandages
• Tail guard

2) Rider essentials

• Approved helmet (in-date standard)
• Body protector/air vest (if required)
• Show jacket, shirt/stock, gloves
• Breeches + belt + spare socks
• Spurs, number bib, pins/clips
• Yard shoes + show boots (spare laces/boot jack)
• Weather plan: waterproof, sun cap, sunscreen

3) Grooming & turnout

• Grooming kit: body brush, flick, curry, mane comb, hoof pick
• Shampoo, sponge, sweat scraper, towels
• Plaiting kit: bands/thread, needle, seam ripper, spray/gel
• Stain remover/whitening, fly spray
• Quarter markers, baby wipes, chalk for socks 
• Finishing cloth + oil for hooves

4) Health, first aid & care

• Equine first aid: sterile saline, gauze, cohesive bandage, gamgee, wound gel, thermometer, small scissors
• Electrolytes or syringes, salt
• Fly mask/sheet as needed
• Hay nets (filled), water buckets, small feed tubs
• Normal feeds + measuring scoop; treats
• Spare headcollar + two lead ropes (one with a safety clip)

5) Paperwork & admin (don't get caught out)

• Horse passport & vaccination record
• Membership cards/online numbers (rider & owner)
• Entry confirmations/times, bridle number/saddle cloth number
• Emergency contacts & insurance info
• Trailer/lorry documents (tax/insurance) and breakdown cover

Tip: Screenshot times & directions; save the rulebook pages for your classes.

6) Ringside "micro-kit" (fits in a backpack) 

• Hole punch, small screwdriver/Allen key
• Leather straps/keepers, rein stops
• Plaiting bands, thread & needle; safety pins
• Mini first aid (human + horse), vet wrap
• Spare gloves, towel, water bottle, snacks
• Stud spanner & two spare studs
• Baby wipes + stain spray for last-minute marks

8) Weather & comfort add-ons

• Sun: fly spray, fly veil (if permitted), sunscreen, electrolytes
• Wet: waterproof quarter sheet, spare pads, extra towels, boot dryers/newspaper
• Cold: cooler/fleece, thermals, hand warmers

9) The "spares that save the day" list 

• Spare girth & spare stirrup leather
• Spare reins and martingale stops
• Extra bit or cheekpiece
• Spare number bib/holders
• Extra hay net & lead rope
• Second pair of breeches/socks/gloves (If you only double up on three items: reins, leathers, girth.)

10) Night-before & departure mini-timelines

Night-before (20 mins) 

• Clean tack; check stitching & elastic
• Pack saddle/bridle in bags; load hay/water, feeds measured
• Charge phone & power bank; lay out rider kit
• Screenshot times & route; confirm trailer lights/tyre pressure 

Departure day (10 mins)

• Check passports, studs, number bib
• Fill water; pre-wet sponges/towels
• Load ringside backpack & first aid
• Final weather check → add or remove rugs/pads

Printable checklist block (copy into your notes)

• ☐ Horse tack: saddle, leathers (spare), girth (spare), pads (x2), bridle, reins (spare), martingale/breastplate
• ☐ Protection: brushing/overreach, travel boots, tail guard
• ☐ Rider: hat, BP/air vest, jacket, shirt/stock, gloves, boots, spurs, number bib
• ☐ Grooming/turnout: full kit, plaiting box, wipes, stain remover
• ☐ Health & care: first aid, electrolytes, feeds, hay nets, buckets, headcollar + 2 leads
• ☐ Admin: passport, memberships, entries/times, insurance, breakdown cover
• ☐ Yard/travel: bungees, carabiners, twine/tape/zips, tack hooks, stud kit, power bank, head torch, mounting block
• ☐ Ringside bag: punch, rein stops, pins, mini FA, towel, water/snacks, spare studs
• ☐ Weather: fly kit, cooler/quarter sheet, towels/thermals as needed 

Pro tip to finish

Pack once into labelled crates ("Tack", "Grooming", "Ringside", "First Aid"). After the show, restock the Ringside crate before you put it away. Future-you will be grateful.