How to Pack a Horse Trailer for a Show

Going to a horse show is one of the most exciting events in a rider's life, but preparation is the key to making the experience as smooth as possible. Unless the horse show is held at your own barn, you will probably need to travel to the show, which means packing the horse trailer in a certain order. When you can get the supplies you need quickly and easily, you'll be less stressed and less likely to forget important equipment.

Things You'll Need

  • Paper and pen
  • Truck
  • Trailer
  • Saddle racks
  • Bridle racks
  • Tack trunks
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Instructions

    • 1

      Make a list of every item that you will need at the show before you start to pack the horse trailer. As you load different items, check them off the list so you won't forget anything. Make sure to include everything from your show clothes down to your grooming equipment.

    • 2

      Determine whether you'll have room to fit everything for the show in the horse trailer. If not, you'll need to designate certain equipment for other vehicles. For example, you might want to put your clothes and helmet in your truck or car, then load all horse equipment in the trailer.

    • 3

      Hang bridle racks on the sides of the horse trailer if they don't already exist. This will keep your leather equipment safe and will create extra room on the floor of the cargo area. Saddle racks or stands are also great additions to any horse trailer as they create more space and protect your more expensive equipment.

    • 4

      Stack tack trunks in the back of the trailer, one on top of the other. These are the heaviest pieces of equipment and should therefore be positioned closest to the hitch. However, make sure each so you can conserve space. You can also bring separate small tack trunks and pack them with things in the order in which you will need them. For example, grooming supplies might go in one, with riding aids (extra bits, spurs, crop) in another.

    • 5

      Store grain, hay and water closest to the door of the horse trailer. You'll need these things when you arrive at the show, and they should be the most accessible. If you have room, you can also store these items in unoccupied stalls of the horse trailer itself.

    • 6

      Hang lead ropes on the inside of the horse trailer door so they can be grabbed when you park at the horse show. You might also want to hang extra halters here in case you need one.

    • 7

      Stow equipment in the order you'll need it. For example, if one rider is riding before another, his equipment should be stored in front with later riders' equipment stored in back. If you don't know who will be riding first, simply separate equipment as much as possible so that it's easily identified.