Instructions
Tack
Clean and polish all the leathers. Clean your saddle and bridle thoroughly with saddle soap and condition them. Do this the day before leaving for the show.
Polish all the metal on the saddle and bridle with metal polish (with the exception of the bit--you don't want to poison your horse) so that it gleams. Remember not to forget to buff off any excess polish, as failure to do so will leave the metal looking dull.
Pack your tack in padded bags and load them into the truck or tack room portion of your horse trailer. This ensures that your tack will stay clean en route to the horse show.
Horse
Brush your horse thoroughly, until his coat shines.
Comb out, then braid her forelock, mane and tail.
Stuff a hay net and hang it in the trailer so that's it within reach of the horse. Also pack some grain or treats to give to the horse while at the horse show. You might also want to pack more hay, just in case. Don't forget to pack a water bucket and a two-ended clip so that you can clip it to the side of the trailer, keeping it free of dirt and grime.
Pack a kit for the horse show containing brushes for the horse, tar for the hooves and a soft cloth to wipe the horse's mouth and eyes before entering the ring. Also include a pick for the hooves and an extra lead rope, just in case. Stow the kit in the truck or trailer the night before the show.
Prepare the wraps for the horse's legs that he'll wear in the trailer en route to the horse show. Brush the horse blanket so it's clean, fold it and lay it out so that you can easily put it on your horse the next morning.
Arrive early to clean her hooves by picking them out, then brush and coat the outside of her hooves with tar so they look shiny and one solid color. Do this right before entering the showroom floor.
Yourself
Clean and check your clothing. Make sure your breeches or jodhpurs fit properly and are without holes and stains. Find your choker collar or stock tie and attach the pin you'll use to secure the collar or tie to your shirt. Check to see if your coat has all its buttons and that it still fits.
Neatly hang your clothes on a hanger and place them in a garment bag. Pack this also in the truck or tack room area of your trailer the night before the horse show.
Clean and polish your boots until they shine. Remember to buff your boots after polishing them. Use a brush to buff the boots, and remove the excess polish. Place your boots in a boot bag or wrap them in a cloth, and put them in the truck or trailer the night before the horse show.
Brush your helmet so that the nap of the velvet goes in the same direction. Clean it before brushing it if needed. Polish, then affix your Pony Club pin if you have one. Stow your helmet in a helmet bag, then pack that also in the truck or trailer the night before the horse show.
Pack a crop or whip and stow spurs, if you use them, in your boot bag so you don't forget them. You can also buckle on the spurs the night before the horse show.
Trailer and Truck
Clean your truck and trailer. Make sure the trailer is free of any manure and provide fresh fresh shavings on the side where the horse will ride. Fill the truck's tank with gas, if needed.
Hook up the trailer and the truck the night before the show. Make sure the chains and the hitch are secure.
Check the lights of the trailer and make sure they all work properly.
How to Prepare for a Horse Show
Preparing for a horse show can be a nerve-wracking experience--there's so much to remember. Give yourself a break and start early by following these few simple steps. You'll find you have more energy to focus on the show and your horse.