5 Tips for Staying Organized on Show Day

Horse shows can sometimes be a stressful experience. Months of preparation go into it from you, your trainer, and your horse, and all you want is to have a fun time. For me, my nerves spike when I'm getting dressed and ready to show, because there is so much that has to happen and I'm always worried that I've forgotten something. Knowing that you are organized and prepared going into show day can help alleviate some of that stress, freeing your mind to focus on bringing your A-game in the show ring. Here is our step-by-step guide to getting horse show ready:

1. Pre-season Planning

Preparation for the horse show begins well before the date of the event. If any of your show clothing needs dry-cleaning or alterations, you’ll want to get this taken care of at least a couple weeks in advance of your show. Try on all your garments to make sure they still fit. While you’re at it, go through your show bag or caboodle and check to see if you’re missing anything (and if you are, you know where to find us). Once you’ve solidified your plans for the show, get a copy of the schedule and highlight your classes and the start times for each session you’re in.

PRO TIP: Download one of our handy horse show checklists to make sure you’ve got exactly what you need!

2. Storage Cases Are Your Friend

Just like your trainer might tell you in the barn, "if you use something, put it back where it came from." You should follow this rule for your own show supplies to ensure that you never misplace anything. Garments should be hung up in a fabric or plastic garment bag. Always double check to make sure your jods are on the hanger, too (you won't want to learn this lesson the hard way). Accessories can be kept in a storage case that conveniently has everything you need in one place. If you ride with a whip, it should have a handle protector on it to keep it clean and damage-free during transport. For your hat and boots, you can get special carriers for these, otherwise leaving them in the box works just fine. Lastly, don’t forget all your supplies for hair and makeup!

Boxed accessory sets not only look great, but they also provide a system for keeping your "bling" ready for the ring.

3. Packing the Car

Have you ever been heading out on a road trip and suddenly hit with the sinking feeling that you forgot something, but can’t quite put your finger on it? The best way to ensure that you have what you need is to lay everything out together before you pack the car, so that you can easily see if you are missing something. For me, I know I should always have 5 things: my garment bag which contains my suit, shirts, vests and ties; my bag containing my caboodle, accessories, and hair and makeup supplies; my boot box; my hat box; and my whip in its carrying case. If you will be wearing more than one suit at the show (such as if you have to wear a formal at night) make sure you have that along with any additional hats, boots and accessories that go with it.

4. The Dressing Room

We’ve all arrived at the show and pulled back the curtains to reveal a dressing room that looks like it was turned upside down. This is especially true if you are showing on Academy day, when everyone seemingly has to be in there at once, and there isn’t a square inch of space left to set down your stuff. If possible, try to keep your things contained in a corner of the dressing room so that they are mostly out of the way and other people won’t be moving them around to get to their own stuff. Also, make sure everything is clearly labeled with your name in case other riders at your barn have similar looking items.

5. Finishing Touches

If you’re in a hurry to get to the show, the last thing you need is to be stuck in traffic while your nerves start to kick in. Thinking ahead can save you a lot of trouble. Double check the time the show starts and your class number (remember that schedule we made earlier?). Take it from someone who once had about 10 minutes to put my hair in a bun, get completely dressed in my suit, warm up, AND learn a pattern all because I had the wrong start time in my mind. If your class is in the first half of the session, count on getting to the show about an hour ahead of the start time so that you don’t feel rushed to get ready. Once you get to the show, put your number on your suit or vest, along with your brooch if you use one, and pin the flaps back on your suit coat. Finally, all that’s left to do is get dressed and get in the zone!

Regardless if you are a newcomer or a veteran to the sport, preparing for horse shows can be a little overwhelming. By following these "simple” steps, we promise that even Marie Kondo will be impressed with your organization skills. It’s important to develop a system that works for you and makes you feel as prepared as possible. Do you have any additional advice for your fellow equestrians? Send us a message – we’d love to hear!