Horse shows are an exciting mix of adrenaline, preparation, and a little bit of chaos. No matter how experienced you are, they can be mentally and physically exhausting if you’re not organized. From last-minute tack checks to unexpected weather changes, a smooth and stress-free show day comes down to planning, preparation, and the right mindset.
Here are five essential tips to help you stay calm, focused, and ready to perform your best in the ring.
1. Create a Horse Show Checklist (and Use It!)
A forgotten girth, missing show gloves, or an empty water bottle at the worst moment can throw your entire day off. Avoid the last-minute scramble by creating a detailed horse show packing checklist in advance.
- Consider breaking your checklist into sections:
- Tack & Equipment
- Rider Apparel
- Horse Care Essentials
- Show Documents & Paperwork
- Food & Hydration
Pro Tip: Keep a designated horse show notebook to track packing lists, training progress, and post-show notes. Writing things down helps ensure you don’t forget important details for future shows.
2. Keep a “Show Day” Bag Ready to Go
Packing the night before is key, but having a go-to horse show bag stocked with essentials can be a lifesaver. A spacious tote bag is perfect for carrying last-minute must-haves like gloves, hairnets, spurs, extra treats, and a phone charger. Keeping a pre-packed bag means fewer things to worry about on busy mornings!
👉 A durable, equestrian-themed tote makes staying organized easy—and adds a little style to your ringside setup.
3. Give Yourself (and Your Horse) Plenty of Time
Nothing increases stress levels faster than running late. Plan your schedule with extra buffer time for unexpected delays—traffic, long check-in lines, or a horse who suddenly decides he needs an extra-long warmup.
- Arrive at least an hour earlier than you think you need to.
- Plan time for a relaxed warm-up so your horse is focused.
- Walk your course or test in advance to visualize your ride.
Sticking to a schedule allows both you and your horse to stay calm, focused, and competition-ready.
4. Dress for Success (and Comfort!)
A well-prepared rider is a confident rider. Feeling comfortable, put-together, and weather-ready can make all the difference on show day. Layering is key—mornings can be chilly, but the sun (or nerves) can quickly heat things up.
Show Day Must-Haves:
- A comfortable t-shirt to keep cool before your class.
- A hat or beanie for early morning course walks or post-ride hair disasters.
- A hydration-ready tumbler to keep drinks cool and refreshing throughout the day.
👉 Bonus: Having a stylish equestrian hoodie not only keeps you cozy but makes a great post-ride outfit when you're done competing!
5. Focus on the Ride, Not the Outcome
It’s easy to get caught up in the pressure of competition, but the most successful riders stay in the moment rather than obsessing over the final results. No matter what happens in the ring, focus on:
- The things you can control (your preparation, your mindset, your riding).
- Learning from each ride, whether it’s a personal best or a challenging day.
- Enjoying the experience—horse showing is supposed to be fun!
Horses have a way of keeping us humble, and at the end of the day, it’s about the journey, not just the ribbons. Take a deep breath, trust your training, and enjoy the ride!
