Going to a competition. What to take with you?
Taking part in a competition is a wonderful experience, which does not change the fact that it can be a fairly stressful event, especially for less experienced competitors. You can, however, save yourself a lot of nerves with appropriate preparation.
There is nothing worse than, already after arriving at the competition site, realising that we have forgotten something really important. That is precisely why, regardless of whether you are an experienced rider or are just starting your adventure with competing, it is worth making a list of the things you have to take with you.
Of course there is no such thing as a universal and final list. What you need depends on the discipline you practise, the length of the competition (one day, or perhaps you are staying overnight?), the time of year or the individual needs of you and your horse. In this article, however, we will try not only to help decide what to pack, but also how to pack it and how to modify the list depending on the changing conditions.
Where to start?
If we had to choose one rule regarding packing for a competition, it would be this: it is better to take too many things with you and not use them than not to take something really important. We know that this is not so simple and there are quite a few limitations, resulting, for instance, from the space we have in our tack box or in the trailer in general. That is precisely why it is good to have a written list and tick off, one by one, the things that are already prepared. You can print it out or keep it in electronic format.
Try to make the list as detailed as possible and avoid generalities.
Instead of writing “competition clothes”, list all the items separately (jacket, shirt, gloves, etc.); instead of writing “boots”, write specifically which pair you mean (navy training boots, etc.). It sounds like an obvious obviousness, but do not leave preparations to the last minute, i.e. the night before the competition. It may turn out that something is missing, or some piece of equipment requires repair, and there will simply be no time for this.
In effect, preparation for the upcoming competition begins at the moment of returning from the previous one. If you take care of the clothes and equipment immediately (stains or tears), then much less work awaits you later.
In an ideal world we would have two of every piece of equipment needed, one for everyday use, the other only for competitions. It is known that having two sets of everything involves a lot of time and financial outlay. If, however, you are thinking seriously about competing, then try systematically to build up a set of equipment “only for competitions”.
We are talking here about everything, starting with the hoof pick and ending with the saddle. The point is not that such less-used equipment looks better (although this is true). Above all, it will help you avoid a situation where, when opening the tack box at a competition, you realise that the rug you need was left at the stable, because you used it after training.
What to pack for a competition into?
What to pack for a competition into is a question almost as important as what to pack. It is definitely worth investing in a closable container or a professional tack box, ideally on wheels (you will not always be able to drive the car right up to the stable, and a walk with a several-dozen-kilogram box is no pleasure).
Thanks to this everything will be in one place and you will not have to make endless trips between the stable and the car. Pack things in the reverse order to that in which you will use them – so that the most needed ones end up at the very top. Watch out for things that can dirty, such as hoof grease or green disinfectant spray. Pack them tightly into separate containers. Also get covers for boots and for competition clothes, so that they arrive at the destination clean and uncreased.
What to take with you to a competition?
When preparing the list, it will be easier for you to divide the needed things into a few groups.
Documents.
Absolutely the most important thing. Without the horse’s passport or confirmation of up-to-date vaccinations you may not even be allowed onto the premises of another centre. So make sure what documents are required and pack them together into a separate folder.
First-aid kit for the horse.
Although at the competition site you will almost always find a duty vet, it is nevertheless worth having a first-aid kit with you. Its basic contents can include:
- Bandages, plasters, sterile gauze.
- A thermometer.
- Blunt-ended scissors.
- A cold compress.
- Vaseline.
- An antibiotic spray for use on a wound.
- Aluminium spray for use on a not-too-deep wound on which a dressing cannot be applied.
- Rivanol.
- Latex gloves.
- Bandages.
Grooming kit.
In addition to the standard grooming accessories we use on a daily basis, it is worth getting a few additional things, such as:
- Hoof grease/oil (black for black, colourless for light or two-coloured ones).
- A cloth that picks up dust from the coat well (e.g. microfibre).
- Unscented wet wipes (e.g. baby ones).
- Stain spray for the coat, if we have a grey horse.
- A conditioner that adds shine to the mane and tail and makes them easier to comb (you can get a universal product for coat, mane and tail).
- A plaiting kit, if you have that planned (a comb, bands).
- Shampoo and a sponge (especially if the competition lasts more than one day).
- Insect spray or liquid (in summer).
Equipment for the horse.
- Saddle.
- Bridle (make sure the bit you use is permitted in the discipline/class in which you will be competing).
- Saddle pad.
- Girth.
- Boots, bell boots.
- A rug, appropriate for the weather (in winter it is worth taking more than one cooler rug, in case it does not dry).
- Halter and lead rope.
- Ear bonnets, blinkers, fly mask (if you use any of these things).
- Lunge line and lunge whip.
If you have such a possibility and space, take spare items, in case something breaks. This applies especially to: reins, stirrup leathers, boots, halter.
For the rider.
A full competition outfit, depending on the discipline. It is worth preparing for various weather conditions (rain or heat). At a very high temperature the judge may allow riding without a jacket, but it is worth having it packed just in case.
If you have such a possibility, take spare white breeches and shirts; these are things that get dirty in the blink of an eye.
In addition you may find useful:
- A boot cleaning kit.
- Stain remover spray.
- A handy sewing kit with extra buttons.
- Thin, zip-up trousers to put on over white breeches while preparing the horse, travelling, etc.
- A small mirror.
- Hair accessories (clips, bands, etc.).
During the journey.
- A travel halter (with soft lining like this one).
- Boots for the legs and for the tailbone.
- A water bucket.
In the stable.
What you will need in the stable depends largely on the conditions the organiser offers and on how long the competition lasts. However, you will rather not do without these things:
- Hay and feed (make sure you have the appropriate amount. You would not want to change your horse’s feeding habits during a competition).
- Hay nets.
- Snap hooks for hanging the nets.
- A fork (to remove droppings on an ongoing basis; you do not want your horse to roll in them just before a class).
- A folding chair (if you would like to rest in peace between classes and not move too far from the stable).
As you can see, the list of things worth remembering is fairly long. There is, however, no point in panicking. Even if you forget something (unless it is the saddle or the documents…) it is very possible that, as a last resort, you will be able to borrow it from someone, or buy it at the sales stalls that often accompany equestrian events.
Treat this, however, as a last resort and try to use the prepared list.
