Packing For Shows--Let's share tips & suggestions

[KellyS]

Okay, I admit it–I’m a horse show junkie! Especially when it comes to going away for a few days. I’ve always been this way and thought perhaps the excitement would dull after many years of competing, but I get just as excited now as I did as a 12-year-old going to my first away show.

Now, horse shows for Aaron and me are pretty much all the “vacation” we get, but I can’t think of a better way to spend a couple of days away. As I was working on organizing the trailer last night for our first CDE of the year next weekend (Lord Stirling), I thought it might be fun to share tips and suggestions on packing/organizing. It certainly is an art form for those of us who thrive on organization (or more truthfully, are a little OCD).

So, here are some things I do to help packing/competing go a little more smoothly:

–Pack things in kits/buckets by category: For example, I have a brush box that holds all our grooming supplies–brushes, fly spray, mane & tail detangler, rubbing alcohol (great for spot removal!), hoof oil, etc. Then I have another bucket for washing supplies–shampoo, vetrolin liniment, sweat scrapers, wash mitts, etc. By splitting products into separate “kits,” it’s easy to grab a bucket and head to the wash area or grab the brush box and head to the stall to groom.

–Set up feedings in Ziploc bags: Easy to store and then feed at the shows. And easy to write which feeding it is or which horse it goes to.

–Print up multiple copies of the dressage test: Aaron always like to keep a copy of the dressage test in his jacket pocket, whether walking the test the night before or warming up the morning of. Since these copies tend to “walk away,” having multiple copies means there is always one available when needed.

–Keep extra set of supplies just for shows: Really cuts down on the packing when your “show” stuff is already packed and ready to go. Includes grooming and washing supplies, horse clothes (we typically keep a separate sheet, blanket, antisweat cleaned and packed just for horse show use), buckets, etc.

–Pack food & drinks! Okay, this may seem like a no brainer, but as someone who is domestically challenged, I didn’t use to think about this. But now I make sure I head to the store a few days before and get food/drinks (add ice to coolers morning that we leave). Saves times not standing at concession stands and, best of all, saves money!

–Essential items (other than the obvious): Horse treats, radio with batteries (:)), tape (duct, masking, & electrical!), trash bags (and a bucket for recycling–go GREEN!), scissors (multiple pairs–they have a habit of walking away), lots of towels/rags, spares (halter, lead, whips, etc), water proof bag/holder for spares kit, etc for marathon, rain gear, and extra (dry) clothes, especially socks.

–Good check list: I admit it, I’m a chronic list maker. But it certainly helps me not forget too much stuff.

Okay, next?

[goodhors]

I put the lists in the computer, so I can just print them off when we start packing. I have a horse list, which includes what the horses need for the stalls, clothing like sheets or coolers. A harness list, for both dress up and marathon, bagged apart. Items needed to show, starting with carriages and all misc items needed to drive into the ring or on-course. This would be our number holders, whips, extra whip, spares kits, box of carriage repair things like wrenches that fit, spare king pin or springs for marathon pole.

As you said, a list of feed and hay needed for 2-3-4 horses over how many days. I measure into a bag, as I scoop up the quantities of grain and beet pulp needed. Bagging each meal is TOO much work for our quantity of horses. We also have stuff that is always boxed and taken, for “just in case”. This would include the first-aid box, some extra, heavy blankets. At times, weather has dropped MANY degrees, horses need the warmth. The small misc box with tools, bands for braiding, extra gloves, electrolytes, padlocks, that have come in useful before. A real tool box with real tools for staple removal in stalls, saw for cutting metal, stapler, multiple outlet for cords to plug into, tapes. We need the stall cleaning equipment, bedding and water for on the road. Then we get into show clothing, food and drinks for all of us, bedding/towels for people sleeping on the grounds at show.

In the big trailer, we have things always left in, like the harness racks for after we unpack, stall guards in case the doors are not real safe. Truck set of stall cleaning tools. Marathon box with timers, spare horseshoes if something should happen. Except for the shoes, we have needed all the misc. stuff on occasion, or loaned it out. I have stacks of Rubbermaid tubs which are labeled for contents. Easy to toss in, wipe rags, coolers, blankets, stack well.

Much easier to have list ready, just check items packed, off the lists. I can hand someone the list, say “gather this up” and they know what to get.

One animal sounds like a real luxury!! So much LESS to manage. I deal in volume, quantity for our Multiples, have to think BIG. I could not manage without my lists and family help. It is about 7 days, getting ready, packing stuff, before our competitions. Mucho harness cleaning and reassembling, times 8 for both the four sets, plus spare parts. We are a bit out of practice, but sure hope to get out later this summer or fall.

[nj2]

Well here’s a couple of thoughts for right about NOW in your timeframe

CHECK that all your watches are working and if you cant remember when it was bought or when you last changed the batteries - change them

Calculator to check mathmatics of time on course etc

A hint we got suggested at one of our last Headstart Seminars
Clean the harness by around Tuesday, then fit it onto the horse and drive briefly
this will show you that 1) you have all the parts back together again and
2) you have the buckles back in the right fitting locations

We have a barn whip and a trailer whip so I dont have to keep moving it back and forth
but you do want a spare one too
Same goes for barn/trailer brushes, helmets, bug spray (which you do need already)

Another thing I like to “try” to remember early is to check for all my cart tie-downs and other trailer type fastening straps. Those critters like to migrate over the winter and it only increases show nerves if you start to load the cart and half you straps are NOT where you want them - grrrr !!!

[Cartfall]

As I have a 16 foot stock trailer that carries horse, carriage and a small ATV, I really must limit what I take. I have small rubber maid tubs that hold special items. One holds my seat belt, body armor, hubby;s and my helmet/gloves. Another has my clocks and timer board, one hold my first aid kit, etc.

Bale bags are an absolute must.

My tip to share is to show out of your trailer. Less stuff to carry and repack later. Once I get to the grounds, all items come out of the trailer to get the carriage and atv out. Then I close up the trailer and put all of the tubs back in and it becomes my tack stall. The carriage and atv live under the awning when not in use. Horse stands tied to trailer to get harness. Works for me.

The only things that go to the stall are a couple of buckets for water and feed and hay.

I don;t use lists as each event I go to might be different–trail drive, show, cde all require different stuff.

I do not take a lot of loose supplements. I have one of those old tupperware hamburger pattie keepers. They stacked into one another and have one lid for the top. Each one has the powdered supplement necessary–selenium, electorlytes, loose minerals, etc.

I figure once I have packed, if it was forgotten I can live without it.

[Happy_Feet]

I always use the Double Gaurd Freezer Bags (they are strong and you can reuse them!) I know with multiple horses it’s a pain, but It’s easier for me to add all of each horses supplements then figure out how to pack small amounts of supplements, seperaltely. If I am only taking my ponies who only get electrolytes, I use an old Probios container and scoop out what I need, saves time…

I also use the “kit” idea, I love the Rubbermaid stackable containers, easy to fit nicely in the tack room.

I am though curious about how you all hang your harness in the dressing/tack rooms of your trailer, mine always slides off of the saddle racks, the bridle hooks are too closely spaced and one, I can’t fit all the stuff on them, and two they hang funny… I know some people put their harnesses into fleecey type bags and pack them in containers… Did you have to get someone to weld harness hooks on the inside of the trailer?

I will be watching this thread closely for great ideas. It seems I always heave the sh** into the dressing room pray I haven’t forgotten anything and scurry off. I am, admittedly, usually late!

[pricestory]

Whew, just finished packing to go to Great Oaks HDT tomorrow am.
I’m 5’ and a few years ago I realized that although I had an equine first aid kit, it was in the very front of the gooseneck and there was no way I could get it if I needed it. So, hubby and I bought plastic drawer units and attached them to the gooseneck so I could get to everything, still leaving a little room to put stuff in the front. So now, the different drawers hold a)equine first aid, b) tack cleaning stuff, c)horse cleaning stuff, d) carriage cleaning stuff, e) marathon stuff, f) rain gear, g) blankets. The buckets and grooming box also live in the trailer so don’t have to be packed each time. My harness goes on a dolly that my hubby welded a rack on so it rolls where ever I need it. For travel, the harness is bungeed onto the rack.
Beet pulp and alfalfa cubes are in tubs, suppliments in plastic bags labled am and pm.

[naters]

USEA Has a great checklist that you can print!!!

[prince_and_ponies]

Could someone post exactly what the spares kit consists of?

[KellyS]

Great suggestions!

Goodhors–Yes, one animal is a real luxury! And we actually share our pony Merlin–Aaron drives him and I ride him (hoping to event soon). With our work schedules (both work full time and also have part time jobs) and all the work that the farm entails, it is a great way to do things. Of course, I would love to put a good tandem together–Merlin would make a most excellent leader.

I forgot about shoes–we used to keep a spare set of shoes for our event horse–and added studs the day of event to match what we were using. That way we could have a “new” shoe popped on and ready to go if we lost one.

Ah, nj2, I remember the head-start seminars. They were great! Thanks for reminding me to check the watches. It wouldn’t be the first time we’d gotten to an event and the batteries had died (especially after a long winter).

I second Cartfall on the working out of the trailer. Makes things much easier (less to unpack and repack), plus you don’t worry about things “walking away” in the stable area. We set up the back of the trailer as a grooming stall (http://pets.webshots.com/photo/2984754680055731734etKWvp) with cross ties, grooming stuff, harness hooks, etc.

Happy Feet–I pack our presentation harness in a big trunk. I found that the brass “turns” very quickly after I’ve cleaned (usually a few days before the show) it if I just hang it up in the trailer, especially in warm, humid weather. I pack it in layers–collar and bridle (inside collar) on the bottom, then the saddle/breeching, and finally the reins/traces, with a towel in between each layer and on top. I hang our marathon harness on the bridle hooks in the trailer tackroom. We had the same problem with the harness refusing to stay on saddle racks. We just ended up taking the saddle racks out (removable), which gave us more room for trunks, etc.

If anyone wants me to send them my list, I’d be happy to.

[mares_tails]

Spares kit

[QUOTE=prince and ponies;3166260]
Could someone post exactly what the spares kit consists of?[/QUOTE]

In “the old days” ADS CDE rules required specific items in the spares kit, like a spare rein & trace, or hole punch and rein & trace splices. These were generally inspected during “standing presentation” (see “the old days” )

Now:

“Article 915
2.4 In all ADS sanctioned competitions, Competitors may carry whatever spares they require.”

so it’s up to you to decide what you need to carry in the event of a “malfunction.” (duct-tape anyone?)

[Ashemont]

And in warm weather…

don’t forget fly masks! Actually we use fly masks on the horses IN the trailer to protect eyes and ears from any loose debris

[Thomas_1]

Checklists… I swear by them.

I’ve one for every occasion. One person is in control of checking everything onto the wagon. Nothing goes on the wagon unless its checked on.

The checklist contains everything we’ll need and this one is an example for Weddings:

CHECK LIST FOR WEDDINGS AND LANDAU OR DOUBLE BROUGHAM

Item
Harness:
Bridles & bits & chains
Breast Collar and traces
Saddle & crupper & girth
Breaching & side straps
Reins
Rubber rings
Plaiting Bands
Pole Straps
Headcollars for under bridles
Ear Covers (for flies)
Horses General:
Headcollars & lead ropes
Travel boots
spare bandages and tail guards
sweat rugs (long distance or hot days only)
Carriage:
Back step
Pole
Carriage Lamps
Whip
Wedges
Travel Rugs
Hot water bottles for passengers (cold days only)
Towels
Shovel & plastic bag
Lead Ropes
Spares Kit
Flowers (doors & lamps)
Ribbon
Champagne & chiller in cool box
Glasses (take 3 in bubble wrap)
Blankets for horses (cold days)
Livery & Clothing:
Livery jackets
Driving Apron
Driving Gloves
White Gloves (plus spare pair for groom ushering passengers)
Top Hats
Hair nets (all girl grooms)
Riding Hat/s (black velvets)
Waterproof long coats
Stocks & pins
Hunting shirts
Boots
Grooming/General:
Hoof black
Grooming kits
Sponges for washing down
Sweat scrapers
Wagon:
First Aid kit - horses & people
Water buckets
2 tubs water (at least)
Feed
Hay nets
carrots
Feed buckets
Spare pole
Spares Kit
At least the week before : Check travel rugs, ribbons, gloves etc are all clean/washed. Check we have champagne and put a bottle in the fridge. Check theres plenty of black shoe polish & brasso. If this isn’t done a week before you will have more to do the week of the wedding.

[KellyS]

Prince and ponies–

Off the top of my head, here is what we normally have in our spares kit for marathon (and I’m sure I’m forgetting some stuff):

Leather punch
Wheel wrench
Rein splice
Trace splice
Double-ended snaps
Duct tape
String (hay string is great)
Spare halter & leadrope
Pocket knife
Small hammer/screwdriver
Pliers

[Thomas_1]

In the spares kit:

Vehicle spanners (including adjustable spanner)
screw driver
small selection of bolts and nuts and screws
multiblade knife
hole punch
rein splice
trace splice
hoof pick
leather laces
breeching strap
coins
candle
bandage
notebook
pencil
duct tape

[Happy_Feet]

HOw in world do you guy fit all that stuff in your spares kit! My spares box is under my seat cushion.

All I can fit in there is:
rein & trace splice
hoof pick,
small hammer
pliers
short (maybe a foot long) leather dog leash
leather string
leather punch
roll of duct tape
“Swiss Army” type knife the ones withthe small screw drivers, knife, tweezer type thingy etc.
No way will a halter fit!
I would like to try and fit a bandage in there though, maybe a small track bandage would fit…

[goodhors]

Depends on the vehicle being shown. We have a briefcase to use for spares on the Dressage or ring, carriages. We have a fairly good sized satchel, or duffle bag, for the Marathon or daily driving spares. They do fit under the seat. I often have two spares bags, since we carry 4 halters with leads all the time in daily driving. The spare reins, trace, are coiled, can be tossed on the carriage if needed for a show. A splice is not going to do much with the Multiples. We do have splices in the spares for a Single.

The best spares holder is a roll-up that can be put into a larger bag with your halter. Roll up stays neat, small.

Our show spares follow the required list of olden days, plus some useful items that have come in handy before. We have some fun things in the show spares, like the folding horse shoe (previous Multiple spares always included a spare shoe and nails, shoeing hammer), handmade horsehead hoof pick (won at a show) that go in as well. Good cord, tape always, a little first aid kit with vetwrap, some gauze, adhesive tape and a cold pack are part of our spares.