It happens to the best of us – you’ve arrived at an event, full of excitement and anticipation for the big day, only to find that your bit is still soaking ‘overnight’ in a bucket at the yard. To help you out, we’ve put together this handy competition checklist to ensure that you are not caught out again.
- Riding hat (check it meets the current competition standard)
- Hairnet (bobby pins are also a good idea if your hair can be a bit unruly)
- Casual clothes to wear before/after the event to keep your competition wear clean
- Shirt (it’s also a good idea to pack a mini sewing kit incase you lose a button)
- Tie or stock (remember your stock pin)
- Breeches or jodhpurs
- Boots (and gaiters if you wear them)
- Jacket
- Cross-country shirt (and matching cross-country hat silk if you have one!)
- Gloves
- Whip
- Spurs (and straps)
- Body protector
- Bridle (remember to attach your bit, reins and martingale after cleaning!)
- Saddle (including stirrups, leathers and girth)
- Saddlepad
- Studs
- Overgirth
- Breastplate
- Stronger bit if required
- Grooming kit (plaiting equipment and sponges are handy)
- Saddle soap
- Boot polish
- Paperwork (check if you need to carry your horse’s passport, whether you need a copy of your dressage test, entry confirmation etc.)
- Satnav – you don’t want to get lost on the way!
- Cooler rug
- Waterproof rug / exercise sheet
- Water and hay for your horse
- Travel boots
- Competition boots
- First aid kit
- Lorry paperwork in case of a breakdown
- Mobile phone and charger
Now that you’re competition ready why not search and enter an event near you today? Equo has a wide range of competitions near you!