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!