The next show is coming up: an exciting event you've prepared well for. But optimal preparation also includes good show equipment so that you have everything at hand on site and can make the most of your time. In our online shop, you'll find everything you need for your show equipment.
The big challenge before a show is to think of everything beforehand. What is normally always in the stable must now be packed and taken with you for the show. This starts with the stool. We have put together a small checklist for you here, listing the show equipment you need for safe horse transport and on-site preparation.
Show equipment for safe horse transport
Safety always comes first – especially when transporting horses. You can find what you need for this in the following list.
- Shipping BootsMany horses are restless in the horse trailer. Therefore, it makes sense to use shipping boots. In our shop, you will find many high-quality shipping boots, e.g., from manufacturers like Horseware Ireland, Eskadron, or Back on Track. Shipping boots offer your horse all-round protection for its legs in the trailer.
- Tail GuardTo protect the tail dock and tail hairs, you should use a tail guard for transport. The tail guard prevents the tail from getting tangled or tail hairs from being pulled out during transport. Our manufacturer Eskadronor Busse produce high-quality neoprene tail guards that guarantee a secure fit and do not slip while on the move.
- Stable RugsStable and cooler rugshelp your horse regulate its body temperature. Especially after the show, if your horse has sweated, you should not put it in the trailer without a rug. Just as important as the cooler rug, a fly rug is also essential for your horse in summer. The fly rug effectively protects your horse from annoying insects and prevents itching and swelling. Our manufacturer Horseware Irelandfor example, offers a special transport rug that provides maximum comfort on the go. The upper part is quilted, thus ensuring maximum moisture absorption. The perforated mesh sides allow for good air circulation.
Our Tip: 3D Spacer Rug from Kentucky Horsewear
Our manufacturer Kentucky Horsewear has created the perfect rug for transport to shows with the 3D Spacer Rug. The 3D-Spacer material has a honeycomb structure that allows the horse's body heat to pass through while providing very comfortable padding. The multifunctional rug can be ideally used for transport, but also for cooling or as fly protection. In combination with other rugs, you can also use it as an under rug.
The mobile tack room: The optimal show equipment on site
Riders often only notice what they sorely miss once they are on site. It is all the more important to put together all the show equipment beforehand to support you in your show preparation.
- Saddle HolderA mobile saddle holder is simply indispensable so that you always have a place to put your saddle within easy reach. It can be easily hooked anywhere and is portable.
- Bridle NumbersSince you must have at least one bridle number clearly visible on the bridle, saddle pad, or breastplate, it is important to always have it with you. Bridle numbers are now not only available in plain white but also, for example, with glitter borders or rhinestones, so you can choose them to match your outfit.
- Step StoolA folding step stool should not be missing either in the stable or at the show. Our manufacturers Kingslandand Waldhausen offer mobile folding stools that can be easily stored anywhere and are always ready for use.
- Feed and Water BucketsFeed and water buckets are indispensable for supplying your horse on the road and at the show. Our manufacturer Kerbl offers combined feed and water buckets that you can use not only for shows but also in the pasture. They have a capacity of 20 liters and a flattened back. You can also order the buckets in your favorite color.
- Hay NetsHorses need occupation – especially during travel or during long waiting times on site. Therefore, hay nets are also among the basics of your show equipment. From our manufacturer Kerbl, you can get a practical foldable hay bag that is ideal for taking to shows. High-quality hay nets are also available from our manufacturer Busse.
- Mistboy (Manure Collector)To remove your horse's droppings, you also need a Mistboy when you're on the go. In our online shop, you can get a Mistboy Mini, which doesn't take up much space and serves its purpose at the showgrounds.
- Leather CareIn our online shop, you will find many leather care products. Our manufacturer Effol, for example, offers an instant leather polish. With this sponge, you can give your saddle and boots the final shine before the competition.
Do you already have suitable show attire in your wardrobe?
At most shows, show attire is prescribed for riding, such as light-colored breeches and a jacket or blazer in darker colors. In our online shop, you will find both show attire for womenand show attire for men. Show clothes usually consist of a show jacket, show shirts with a high collar, show breeches, and accessories.
Horse attire is also prescribed at shows; while white saddle pads are required for dressage tests, the color does not matter for show jumping tests. In show jumping, you also need boots and fetlock boots to protect your horse's sensitive legs. However, even in dressage tests, you can use white boots and bell boots for warming up and for the awards ceremony. During the dressage test, however, no leg protection should be used.
Getting ready for the show: Tips for braiding
For starting at an equestrian show, especially in dressage tests, the horse's mane is often braided or sewn. This gives your horse a particularly elegant and well-groomed appearance. When braiding a horse's mane, there are various options depending on the length. What you absolutely need for this are a mane comb, a mane brush, and appropriate braiding bands.
To ensure that the braid is even in the end, you can use a braiding aid. This is a special, flexible clip for quickly securing the mane braids. Braiding the mane will be quick and easy, and you will achieve an optimal result. Below, we have put together a few more tips for you to ensure that braiding the mane will succeed.
- Do not spray the mane with mane spray beforehand, otherwise, it will be too fine and too smooth.
- A slightly longer mane is easier for beginners to braid.
- Thoroughly thin the mane before braiding.
- It's best to secure each braid with a second elastic band (or the braiding aid).
- For horses with short necks, many small braids are recommended.
- Horses with long necks look better with wider braids.
