Show checklist: the must-haves 🏆

Whether you're a leisure or experienced rider, planning your show day properly is key to staying focused on your goals! Between your horse's equipment, your competition outfit, admin paperwork and those last-minute essentials, it's easy to forget something important 😅

In this article, we share the 5 absolute must-haves for a show day (plus a few bonus tips for a stress-free start) 🙈

A soft brush and a sponge for a flawless finish 🧼

Even if your horse has been groomed at the yard, there's always a touch-up needed on arrival. A soft brush removes any last bits of dust, and a damp sponge is perfect for a quick clean around the nostrils, eyes or any small marks before you enter the arena ✨

Your complete competition outfit(s) 👚

Your regulation competition outfit is non-negotiable: white or light-coloured breeches, a show jacket, a white polo or shirt, and of course your hat.

💡 We recommend keeping a spare outfit on hand for any unexpected moments (rain, stains, a button giving way…).

Don't forget to give your gear a little spruce-up — we've shared all our best tips in a blog article dedicated to leather care 😉

A holdall 👜

Organisation is everything when heading to a show. Whether it's a large holdall, a backpack or a wheeled bag, the right one will become your best companion and save you endless back-and-forth trips.

The Big Bag from Paddock Sports is the ultimate companion for effortless packing: numnahs, boots, headcollars, grooming kit, rider gear… it fits everything! 

You can also go for a backpack or a wheeled bag. Check out the range from Equithème — spacious, practical and perfect for show days 💪

👉 Find all our Equithème bags here

A special "little essentials" bag 🙈

This is THE bag that saves the day at a show: a small bag where you keep everything that's too easy to forget but could be a real lifesaver:

• Hair bands (even if you've already plaited)
• Treats
• Cleansing wipes
• Detangling spray
  
• A bottle of water
• First aid kit

🧡 OHLALA Team Tip: pack this bag in advance and keep it ready all year round. You'll only need to top it up every now and then 😉

Horse documents 📒

Never leave without:

• Horse passport (with up-to-date vaccinations)
• Your FFE licence
• Horsebox documents / insurance certificate
• A printed copy of the show schedule with your start time

📎 A rigid wallet or a waterproof folder is ideal for keeping everything together and protected.

A bridle holder 🔥

At a show, having your kit organised makes all the difference. This removable bridle holder by Paddock Sports is a brilliant way to keep your space tidy and practical. Easy to hang on stable doors or horsebox partitions, it lets you store your bridles safely between classes. 

The OHLALA memo: your ready-to-go checklist 📋

Here's a quick checklist to print out or keep in your horsebox:

✅ Full outfit (hat, jacket, breeches, gloves…)
✅ Horse passport + documents
✅ Clean numnah / saddle pad / boots
✅ Grooming bag + sponge
✅ Shine spray + detangler
✅ Water + snacks (hay and treats)

OHLALA Tip: Write up your checklist and print it out, or save it to your phone's favourites

🐎 Ready to shine at your next show?

With these essentials and a bit of good organisation, you can focus 100% on your horse and your round. Remember to breathe, enjoy the moment… and slip a little treat into your pocket for your four-legged partner! 🧡