Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
You are now subscribed
Your newsletter sign-up was successful
An account already exists for this email address, please log in.
Be ready to win with expert tips on last-minute planning and polish to ensure a successful show ring debut
Welcome to the final feature in this five-part exclusive series for Horse & Hound subscribers, in which showing experts share their tips on getting a horse or pony ready to perform at their best, from the field to their seasonal debut. The week leading up to a show can be full of stress, so take this methodical approach to make sure no stone is left unturned in your last-minute preparations
Over the past few weeks, you’ve worked hard to transform your woolly mammoth into a sleek and polished show animal. Your prep has paid off, and now it’s time for the final countdown to show day – your first big event of the season. This stage isn’t about making big changes; it’s about fine-tuning your plans, perfecting the little details, and ensuring that both you and your horse are set up for success.
Here’s your week-long guide to getting show-ready, complete with a handy checklist and expert advice to help make your first outing of the season as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Final countdown to show day
The week before: planning and polishing
Pack the lorry or trailer
Packing in advance is key to avoiding last-minute stress. Follow our handy checklist to make sure you have all the essentials on board.
Pack up the horsebox with plenty of time to spare.
(Image credit: Philip Barker)
Final touches on your horse’s turnout
This isn’t the time for drastic changes but rather subtle refinements.
Tails: tidy the length and rake to achieve a polished look.
Trims: neaten chin hair, fetlocks, and stray hairs in line with the rules you are showing under. Avoid excessive trimming at this stage.
Shoes: ensure your horse’s shoes are in top condition. A quick check with your farrier earlier in the week can avoid unpleasant surprises
Checking shoes are in good condition will help avoid an unpleasant surprise.
(Image credit: Philip Barker)
Riding practice
Balance is key during this week. Avoid drilling your show routine every day – it can lead to anticipation or tension in your horse.
Instead:
Vary your workouts: combine hacking, pole work, and exercises to maintain fitness and suppleness.
Focus on position: use this time to fine-tune your own posture and apply any tips from recent training sessions.
Confidence boosters: if you’ve attended a clinic or practice show, revisit the advice you received to reinforce both yours and your horse’s confidence.
The day before: polish and prep
The day before the show is all about finishing touches and making sure everything is ready for a seamless morning.
Bath time
Final prep the day before the show.
(Image credit: Philip Barker)
Products: use whitening shampoos for socks and light-coloured areas, and conditioning treatments for a glossy coat.
Drying: ensure your horse dries thoroughly with a drying rug or heat lamps to prevent chills.
Protection: use tail bags, leg bandages, rugs, and Lycra hoods to keep your horse clean overnight.
Plaiting perfection
A well-plaited mane can transform your horse’s appearance.
Plaiting should enhance a horse’s topline, so make the most of it.
(Image credit: Philip Barker)
Measuring tips: mark your plaiting comb with a band to ensure even sections.
Adjust for proportion: add a few extra plaits to give the appearance of a bigger front or position them slightly on top of the neck for an illusion of more topline.
Use plaiting spray or gel to tame flyaways and practice using thread for a neat finish. Invest in a stitch picker to unpick plaits without damaging the mane.
If you plait the night before, cover with a Lycra hood to keep everything clean and secure.
Plan your journey
Route check: use a sat nav or map to plan your journey, accounting for traffic and unfamiliar routes.
Review the show’s information pack for details about stabling, parking, and collecting numbers. If bedding or hay is required, confirm where to collect it.
Ensure your lorry runs safely, MOT and tax are up-to-date, and you have valid breakdown cover.
Show day: calm, confident, and ready
Start the day right
Fuel yourself: don’t skip breakfast – a substantial meal will help you stay focused.
Don’t skip breakfast!
(Image credit: Philip Barker)
Stay calm: early-season shows can be nerve-wracking, especially with big qualifiers. Create a “show morning” playlist to keep you calm and motivated.
Familiarise yourself with the showground. Arriving early gives you time to get your bearings. Walk around to locate the rings and warm-up areas. If possible, watch a class in your ring to get a feel for how it’s run and where key points like line-ups and individual shows are likely to happen.
Warm-up routine
Every horse has a different routine that works best.
If your horse is excitable, a quick lunge or groundwork session may help them settle before tacking up. If you prefer to warm up under saddle first, ensure your grooming and plaiting are spot-on beforehand, but have someone on hand for the last minute pre-ring polish.
Personalise your routine, so that you adjust your warm-up to match your horse’s temperament and the conditions of the day.
The final polish
Minimal product use: judges love a natural shine but will be put off by a horse dripping in oil.
Quarter marks: enhance conformation with clean, precise marks. Apply a holding spray and add marks at the last minute if it’s cold to prevent rubbing off.
Quarter marks add a final polish to your horse’s appearance.
(Image credit: Philip Barker)
Baby wipes: keep these handy for last-minute spills or stains.
Enjoy the day
Most importantly, remember to enjoy yourself! Stay positive – even if things don’t go exactly to plan, every show is a learning experience. The ultimate goal is to enjoy the partnership with your horse and celebrate your hard work.
Don’t forget to record the moment. Ask someone to video your class so you can review your performance and cherish the memory.
Big smiles – remember to have fun!
(Image credit: Hamish Mitchell Photography)
By following this guide as your final countdown to show day and and staying organised, you’ll be ready to step into the ring with confidence. With all the prep work done, it’s time to shine. Good luck, and may your season be filled with success and fun!
Competition kit checklist
All set for departure.
(Image credit: Philip Barker)
Travelling
Travel boots/bandages
Tail bandage
Clean headcollar and rope (pack a spare rope in case one snaps)
Travel rug or Lycra bodysuit if your horse travels in one
Haynet for the journey
Ready to travel, with a hood protecting the plaits.
(Image credit: Philip Barker)
Lorry/trailer essentials
Horse water
Water buckets (for drinking and washing)
Spare hay
Muck skip and fork, brush
Sponges and sweat scraper
Mounting steps
First-aid kit (human and horse)
Grooming kit
Brushes (dandy, body, face)
Curry comb
Mane comb
Plaiting bands/needle and thread
Tail brush
Detangler
Make-up or gloss
Shine spray
Trimming clippers
Baby oil
Baby wipes
Ear plugs
Quarter mark spray and tools
Fly spray
Hoof pick
Hoof oil and brush
Leg whitener (if needed)
Hole punch
Scissors
Towel or cloth
Tack and horse kit
Show saddle
Show bridle
Bits
Curb chain & lip strap
Numnah
Girth
Working-in tack (if different from show tack)
Martingale and breastplates (if needed)
Lunge line
Spare stirrup leathers and reins
Working-in boots or working hunter boots
Tack cleaning kit
Cooler rug
Waterproof sheet
Fly sheet
Bandages and wraps
Rider clothes
Riding hat
Jodhpurs/breeches
Shirt
Tie and collar pin
Bows or scrunchies
Hairnet
Boots
Spurs (if necessary)
Jacket
Gloves (and spares)
Body protector (for working hunter classes)
Schooling whip
Show cane/whip
Number elastic
Evening performance outfit (if required)
Overcoat/waterproof
It’s not all about the horse’s polished appearance.
(Image credit: Philip Barker)
Paperwork
Horse passport
Lorry/trailer breakdown insurance documents
Entry confirmation (and horsebox pass)
Society membership cards
Copy of the schedule and timetable
Catalogue (if sent beforehand)
Thank you for subscribing to the H&H website. We will be bringing you showing news from major dates on the circuit including Royal Windsor, Royal Welsh, Royal International, HOYS and more, as well as important news that the showing world cares about throughout the year. Stick with us for all you need to know.
Read the rest of this exclusive series for H&H subscribers…
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now
Kim is a Scotland-based freelance equestrian journalist who writes for Horse & Hound and The Scottish Farmer, reporting from many of the UK’s leading showing championships, including the Royal International Horse Show, Horse of the Year Show, Royal Highland Show and Royal Windsor Horse Show. Alongside her journalism, Kim produces and campaigns show ponies for her daughter, Charlotte, giving her first-hand insight into the sport from both a competitor’s and reporter’s perspective.
