There’s something electric about the first show of the season — the smell of fresh shavings, the jingle of bits, the quiet focus that settles over the warm-up ring. Whether you’re competing for the first time or heading back to the ring for another year, show season calls for a little preparation. Here’s your go-to checklist for getting your rider and your horse polished, prepped, and ring-ready.

Step 1

Start with your show attire

Nothing makes a first impression in the ring quite like a well-fitted, polished show ensemble. Start from the top and work your way down — coat, shirt, breeches, and boots. If you’ve grown or it’s been a season, try everything on before show day. A too-snug coat or a gapping collar is the last thing you want to deal with in the warm-up ring.

We just added some beautiful new pieces to the shop — including the classic and competition-ready:

RJ Classics Harmony Mesh Show Coat RJ Classics Aerial SS Show Shirt ROMFH Sarafina Bling Euro Grip Breech

Helen’s tip: For warm spring and summer shows, a mesh show coat is a game-changer. It keeps you cool and still looks impeccably polished in the ring — a worthy investment that makes a long show day so much more comfortable.

Step 2

Check your tack — head to tail

Before you load the trailer, lay out your tack and do a proper inspection. Check every billet, buckle, and stitch. Leather that’s been sitting through winter may need a good conditioning before it’s ring-ready. Make sure your bit is clean, your girth is supple, and your stirrup leathers haven’t developed any wear spots.

Clean and condition all leather tack
Check bridle stitching and cheekpieces for wear
Inspect girth and billet straps
Polish your stirrup irons
Confirm your bit fits correctly and is appropriate for your class

Looking for a new bit this season? We carry quality options including the:

Centaur Metalab Loose Ring Bit

Step 3

Horse prep — presentation matters

In the show ring, your horse’s turnout is as important as your own. Start your bath routine a day or two before, allow time for proper drying, and plan your braiding the night before or morning of. Stock up on your horse care essentials well before show day — you don’t want to be searching for hoof polish at 5am.

Schedule a pre-show bath with quality shampoo and conditioner
Trim bridle path, ears, and fetlocks
Braid mane and tail (or pull, depending on your discipline)
Apply hoof oil or black hoof polish the morning of
Use a finishing spray for a polished coat shine

Browse all our horse care supplies →

Step 4

The show day bag — pack smart

Seasoned competitors know: what you forget at home, you’ll need desperately at the show. Pack your bag the night before and use a checklist. Essentials include:

Your show number and entry confirmation
Extra hair net and bobby pins
Boot pull, boot jack, and boot polish
Hoof pick and small grooming kit
A safety pin or two (trust us)
Fly spray and a small cooler for your horse
Water, snacks, and sunscreen for you

Pro tip: Keep a small permanent show bag that lives in your trailer or car. Restock it after every show so you’re never caught empty-handed. Little things like a spare glove or a needle and thread have saved many a show day.

Step 5

For the young riders

If you’re fitting a child for their first show season, start a few weeks out so there’s time for alterations or exchanges. Kids grow fast — breeches and coats that fit last fall may not fit today. There’s nothing quite like the look on a young rider’s face when they see themselves dressed and ready for the ring for the very first time.

We love helping families find exactly the right fit. Browse our rider apparel collection → or stop by the shop in Grosse Pointe Park — we’ll make sure everything fits beautifully.

Ready to gear up for show season? Shop our full collection of apparel, tack, and horse care supplies — curated by a rider, for riders. Shop Hoof N’ Woof →