What you need for a dressage competition

A dressage competition needs more than fences and letters. You will also need practical supplies for the judges’ table, participant check-in, horse care, parking and refreshments. This shopping list covers equipment such as dressage markers, bib numbers, radios and power supplies, along with tables, chairs and serving items. Check quantities against the number of classes, entries, judges and expected spectators before ordering, especially for printed forms, cups, plates and stable supplies.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 12
Folding chairsqty 80
Jury tablesqty 2
Judges' chairsqty 6
High tablesqty 6
Party tentsqty 4
Clothes racksqty 2

Sports equipment

Dressage fencesqty 36
Dressage lettersqty 12
Bib numbersqty 60
Conesqty 24
Rolls of barrier tapeqty 8
Brushesqty 6
Wheelbarrowsqty 3
Pitchforksqty 3
Water tubsqty 12
Feed bowlsqty 12

Equipment

Laptopqty 2
Printer
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Mobile sound system
Microphoneqty 2
Walkie-talkiesqty 8
Power banksqty 6
Laminator

Tableware

Coffee cupsqty 80
Glassesqty 100
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Serving traysqty 8

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 4
Knivesqty 6
Serving tongsqty 8
Waste binsqty 8

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 12
Buntingqty 8
Competition bannersqty 6
Prize ribbonsqty 30
Rosettesqty 30

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
Work lightsqty 4

Cleaning

Broom setsqty 4
Floor squeegeesqty 3
Bucketsqty 6
Mopsqty 6
Cleaning glovesqty 12
Cleaning clothsqty 30
Litter pickersqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 6 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Tea assortment - 4 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Semi-skimmed milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Ice cubes - 12 bags
- Paper cups - 200 pieces
- Paper stirrers - 200 pieces
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper plates - 150 pieces
- Paper cutlery sets - 150 pieces
- Savory puff pastry snacks - 150 pieces
- Mini cheese rolls - 120 pieces
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Snack mix - 4 bags
- Mini rice cakes - 4 packs
- Apples - 8 kilos
- Bananas - 5 kilo
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Mandarins - 5 kilos
- Mini muffins - 120 pieces
- Butter cookies - 6 packs
- Gluten-free crackers - 4 packs
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cucumber - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 4 kilos
- Carrots - 3 kilos
- Herb cheese - 6 tubs
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Buns - 150 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- Sliced cheese - 4 kilos
- Ham slices - 3 kilo
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilos
- Vegetarian spread - 12 tubs
- Lettuce - 8 heads
- Tomatoes - 5 kilos
- Raw red onion - 2 kilo
- Wraps - 100 pieces
- Chicken salad - 6 kilos
- Pasta salad - 8 kilo
- Quinoa salad - 4 kilo
- Vegetarian quiche - 6 pieces
- Gluten-free sandwiches - 12 pieces
- Vegan sandwiches - 12 pieces
- Butter - 2 kilos
- Jam - 4 jars
- Chocolate sprinkles - 2 packs
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Lemon juice - 2 bottles
- Aluminum foil - 4 rolls
- Plastic wrap - 4 rolls
- Baking paper - 3 rolls
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Liquid hand soap - 8 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 8 bottles
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 4 bottles
- Toilet cleaner - 4 bottles
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 packs
- Latex gloves - 4 boxes
- Bandages - 4 boxes
- Disinfectant wipes - 6 packs

Tips

Prepare the judging area at least 60 minutes before the first test. Set out the jury tables, judges’ chairs, laptop, printer, extension cords and power strips so results and forms can be handled without delays.
Match bib numbers and printed forms to the final entry list. Keep at least 5 spare bib numbers and print a few extra copies of each competition form for late corrections or damaged pages.
Plan horse-care supplies for the full competition day, not just the first classes. Place water tubs, feed bowls, brushes, wheelbarrows and pitchforks where competitors can reach them without crossing the audience route.
Check power and communication equipment the day before. Charge walkie-talkies and power banks for at least 8 hours, and test the mobile sound system, microphone and every extension cord before participants arrive.
Order serving supplies from the confirmed headcount and add a 10% buffer. Cups, glasses, plates and cutlery are easy to overlook when catering is arranged separately from the competition equipment.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a dressage competition?: Plan for dressage fences, dressage letters, cones, barrier tape and bib numbers, plus tables and chairs for the jury. You will also need a laptop, printer, power supplies, sound equipment and walkie-talkies for event operations.
How many dressage letters do I need?: You need one complete set of dressage letters for each arena in use. Confirm the arena layout and number of simultaneous tests before ordering, then keep one spare letter set available if the schedule allows.
How many bib numbers should I prepare for a dressage show?: Prepare one bib number for every participating horse or rider combination, based on the final entry list. Add at least 5 spare numbers for replacements, changes or entries that are processed close to the competition date.
When should I buy supplies for a dressage competition?: Order custom items such as prizes, ribbons and bib numbers at least 3 to 4 weeks before the event. Buy disposable tableware and final quantities after registrations close, usually 7 to 10 days before competition day.

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