Horse camping weekend checklist

A horse camping weekend needs more than tents and a route. You must match each horse to a safe camping spot, confirm passes and dietary needs, and prepare fencing, water, feed and manure handling before participants arrive. Use this checklist to work from the first date confirmation through the final reception. It also helps you catch the jobs that are often left too late, such as checking power, preparing hay and marking the route.

The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

  • Confirm date and location

    2 people

  • Draft participant terms and conditions

    2 people

  • Send invitations

  • Process registrations

  • Collect dietary requirements

  • Collect horse information

  • Assign camping spots

    2 people

  • Make reservations

  • Share the program and route

  • Check horse passes

    2 people

  • Check the weather forecast

  • Finalize shopping list

    2 people

  • Do the shopping

    2 people

  • Check camping gear

    2 people

  • Prepare horse feed

    2 people

  • Bring materials to the venue

    3 people

  • Mark out the venue and route

    2 people

  • Set out the paddocks

    3 people

  • Prepare the stalls and feed stations

    3 people

  • Receive tents and campers

    2 people

  • Set up the party tent and tables

    4 people

  • Connect lighting

    2 people

  • Set up coffee station

    2 people

  • Set up the reception desk

    2 people

Event

  • Receive participants

    2 people

  • Lead horses to paddocks

    3 people

  • Give welcome briefing

    2 people

  • Care for the horses

    4 people

  • Guide the trail ride

    4 people

  • Prepare evening meal

    3 people

  • Serve dinner

    3 people

  • Refill drinks

  • Facilitate the campfire

    2 people

  • Provide morning coffee and breakfast

    3 people

  • Feed and care for the horses

    4 people

  • Guide the trail ride

    4 people

  • Serve lunch

    3 people

  • Check horses and equipment

    3 people

  • Guide participants at departure

    2 people

Aftercare

  • Take down paddocks

    3 people

  • Take down tents and furniture

    4 people

  • Collect waste

    3 people

  • Clean dishes and kitchen

    3 people

  • Leave the site clean

    4 people

  • Remove horse manure

    3 people

  • Return materials

    3 people

  • Return borrowed items

    2 people

  • Store leftover stock

    2 people

  • Handle lost property

What to bring

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

Furniture

  • Party tentqty 2
  • Tablesqty 6
  • Folding chairsqty 24
  • Beer tablesqty 3

Camping

  • Picnic blanketsqty 6
  • Barrier tapeqty 4
  • Conesqty 12
  • Herringqty 80
  • Tent peg hammerqty 3

Horse equipment

  • Electric fence unitsqty 3
  • Electric fence rollsqty 6
  • Fencing postsqty 60
  • Horse water troughsqty 12
  • Feed bowlsqty 12
  • Hay netsqty 12
  • Cleaning kitsqty 6
  • Wheelbarrowsqty 3
  • Manure forksqty 4
  • Scoopsqty 3
  • Water balloonsqty 2

Lighting

  • String lightsqty 4
  • LED lanternsqty 8

Equipment

  • Extension cordsqty 6
  • Power stripsqty 4
  • Coolersqty 4
  • Gas cookersqty 3
  • Gas cylindersqty 4

Tableware

  • Platesqty 30
  • Bowlsqty 30
  • Mugsqty 30
  • Drinking glassesqty 30
  • Cutlery setsqty 30

Kitchen

  • Coffee machinesqty 2
  • Thermos flasksqty 4
  • Cutting boardsqty 4
  • Chef's knifeqty 4
  • Pansqty 4
  • Serving spoonsqty 6
  • Frying pansqty 2

Safety

  • First aid kitsqty 2
  • Fire extinguishersqty 2
  • Flashlightsqty 6
  • Work glovesqty 8

Cleaning

  • Waste binsqty 6
  • Broom setsqty 3
  • Bucketsqty 6
  • Mop setsqty 2

Catering

  • Groceries

Tips

  • Collect horse information and dietary requirements before assigning camping spots. You need enough detail to place horses safely and prepare suitable feed and water arrangements.
  • Check horse passes and the weather forecast several days before departure, then share the confirmed program and route with participants before they travel.
  • Inspect electric fence units, fence rolls and posts before loading. Test the setup at the venue rather than discovering a missing connection when horses are already arriving.
  • Prepare hay, feed bowls, hay nets, water troughs and cleaning equipment before the first camper checks in. Plan where manure, wheelbarrows and manure forks will be kept so stable areas remain usable.
  • Set up lighting, extension cords and power strips before evening. Keep LED lanterns available for horse areas and check that the coffee station, reception desk and party tent can be used without blocking access routes.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a horse camping weekend?
Start at least 8 to 12 weeks ahead. Confirm the date and location first, then allow time for invitations, registrations, horse information, reservations and route planning.
When should I collect horse information from participants?
Ask for it when registrations open and set a deadline 3 to 4 weeks before the weekend. This gives you time to assign camping spots and prepare fencing, feed and water arrangements.
How much hay and water should I prepare for a horse camping weekend?
Calculate feed for every horse for the full stay, then add a reserve for at least one extra feeding period. Prepare a separate water trough for each planned horse group and check access to refills before arrival.
When should I check the weather forecast for a horse camping weekend?
Check it 5 to 7 days before the event and again the day before participants arrive. Use the final forecast to confirm shelter, lighting, route conditions and any changes to the program.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

Organize for free and invite your contacts!