What you need for a horse riding competition

A horse riding competition needs more than horses, riders and obstacles. This shopping list covers the practical items that keep registration, judging, horse care, parking and prize-giving moving on the day. Plan supplies around the number of competitors, horses and volunteers, then add a small reserve for damaged bibs, extra water and last-minute entries. Order hired furniture, tents and sound equipment early, especially if the competition runs for a full day.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Foldable tablesqty 10
Folding chairsqty 80
Judges' table
Registration desk
Prize table
Clothes racksqty 2
Parasolsqty 4

Sports equipment

Dressage lettersqty 8
Competition obstaclesqty 8
Springboardsqty 16
Obstacle standardsqty 16
Conesqty 24
Barrier tapeqty 6
Bib numbersqty 60
Bib holdersqty 60
Measuring tapesqty 2
Hay balesqty 20
Wheelbarrowsqty 3
Manure forksqty 4
Scoopsqty 3
Pitchforksqty 3
Buckets of waterqty 12
Feed bowlsqty 12
Drinking bowlsqty 12
Stable brushesqty 6
Haltersqty 12
Lane rakesqty 3
Lane rope
Jury formsqty 100
Starting listsqty 80
Result formsqty 80
Pensqty 30
Clipboardsqty 12
Stamp set
Prize boxesqty 12

Equipment

Sound speakerqty 2
Microphone
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Power banksqty 4
Calculatorsqty 3
Walkie-talkiesqty 8
Printer
Laptop

Lighting

LED lampsqty 6
Battery lanternsqty 6

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 150
Coffee cupsqty 80
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Serving plattersqty 12
Thermos flasksqty 6

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 4
Bread knivesqty 4
Serving tongsqty 8
Corkscrewsqty 2

Decorations

Buntingqty 8
Dutch flagsqty 4
Competition bannersqty 4
Prize ribbonsqty 60
Trophiesqty 12
Medal ribbonsqty 60

Cleaning

Broomsqty 4
Trash binsqty 8
Mopsqty 4
Bucketsqty 6
Cleaning cartsqty 2
Hand soap dispensersqty 6
Towel dispensersqty 6

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Fire extinguishersqty 4
Flashlightsqty 6
Safety vestsqty 12

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Chocolate milk - 6 liters
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 8 crates
- Spa Rood - 4 crates
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Ice cubes - 10 bags
- Mini ice pops - 100 pieces
- Sandwiches - 120 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- Ham - 3 kilos
- Cheese - 3 kilos
- Roast beef - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 8 tubs
- Cream cheese - 8 tubs
- Cucumber - 12 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Lettuce - 8 heads
- Butter - 1 kilo
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Snacks - 6 bags
- Muesli bars - 100 pieces
- Bananas - 8 kilos
- Apples - 8 kilos
- Grapes - 5 kilos
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Butter cake - 6 packs
- Paper napkins - 500 pieces
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 40 pieces
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Toilet cleaner - 3 bottles
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 packs
- Hand sanitizer - 6 bottles
- Stable bedding - 20 bales
- Hay - 30 bales
- Horse muesli - 4 bags
- Carrots - 20 kilos
- Apples for horses - 10 kg
- Salt blocks - 12 pieces
- Fly spray - 6 bottles
- Hoof oil - 4 jars
- Cotton cleaning cloths - 30 pieces
- Bandages - 4 boxes
- Sterile gauze pads - 4 boxes
- Wound cleanser - 4 bottles
- Disposable gloves - 4 boxes
- Fever ointment - 2 tubes

Tips

Prepare one registration pack for every rider, including a bib number and holder, and keep at least 5% extra sets available for replacements or late changes.
Provide one water bucket or drinking bowl per occupied stall, plus at least two spare containers. Refill and check them before the first class and after every break.
Count obstacles, standards, springboards, cones and barrier tape against the approved course plan rather than buying by guesswork. Keep spare tape and measuring equipment at the steward’s table.
Allow one folding chair for each judge and registration volunteer, then add 10% extra seating for officials, helpers and unexpected waiting time. Put the judges’ table under cover before the first arrival.
Buy hay, feed bowls, stable brushes, halters, manure forks, wheelbarrows and scoops for the number of horses on site, and arrange delivery or collection no later than the day before competition day.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for a horse riding competition?: You need competition equipment such as obstacles, dressage letters, cones, barrier tape, bib numbers and measuring tapes. You also need registration furniture, prize-table supplies, horse-care equipment, water containers, waste-handling tools, signs and a sound speaker.
How many water buckets do I need for a horse show?: Plan on one water bucket or drinking bowl per occupied stall, with at least two spare containers for replacements and shared areas. Check the supply twice before competition starts and refill it throughout the day.
How many chairs and tables are needed for a riding competition?: Provide one chair for every judge, registration worker and key volunteer, then add about 10% extra. Allow separate tables for registration, the judges and prizes, with enough covered space for paperwork and equipment.
When should I buy supplies for a horse riding competition?: Buy or hire tents, tables, chairs, sound equipment and course materials at least two weeks ahead when possible. Complete the remaining shopping and check every item no later than the day before the competition.

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