What you need for a horse riding competition

A horse riding competition needs more than jumps and ribbons. You will need equipment for the course, safe care for horses, a working judges’ area, and practical supplies for riders, volunteers and spectators. Buy or collect items early, especially fencing, signs, hay, water containers, tables and prize materials. This checklist also covers the less obvious equipment, such as extension cords, printed forms and manure forks, which is easy to overlook until the venue is busy.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 80
Judges' table
Bar stoolsqty 4

Sports equipment

Spring stanchionsqty 16
Springboardsqty 24
Course flagsqty 20
Dressage lettersqty 8
Dressage fencesqty 12
Conesqty 20
Measuring tapeqty 2
Obstacle number signsqty 20
Floorboardsqty 8
Beam holdersqty 32
Water bowl
Wheelbarrowsqty 3
Manure forksqty 4
Hay netsqty 20
Drinking bowlsqty 20
Buckets of waterqty 12
Fencing panelsqty 30
Hay balesqty 20
Cleaning bucketsqty 4
Saddle racksqty 12

Equipment

Laptopqty 2
Printer
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Microphone
Speakersqty 2
Stopwatchqty 3
Walkie-talkiesqty 6
Megaphone
Calculatorsqty 3

Lighting

LED work lightsqty 4
String lightsqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 120
Coffee cupsqty 60
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 6
Coolersqty 4
Serving plattersqty 10
Serving spoonsqty 8
Cutting boardsqty 3
Knivesqty 6

Decorations

Bib holdersqty 20
Buntingqty 6
Competition bannersqty 4
Trophiesqty 12
Medal ribbonsqty 12
Rosettesqty 24
Results board

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Broom setsqty 4
Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 4
Spongesqty 6
Glovesqty 12

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Fire extinguishersqty 2
Safety vestsqty 10
Flashlightsqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Cocoa powder - 1 pack
- Sugar - 2 kilograms
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Iced tea - 4 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Sandwiches - 100 pieces
- Mini ciabatta rolls - 40 pieces
- Unsalted butter - 2 packs
- Mild cheese - 3 kilograms
- Cooked ham - 2 kilograms
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilogram
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cucumber - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Snack mix - 4 bags
- Muesli bars - 60 pieces
- Bananas - 5 kilograms
- Apples - 5 kilograms
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Brownies - 50 pieces
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Ice cubes - 10 bags
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Paper straws - 100 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Paper towels - 6 packs

Tips

Plan one clearly marked judges’ table with at least 2–3 chairs, a laptop, printer, extension cords and power strips. Test the equipment at the venue at least 24 hours before the first class.
Prepare the course equipment as one complete set: flags, cones, measuring tape, obstacle number signs, spring stanchions, springboards and fencing panels. Check every item during the grounds inspection, not on competition morning.
Allow at least one drinking bowl or water point for each busy horse area, plus spare buckets of water. Keep hay nets and hay bales available near the stables and paddocks, but place them where they cannot obstruct walkways.
Bring enough stable-cleaning equipment for the number of horse areas in use, including cleaning buckets, wheelbarrows and manure forks. One fork for every 5–10 occupied stalls or paddocks prevents queues during peak periods.
Do not leave participant paperwork and prizes until the last day. Print competition forms and sort bib numbers at least 24 hours ahead, then put prize money, ribbons and other prizes together before registration opens.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a horse riding competition?: You need course equipment such as flags, cones, fences, signs, measuring tape and fencing panels, plus tables, chairs, a judges’ table, paperwork and prize materials. You also need horse-care supplies including hay, water bowls, buckets, cleaning buckets, wheelbarrows and manure forks.
How much water and hay should I provide for a horse competition?: Provide a dedicated drinking point for each active stable or paddock area, with spare buckets for refilling and emergencies. Keep enough hay nets and hay bales for the full day, and arrange delivery or collection at least 24 hours before the event.
When should I prepare the horse competition course equipment?: Collect and check the complete course set at least 24 hours before competition day. Inspect flags, fences, signs, springboards, stanchions and fencing panels again after the grounds have been mowed and checked.
What should I bring for the judges and registration desk?: Set up a judges’ table with chairs, a laptop, printer, extension cords and power strips, and bring printed competition forms and sorted bib numbers. Test power and printing at least one day before registration or the first class.

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