What you need for a horse riding competition

A horse riding competition needs more than jumps and rosettes. You will need equipment for the arena, safe horse care, competitor identification, judging, announcements and a workable setup for spectators. Plan quantities around the number of horses, classes and people on site. Order items with limited availability—such as barriers, sound equipment, stalls and prize rosettes—several weeks ahead, then check power and water at the venue before delivery 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' tableqty 2
Clothes racksqty 2

Sports equipment

Jump obstaclesqty 12
Barsqty 24
Standsqty 24
Dressage lettersqty 12
Conesqty 30
Crowd control barriersqty 40
Barrier tapeqty 400
Bib numbersqty 80
Bib holdersqty 80
Measuring tapesqty 3
Rakeqty 4
Scoopsqty 4
Wheelbarrowsqty 2
Brushesqty 6
Horse water troughsqty 12
Hay netsqty 12
Power cables for paddocksqty 12
Paddock postsqty 60

Equipment

Sound system
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Speakersqty 4
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Coolersqty 6
Handheld megaphone

Lighting

LED lampsqty 12
String lightsqty 6

Decorations

Competition flagsqty 20
Bannersqty 8
Directional signsqty 15

Tableware

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

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 4
Bread knivesqty 4
Cooler thermometersqty 2

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 10
Broomqty 4
Litter pickersqty 3
Bucketsqty 6
Mopsqty 4
Spongesqty 12
Hand soap dispensersqty 6
Towel dispensersqty 6

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 6 packs
- Tea assortment - 250 bags
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 120 bottles
- Spa Rood - 30 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Beer - 120 cans
- Alcohol-free beer - 24 cans
- White rolls - 120 pieces
- Whole grain buns - 80 pieces
- Unsalted butter - 2 kilos
- Young cheese - 4 kilos
- Back ham - 3 kilos
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 2 kilos
- Cucumber - 12 pieces
- Tomatoes - 4 kilos
- Lettuce - 8 heads
- Eggs - 60 pieces
- Mayonnaise - 3 bottles
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Paprika chips - 10 bags
- Plain chips - 10 bags
- Snack mix - 6 bags
- Syrup waffles - 8 packs
- Cookie assortment - 8 packs
- Apples - 8 kilos
- Bananas - 6 kilos
- Grapes - 5 kilos
- Muesli bars - 100 pieces
- Ice cubes - 20 kilo
- Paper napkins - 500 pieces
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Disinfectant - 2 bottles
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Liquid hand soap - 6 bottles
- Paper towels - 12 packs
- Bandages - 4 boxes
- Gauze pads - 4 boxes
- Sports tape - 6 rolls
- Rain ponchos - 80 pieces
- Printer paper - 2 packs
- Pens - 30 pieces
- Waterproof markers - 12 pieces
- Coffee stirrers - 300 pieces
- Wooden forks - 200 pieces
- Paper plates - 150

Tips

Prepare at least one bib number and bib holder for every competitor, plus a small spare set for replacements. Keep the start list and printed maps with the number supplies so late changes can be handled on the day.
Match the arena equipment to the discipline and course plan before buying or hiring it. Count every jump obstacle, bar, stand, dressage letter and cone from the final layout, then add a few spare cones for marking changes or restricted areas.
Provide one water trough and hay net for each horse area you are using, and check that the venue has a reliable water supply. Arrange paddock posts and power cables early if horses will be kept in temporary paddocks.
Set up a dedicated judges’ table with chairs, shade and access to power before the first class starts. Test the sound system, speakers and wireless microphones at least 60 minutes before announcements, and keep a handheld megaphone as a backup.
Allow enough barriers or barrier tape to separate spectators, parking, horse routes and restricted competition areas. Reserve tables, chairs, clothes racks and coolers together with the tents so delivery and setup do not happen in separate stages.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to buy for a horse riding competition?: Start with the discipline-specific arena equipment, competitor bib numbers, judges’ table, barriers, signage, sound equipment and horse-care supplies. The final list depends on the number of classes and horses, so count those first and add spare cones, bibs and basic cleaning tools.
How many bib numbers should I prepare for a horse show?: Prepare one bib number and holder for every registered competitor, plus around 5–10% extra for replacements and late changes. For 40 competitors, that means 42–44 numbers is a practical allowance.
How early should I arrange equipment for a riding competition?: Arrange hired equipment, stalls, tents, barriers, sound equipment and prizes at least 4–6 weeks ahead. Confirm quantities and transport one week before the event, then test power and audio on the setup day or at least 60 minutes before opening.
How much water and hay do horses need at a competition?: Provide one accessible water trough and one hay net per horse area, then replenish according to the horses’ normal routine and the weather. For a competition with 30 horses, plan for at least 30 trough positions and 30 hay nets, with spare capacity for damaged or shared equipment.

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