What to Buy for a Pony Competition

A pony competition needs more than jumps and dressage equipment. You also need practical supplies for judges, riders, horses, volunteers and spectators, from water troughs and hay nets to tables, cups and waste bins. Plan quantities around the number of ponies, classes and expected visitors. Check the ground, weather forecast and venue layout before buying or collecting bulky items, because access and weather can affect what you need on the 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
Changing room benchesqty 4
Waste binsqty 8

Sports equipment

Jump obstaclesqty 8
Dressage lettersqty 12
Dressage fencesqty 20
Start and finish postsqty 4
Conesqty 30
Barrier tapeqty 6
Ground polesqty 12
Measuring tapesqty 3
Vestsqty 20
Horse water troughsqty 8
Hay netsqty 8
Mobile paddock panelsqty 20
Wheelbarrowsqty 3
Pitchforksqty 4
Scoopsqty 4
Broom setsqty 4
First aid kitqty 2
Fire extinguishersqty 2
Flashlightsqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 120
Coffee cupsqty 60
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Serving plattersqty 12
Coffee potsqty 3
Thermos flasksqty 4

Equipment

Sound speakerqty 2
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Coolersqty 4
Kettlesqty 2
Coffee machinesqty 2
Handheld megaphonesqty 2

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knifeqty 2
Serving spoonsqty 6
Pliersqty 4
Cooling racksqty 4
Storage boxesqty 10

Decorations

Competition flagsqty 20
Bannersqty 8
Prize display
Tableclothsqty 10

Lighting

LED light garlandsqty 6
Work lightsqty 4

Cleaning

Mop setsqty 3
Bucketsqty 6
Cleaning glovesqty 12
Waste binsqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 6 crates
- Spa Rood - 2 crates
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Apples - 8 kilos
- Bananas - 5 kilo
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Snacks - 5 bags
- Popcorn - 3 bags
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Muesli bars - 6 boxes
- Currant buns - 60 pieces
- Mini rolls - 100 pieces
- Young cheese - 3 kilos
- Back ham - 2 kilos
- Chicken breast topping - 1 kilo
- Hummus - 1 kilo
- Cucumber - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Butter - 1 kilo
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Vegetarian snacks - 100 pieces
- Mini sausages - 100 pieces
- Puff pastry snacks - 100 pieces
- Satay skewers - 2 packs
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Coffee filters - 2 packs
- Ice cubes - 10 bags
- Horse hay - 8 bales
- Horse straw - 6 bales
- Drinking water - 200 liters
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 1 pack
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Toilet cleaner - 2 bottles
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 4 rolls
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Paper towels - 6 packs
- Disinfectant spray - 3 bottles
- Tissues - 6 boxes
- Rain ponchos - 30 pieces
- AA batteries - 24 pieces
- AAA batteries - 24 pieces
- Printer paper - 2 packs
- Ballpoint pens - 30 pieces
- Highlighters - 6 pieces
- Tape - 6 rolls
- Staples - 2 boxes
- Rope - 4 rolls
- Cable ties - 2 bags
- Duct tape - 4 rolls
- Paper flags - 6 garlands
- Prize rosettes - 30 pieces
- Gift vouchers - 10 pieces
- Wristbands - 150 pieces
- Number stickers - 150 pieces

Tips

Allow at least one water trough for each separate horse area, plus a refill plan. Put hay nets where ponies can eat safely without blocking walkways, gates or the warm-up area.
Count one judging table and enough chairs for every judge and official before the start lists are published. Add a covered table or party tent if paperwork, timing equipment or food must stay dry.
Prepare one waste bin at each busy point, such as the entrance, catering area, changing area and arena exit. Emptying them during the competition is easier than moving overflowing bins later.
Check every jump obstacle, dressage fence, ground pole, cone and marker before the event, not only on competition morning. Bring measuring tapes and barrier tape so distances and restricted areas can be adjusted quickly.
For catering, count reusable cups, coffee cups, plates and cutlery by expected guests, then add around 10% spare. Coffee pots and thermos flasks should be ready before the first riders arrive, when volunteers are busiest.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a pony competition?: At minimum, prepare the competition equipment for your format, including jumps or dressage markers, start and finish posts, cones, measuring tapes and barrier tape. You will also need horse water troughs, hay nets, ground-maintenance tools, tables, chairs, waste bins and basic catering supplies.
How many water troughs do I need for a pony competition?: Use at least one trough for each separate horse area or group of ponies, with an additional trough if horses must pass through another part of the venue. Arrange refills before competition day and check the supply again when the weather is warm.
How much catering equipment should I buy for a pony competition?: Count one cup, plate and cutlery set per expected guest, then add about 10% spare for volunteers, officials and replacements. Plan coffee capacity for the first hour before riders arrive, rather than waiting until the first break.
When should I order prizes and ribbons for a pony competition?: Order prizes and ribbons at least 3 to 4 weeks before the competition, once the classes and award structure are confirmed. Check the quantities against the final start lists several days before the event so missing awards can still be replaced.

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