What to buy for a show jumping competition

A show jumping competition needs more than jumps and a start list. You need equipment for the course, safe horse access, judges, spectators, volunteers and a full day on the grounds. Use this shopping list to check supplies before the arena is prepared and trailers arrive. Pay particular attention to drinking water, power, signage, waste collection and weather cover: these are easy to arrange too late and difficult to replace on competition 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
High tablesqty 8
Waste binsqty 8

Sports equipment

Jump obstaclesqty 12
Dressage lettersqty 12
Ring barrierqty 80
Conesqty 30
Ground polesqty 12
Course number signsqty 12
Hay racksqty 20
Horse water troughsqty 20
Wheelbarrowsqty 4
Pitchforksqty 4
Scoopsqty 4
Lane rakesqty 3
Sponges and water bucketsqty 8

Equipment

Speakersqty 2
Microphonesqty 2
Mixer
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Coolersqty 6
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Flashlightsqty 6
First aid kitsqty 2
Fire extinguishersqty 4
Walkie-talkiesqty 8

Tableware

Reusable drinking glassesqty 150
Coffee cupsqty 80
Platesqty 120
Cutlery setsqty 120
Serving spoonsqty 8
Thermos flasksqty 6
Serving plattersqty 10

Decorations

Competition flagsqty 12
Barrier tapeqty 4
Directional signsqty 12
Program boardsqty 4
Bib holdersqty 50
Trophiesqty 12
Rosettes and ribbonsqty 30

Lighting

String lightsqty 6
LED work lightsqty 6

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Paring knivesqty 4
Serving tongsqty 6
Coolersqty 4
Food containersqty 8

Cleaning

Broomsqty 4
Floor squeegeesqty 3
Mop setsqty 3
Cleaning bucketsqty 4
Glovesqty 12
Litter pickersqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Chocolate milk - 6 liters
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Iced tea - 6 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Paper cups - 250 pieces
- Stir sticks - 250 pieces
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Sandwiches - 180 pieces
- White rolls - 120 pieces
- Multigrain rolls - 60 pieces
- Sliced cheese - 4 kilos
- Back ham - 3 kilos
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilos
- Cream cheese - 1,5 kilo
- Hummus - 1.5 kilos
- Butter - 1 kilo
- Lettuce - 8 heads
- Tomatoes - 4 kilos
- Cucumbers - 3 kilos
- Bell peppers - 2 kilos
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Snacks - 6 bags
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Apples - 8 kilos
- Bananas - 5 kilo
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Muesli bars - 100 pieces
- Ice cubes - 20 kilo
- Aluminum foil - 4 rolls
- Cling film - 3 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 36 rolls
- Liquid hand soap - 6 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 6 bottles
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- All-purpose cleaner - 4 bottles
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Cleaning cloths - 20 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 packs
- Wood fiber - 20 bales
- Hay - 40 bales
- Horse feed - 10 bags
- Carrots - 20 kilos
- Apples for horses - 15 kilos
- Drinking water for horses - 500 liters
- Charcoal - 2 bags
- Batteries - 24 pieces
- Tape - 8 rolls
- Cable ties - 200 pieces
- Markers - 12 pieces
- Paper - 2 packs
- Pens - 30 pieces
- Wristbands - 250 pieces
- Coffee filters - 2 packs
- Thermal cups - 100 pieces
- Hair and horsefly spray - 6 bottles

Tips

Provide at least one horse water trough for every 10 to 15 horses expected on site, plus buckets and sponges for topping up or cleaning. Arrange a reliable water source before delivery day.
Plan one waste bin per 30 to 40 people and place extra bins near the catering area and horse facilities. Empty or replace full bins during the event rather than waiting until the end.
For the judges and announcer, prepare a table, seating, microphone and speaker connection at least one day beforehand. Test the mixer, extension cords and power strips with the actual setup.
Allow around 1.2 metres of table space for every four people eating or registering. Keep separate tables for the judges, registration materials and refreshments so paperwork does not share space with drinks.
Prepare course number signs, cones, ground poles and arena barriers in a labelled container. Count every item against the final course plan before the arena is dragged and levelled.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a show jumping competition?: Plan for jump obstacles, course number signs, cones, ground poles and a ring barrier, plus tools such as rakes, wheelbarrows and pitchforks. Add horse water troughs, hay racks, speakers, microphones and tables for judges and registration.
How much seating do I need for a show jumping event?: Provide one chair for each expected seated guest, judge and volunteer, then add about 10% spare seating. If 100 people may sit at once, prepare approximately 110 folding chairs and enough tables for catering and registration.
How many horse water troughs are needed at a show jumping competition?: Use at least one trough for every 10 to 15 horses, with extra buckets for individual use. For 60 horses, prepare four to six troughs and check the water supply before the first arrivals.
What should I arrange before competition day?: Buy or collect the full equipment at least 24 to 48 hours beforehand, then test power, sound and lighting. Check signs, prizes, refreshments, waste bins and horse-care supplies again when the grounds and driveway are inspected.

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