Your first show is mainly a matter of organization. The nerves will sort themselves out, but a forgotten bridle or missing start paperwork makes the day needlessly stressful. With a fixed checklist, you don't have to think about it anymore.
Paperwork and Administration
This is the category where beginners most often go wrong, and it's exactly here that you can end up without a substitute if something's missing. Sort it out the evening before.
- Startbewijs and startpas — check that your startbewijs (the official proof that you're allowed to compete) is active and that your horse is registered for the right discipline. At most competitions you don't need to show anything physically, since your membership number is tied to your entry, but know your membership number by heart or keep it handy on your phone.
- Horse passport — must be on-site. At many competitions it's requested at check-in or during the stable inspection, among other things to check the vaccination status.
- Confirmation of entry and start times — print or screenshot your start list. Start times can shift on the day itself, so check the current list again on arrival.
- Cash or a debit card — for entry fees paid on-site, a deposit for the stable, parking, or a cup of coffee.
If you're unsure whether your startbewijs and entry are in order, sort that out well in advance. See the guide on applying for a KNHS start permit and always check knhs.nl (the Dutch equestrian federation) for the exact, current requirements.
Clothing for the Rider
Dress rules differ by discipline and by class, and the competition secretary can turn you away for a violation. Check the schedule of classes (vraagprogramma) or the announcements from the organizing club in advance. For the entry-level classes, a neat basic outfit is usually the standard.
| Item | Note |
|---|---|
| Riding helmet | Mandatory, with a valid safety standard; usually black or dark |
| Riding jacket or a neat sweater | Depends on class and weather; often more relaxed in the lowest classes |
| White or light-colored breeches | Standard for dressage; a bit more relaxed for show jumping |
| Riding boots, or chaps with jodhpurs | Clean and in good condition |
| White gloves | Usual for dressage |
| Safety vest (body protector) | Mandatory for eventing/cross-country, recommended for show jumping |
Bring spare clothing: a second pair of gloves, clean breeches, and rain gear. Wet breeches or a soaked jacket are no fun on a long competition day.
Gear for the Horse
Pack the horse's tack in a fixed order, so you can quickly see if anything is missing. Lay it out the evening before instead of hunting for it in the morning.
- Saddle, saddle pad, and girth — a white saddle pad is usual for dressage; check the rules for permitted colors.
- Bridle with the right bit — bring the bridle that matches your discipline and class. Note: not every bit is allowed in every class. Leg protection and wraps are often not allowed during a dressage test, but are fine during warm-up.
- Leg protection and jumping boots — for jumping and warming up.
- Halter and lead rope — for the trailer and the stable area.
- Grooming kit — brushes, hoof pick, a cloth for the final check, and optionally a tail brush and some braiding supplies.
- Rug or sweat rug — depending on the season, to keep the horse from cooling down too fast after exertion.
- Bucket and sponge — for water and sponging off after the test (the fixed pattern you ride for the judge) or the round.
- Hay and your own water — bring the feed and water your horse is used to; a horse sometimes won't drink from an unfamiliar water trough.
A small first-aid kit for the horse (wound wipes, a roll of bandage, some padding) is handy for minor scrapes. For a real injury or any doubt about your horse's health, call the vet or the veterinarian on-site — don't improvise yourself.
For the Journey and at the Venue
A competition day often runs from early to late. What you bring for yourself makes a real difference.
- Food and drink for yourself — sandwiches, fruit, plenty of water; catering isn't generous everywhere.
- A folding chair and, in hot weather, maybe a gazebo or parasol.
- Phone charger or power bank — you'll need your phone all day for the start list.
- Cash for entry fees, parking, or catering.
- A small repair kit: a spare stirrup leather, some tape, a safety pin, a length of rope.
Anyone towing their own trailer checks the tires, lights, and hitch beforehand, and makes sure their driving license covers the combination. Allow for plenty of travel time: better to arrive early than to pull onto the grounds stressed.
The Night Before and the Morning Itself
How calm the day itself feels is mostly decided the evening before.
- Pack the trailer and bags the evening before → check: all four categories (paperwork, clothing, horse gear, food) are laid out and ready.
- Check your start time and route → check: you know what time you need to start, and you've allowed plenty of travel time.
- Plan your warm-up time → check: you know how long before your start you want to be at the venue to warm up and let the horse settle in.
- Clean the horse the evening before → check: braiding and the thorough groom don't all need to happen again in the morning.
If you do forget something, ask a fellow rider — the atmosphere at a show is generally helpful, and a forgotten brush is easily borrowed. Knowing the unwritten rules at horse shows will also help you feel at home faster at your first competition.
See also: Applying for a KNHS Start Permit · Dutch Competition Classes Explained · Glossary for Competition Riders