For the past few years, I’ve been lucky enough to have the opportunity to escape the New England winters and head to sunny Ocala, FL to compete in the Winter Circuit. And I can’t wait to head down there again this year, but the packing process can definitely be complex! Between packing all of my own gear, and packing all of my horse, Duncan’s, gear there is A LOT of packing to be done before we head south. Over the years, and with the help of my very organized barn manager, I’ve developed a comprehensive packing list for myself and Duncan along with some of my favorite products, that I thought could help others out.

(Want a shorter, printable version? Check out the PDFs at the bottom of the blog!)

Rider Packing List:

1. Show Coat (2)

• RJ Classics Monterey Orange Label Show Coat – Item #21120 (Black)
• AA Platinum MotionLite Show Coat – Item #27861 (Navy)

I typically show two days a week and usually back-to-back days, so I like to bring at least two show coats, plus a shadbelly to eliminate having to do wash every time after I show. I’m currently showing primarily in the equitation medals so my go-to colors are black and navy to keep it traditional. These are two of my favorites that are jam-packed with features and both extremely comfortable while still providing a very flattering look. Both are also very lightweight but the MotionLite is especially great for those super-hot days with its allover mesh fabric. I also love that they’re both machine washable, which makes them super easy to care for.

2. Show Shirts (4)

• Essex Classics Talent Yarn Shirt – Item #21096 (Longsleeve)

You can never have too many show shirts (I usually pack at least 4), and this one is my favorite. There are so many fun collar patterns it’s like I have to collect them all! – That’s how that works right? (Plus how cute are these unicorns from last year?) I love the underarm mesh, and how lightweight it is, plus it has UV protection for the rare moments I don’t have my coat on between divisions! The fabric is really technical, too, beyond just the UV protection. It’s antibacterial, deodorizing, and moisture-wicking which is so important for summer showing no matter where you are! I won’t tell you how many of these I have, but you should definitely have one, too.

3. Breeches for Showing (2)

• The Tailored Sportsman Mid-rise Side Zip Hunter/Jumper Boot Sock Breech – Item #31871 (Tan)

These are my go-to breeches for showing, and what I’ve always worn. Plus, I love that they now come with a sock bottom for even more comfort with all-day wear.

4. Hair Nets (2)

• One Knot Hairnets – Item #18079

A staple in any show backpack! All the hairnets that I’ve been schooling in are pretty holey at this point… so definitely needed to stock up on these bad boys. These are by far my favorite hair nets because of the one-knot design that eliminates pressure under your helmet, which is especially great for those long horse shows days when you have to wear your helmet for hours

5. Gloves (2)

• Roeckl Roeck-Grip Gloves #12212

It’s always great to have multiple pairs of these as well. Personally, I hate wearing gloves, but because I show in the equitation I need them to maintain that traditional look. These are my favorite because it barely feels like I’m wearing gloves at all they fit just like a second skin! They also provide a good grip on the reins and unlike some other leather gloves I’ve tried, they don’t leave any residue on your hands and are super breathable.
Helmet (#24616) Samshield Miss Shield Helmet

6. Schooling Shirts (4)

• Hadley SunShield 1/4 Zip by SmartPak – Item #25903 (Longsleeve)

These are by far my favorite riding top to school in during the week! The mesh underarm provides the perfect amount of breathability and ventilation for those hot Florida days and the long sleeves and UPF 50 keep me protected from the sun. I also tend to sweat a lot when riding, so I love that these shirts also have moisture-wicking and fast dry technologies to keep me dry and comfortable and an Antimicrobial treatment that helps keep things fresh between washes.

7. Schooling Breeches (2)

• Hadley Mid-Rise Breeches by SmartPak – Item #24691 (Knee Patch)

I love these for an elegant option for schooling. They are super comfortable and move with me nicely both in and out of the saddle. Plus, they are lightweight and moisture-wicking making them a great option for riding in the heat. I also love that they have a stain and water-resistant finish, so I can stay somewhat clean during long days at the barn and dry if I get caught in a shower.

8. Tall Boots

• Paddock Boots & Half Chaps
• Tredstep Deluxe Half Chaps – Item #13216
• Tredstep Medici II Field Boot – Item #30522

9. Outwear

Sometimes I forget how cold it can be in Florida, especially when I first get down there. I definitely have to remind myself to pack things like a rain jacket and jackets and layers for warmth.

10. Miscellaneous

Other things I pack include: belts, boot socks, spurs, sticks, and sunscreen!

Horse Packing List:

1. Bridles (3)

• Wellfleet® Contoured Wellfleet by SmartPak – Item #27983

I love this bridle for showing because of the ergonomic design along with the traditional look. The anatomic contouring, all-over padding, and wide noseband are a really classy look with great functionality as well. In addition to packing this bridle for showing, I also pack an additional 1-2 bridles for schooling and lunging.

2. Girths (2)

• (Showing) EquiFit T-Foam Anatomical Hunter Girth – Item #21081

This girth provides the ultimate freedom of movement for Duncan. The anatomical design gives him significantly more freedom of movement through his shoulders helping to elongate his stride and I felt like he jumps even better than normal with this. I think the comfort of the memory foam also really contributes to that. It’s also great because you get all of those benefits while still looking like you’re wearing a traditional leather girth that is suitable for the hunter or equitation rings.

• (Schooling) SmartPak Dri-Lex Fleece Girth – Item #20574

A staple in my tack trunk! Super easy to wash and great breathability and moisture management mean I can use it a good number of times before needing to throw it in the wash. I love that this girth offers the traditional look of a leather hunter girth. But, the neoprene and memory foam relieve pressure and create a more custom fit, plus the double elastic sides offer the best comfort for my horse as he’s strutting his stuff in the show ring. Plus, it has a CoolMax lining to help wick away moisture and offer breathability – also perfect for those hot summer days!

3. Turnout Fly Gear

• Sheet – SmartPak Deluxe Fly Sheet – Item #24351
• Mask – SmartPak Deluxe Fly Mask – Item #26048

4. Blankets

Just like with my own jackets, I need to remember it’s colder in Florida than I always think it will be and Duncan will be headed down with a fresh body clip so it’s important he has the blankets he needs to keep him warm in turnout during the day, and in his stall at night. Here are his essentials:
• Fleece Cooler
• Turnout Blankets (100g, 250g, & 400g)
• Turnout Sheet
• Stable Blankets (100g & 200g)
• Stable Sheet

I love the Amigo® 1200D Bravo 12 Original Turnout! I find find the 100 gram turnout blanket to be such a critical piece in Duncan’s wardrobe as it’s perfect for those days where it’s too chilly for just a turnout sheet, but too warm to be wearing a medium weight. This Amigo turnout is my favorite for many reasons, but one of my favorite features is the front leg arches added freedom of movement. The waterproofing also holds up great, so I know Duncan will be able to get turned out even if it’s’ raining and still stay dry.

5. Shipping

• No-bows and standing bandages
• KL Select Italian Bell Boots – Item #16613
• Anti-Sweat – Baker™ Irish Weave Anti-Sweat – Item #10445
• SmartPak Sheepskin Shipping Halter – Item #13157

I’ve had these SmartPak Sheepskin Shipping Halters for my horses for as long as I can remember. Especially for a trailer ride as long as shipping down to Florida, I personally think it’s very important to use a shipping halter with the fuzzies sewn on like this one to ensure maximum safety and comfort. The sheepskin is extremely high quality and so soft and comfortable, which is really important to me especially on such a long journey.

6. Grooming

My barn provides all of our grooming tools and topicals for the whole barn to share, but some of my favorites are:

• Uptite® Poultice – Item #25874
• Spitfire’s Poultice Paper® – Item #29849
• Magic Cushion Hoof Packing – Item #17151
• 3M Vetrap – Item #10314
• Eqyss Premier Shampoo – Item #15086
• UltraShield EX Fly Spray – Item #15691
• Absorbine® Santa Fe™ Coat Conditioner & Sunscreen – Item #27805

The Absorbine® Santa Fe™ Coat Conditioner & Sunscreen is by far my favorite grooming product because not only does it give Duncan a beautiful shine and help repel dust, but it helps to keep him protected from the sun and helps prevent sun bleaching. It’s also not slippery at all, so I can feel safe spraying this all over, even under the saddle.

7. Miscellaneous

Other things I pack for Duncan include:
Lots of saddle pads (for both schooling & showing), his halter & lead, boots, fake tail, and of course treats!

Now that I have everything I need for me and Duncan to look and perform our best – I’m ready to take on the 2022 Winter Circuit!

Download the Packing Lists Here: