Taking the plunge- show advice?

I've only just started jumping about a month ago but my guy loves it and is well trained so he is the perfect teacher for me. Anyway my coach thinks it would be fun for us to enter some basic schooling shows this summer and after today's lesson I think she's right (I had no interest up until now but it seems like it could be fun!)

So what I need to know is what I will need as far as clothing and getting the boy ready. My coach has done lots of shows but just so the two of us don't forget anything, I'd like to begin assembling a list of what I'll need. First show is 4th of July, we have some time. I'll be doing hunt seat and so far I have a hunt coat and a show shirt but that is it. What else should I be gathering??

Whoops, just realized this posted to the eventing section- I meant for it to be in jumping, Sorry! Maybe an admin can move it for me?!

Haha I'm in the same boat as you :) Although I've been jumping for AGES! But now I have a desent enough posistion to start showing. I've got my first event in two weeks time so I'd just like to wish you luck and stay safe :)

Thanks! Best of luck to you too!

Thankyou! I have two weeks to teach myself to ride in my new dressage saddle :)

Well a white pad is a must, color enhancing shampoos, I assume you have matching tack? Stuff to clean that with. Good show pants (usually beige looks very proper and nice. Make sure you can jump in them.) and a good pair of tall boots. They WILL be expensive but a good pair will last forever and a day. All my boots are Ariat, I think I've only ever had one pair that wasn't. Also a clean dark colored helmet OR a velvet helmet cover for the helmet you already have. Hair nets are a must, along with someone who can do your hair. A black crop is nice to have, as well as a set of show spurs(a pair to keep clean in the trailer if you use them). I don't think I could live without my tackbox at shows. It holds my saddle pads, boots, blankets, grooming and braiding kits, everything in one place. Braiding tools are a great thing to have. Clippers to clean up your horse are nice (I like Whal). Depending on the type of shirt you have you might need a stock tie. I like to keep a seperate set of grooming tools and shampoo and buckets for shows, it keeps everything clean and I can keep it in my trailer. Hay nets save lives, end of story lol. If you are going to stay in a stall, bridle hooks to hang over the door to keep things hung is a really really nice thing to have!

Good luck!!!

Thanks SB- that is a lovely list. I just picked up a pair of Ariat tall boots at a local tack sale for $60. Look like they were on the rider like max of 2 times. They are pull ons and very lovely. Course I'm going through the hell of break in right now but they *look* so good!

I have matching tack and my helmet is black and show worthy. Oh and luckily my coach knows how to braid and has a full arsonal of supplies and I picked up a pair of Wahls last summer as well. Tan clips like a champ! We're staying at her folks so I can stable him there, we might even get to trail ride after the show.

As for those color enhancing shampoos- Tan is a dark bay, do they actually do anything? He is already so shiny I can see my reflection in his coat (mild exagg.) and he has a glorious tail so no need to add hair there!

Last question- my Eskadrons are white, will I be able to have him wear those during the show or do I need some other kind of boot? It *is* just a schooling show...

Yes, Quic Black does WONDERS! I didn't know my mare had dapples until I used it! I use it on Geof too and he looks marvolus when it's all said and done!

White Eskadrons are aceptable if you are only doing jumper classes. In a hunter class no boots are allowed. I like the look of white boots on a horse too. Just make sure they are spotless and pearly white!

Oh! And I need a show name. His name is D'artagnan so I was thinking of "En Garde" as he is a musketeer after all! I'm pretty open to suggestions though- around the barn he is just Tanner or Tan or Mister.

Ginger Kitty..... no no, just kiding, that's the nickname for my friend Tanner.... lol he's a real ginger,,, love that kid.. anyway! Ummmmm What's his personality like? And what breed is he?

He's a TB. He's a real sweet heart but hides that under a big pushy personality until he understands who is boss. He's an older gent and just loves to jump. He's pretty lazy and behind the leg until he sees some jumps being set out and then he's perky and forward and starts having a great time. I thought he was the laziest thing on earth until we started jumping and now I just know he was really bored. He's also too smart for his own good and loves to play and learn new things.