Lists

Since I have an admittedly OCD/Type A personality, for the most part, it shouldn't come as a surprise that lists are what make my world go round.  I make lists for everything in an attempt to stay organized and efficient.  With everyone heading out on the weekends now for the spring show season, it might be time to brush the dust off of your competition packing list and get into gear!  I'll skip listing most of the regular stuff so I don't risk boring you here (general tack for all disciplines, appropriate attire and clothing for yourself, feed, hay, bedding, veterinary care items, etc.), but I'm going to try to hit some of the big things all across the board that people either tend to forget, or don't think of at all.

-Tack Cleaning Supplies... unpacking is a lot easier when you don't return home with dirty tack!
-Hose
-Coggins and Vet Certificate for traveling out-of-state
-Make sure to bring freshly washed, weather-appropriate sheets and coolers.
-Extras, extras, extras!  You never know what will get wet, dirty, or broken.
-Running Shoes - to get in that extra course walk... or "course run", if your times are tight!
-Wellies - to walk your lines in the water.
-Duct Tape.. it fixes everything!
-Spare Tire with all necessary tools
-If you're a dog person... bring a leash!  Nothing worse than a random dog jumping into the dressage ring during your test, trust me!
-Handy "How to tie a stock tie" instruction book if you are like me... enough said.
-Old bridle numbers
-Show Sheen, Baby wipes, Fly spray, and Baby oil
-Hair nets!!! And spurs, whip, crop, gloves...
-Always bring more towels and rags than you think you need...
-And of course, the number one rule is to never, ever forget treats.  Peppermints, apples, carrots.. We must treat our ponies like the royalty they think they are!

-Bring some of your horse's extra shoes with the studs already in them to the start box for cross country.  That way they're handy if you pull a shoe on course.

-Don't forget to pick up ice for after cross country!  On busy show mornings that's often the first thing to slip my mind.

- Wraps and liniment or poultice, depending on what you use.  Just watch out for cuts and sand with poultice; it can lead to issues.

-Salt source or electrolyte powder for your horse if heat is a worry.

-Pack a cooler of waters, fruits, veggies, and anything else you want.  Often there aren't many healthy options to eat on the road, so it's good to bring some of your own food, too.

I'm going to keep this brief for now, but the main thing is to double and triple check everything before the day before.  Beyond that, there isn't much else you can do if you are well prepared!  And good luck!