Every summer, as we prepare for horse show season, we make a stop at the Dollar Store to stock up on some supplies. Showing can get expensive, so save here so you can splurge elsewhere! This list is geared toward western showmen, but you will find many of the items are useful in any discipline.
My daughter takes her AQHA gelding, Ranger, to the county fair and local shows. She participates in gymkhana events as well as western pleasure, horsemanship, showmanship, and trail classes.
Before the start of show season, we make a run to the dollar store to grab a few inexpensive necessities for the tack box. Here is what we buy and what we use each item for!
1. Plastic Cones
Plastic cones are great for practicing patterns at home or during fair week during down time. They can also be used to create a safe space if you have to park your horse trailer on the shoulder of a road for any reason.
2. Toilet Bowl Brush
We use toilet bowl brushes to scrub water buckets and keep them free of algae during Fair week. They conform to the bucket and are super handy! At home, we keep one by each spigot for regular bucket cleaning.
3. Disposable Razor
When used with care, a disposable razor can make short work of shaving your horse’s muzzle and whiskers before a show.
4. Thank You Cards and Pens
At our Fair, there is a rule that you have to turn in a thank you card to the sponsor before getting any trophy or banner you might have won. We keep thank you notes in our tack box for this purpose and to remind leaders, friends, or Good Samaritans that they are appreciated.
5. Hair Donut
It’s important to look your best on show day and a hair donut can help you make the perfect low bun. My daughter has long, thick hair and still uses a donut to give her bun shape and symmetry.
6. Bobby Pins
Bobby pins can help you secure your bun and any fly-aways for a sleek and professional show hairstyle. You can also clip them into the liner of your cowboy hat to help keep it in place while riding.
7. Hair Net
You can cover up that perfect bun with a hair net to keep it looking good all day long. Make sure to get one that is close to your natural hair color so that it blends in.
8. Hair Spray
Put the final touches on your show hairstyle with a generous application of hair spray. You can also use hair spray on the inside of your cowboy hat to make the band sticky so that your hat stays on your head, even in the wind or while loping.
9. Peppermints
If your horse likes peppermints, you can snag a pack for when he’s being a good boy. There is no shortage of junk food at the Dollar Store, so you can probably find a treat for your horse, and yourself, to keep your energy up.
10. Clear Sheet Protectors
We use clear sheet protectors, like what would go into a three-ring binder, for keeping a copy of registration papers and Coggins tests clean, dry, and unwrinkled.
11. Safety Pins
Safety pins are needed for attaching back numbers for the show ring. Extras can also be useful for wardrobe malfunctions and mending in a pinch!
12. Baby Wipes
You can clean your horse’s nose, under his tail, your hands, your boots, and anything else with baby wipes. They make taking care of a mess or spill a breeze when you are on the go.
13. Hand Sanitizer
If you don’t have access to a bathroom, hand sanitizer can be an adequate substitute for handwashing. We keep a bottle in the tack box for showmen and spectators to use when needed.
14. Organization Caddy
The Dollar Store is a great place to get cute organization caddies for storing all of your little show supplies. You can keep things from being spilled and forgotten when they are kept in a caddy. Just grab it on show day, and you are ready to go!
What else do you stock up on at the Dollar Store for horse show season? I would love to hear about it in the comments below!
Mother, farmer, author, and teacher by trade… She loves tending to things and watching them grow!