Pinto World isn’t your average weekend show. It runs over ten days, pulls in riders from every corner of the country, and covers nearly every discipline under the sun — halter, pleasure, trail, games, even ranch and English classes. It’s a busy time and it can get a little hectic.
Most people show up with plans for their classes. But not everybody shows up with a plan that covers everything else: the feed tubs, backup gear, even snacks that won’t melt by 10am. You don’t need to bring the entire barn...but the wrong missing item can wreck your day or wreck your budget.
Pack smart, and Pinto World gets a lot more manageable. Forget something essential, and you’re either making an emergency Walmart run in breeches or asking the barn next door to borrow some duct tape. Neither one is ideal.
Pinto World has everything you’d expect — stalls, wash racks, electric hookups, bathrooms. It’s a well-run show with a lot going on. Still, it helps to bring a few things of your own.
Electric access fills up fast. Fans, clippers, coffee makers, crockpots—everyone brings something. Outlets get claimed early. Power strips go missing. Extension cords stretch across barn aisles in every direction. Packing a few cords and labeling them saves time and avoids hassle.
Hoses can be hit or miss. Some leak, some are too short, and some seem to wander off. A reliable one with a nozzle that shuts off can save you from getting sprayed when someone’s rinsing a horse two stalls down.
Step stools are easy to forget until you need one. Hanging a fan, braiding, reaching that top shelf — having your own is just easier. Same with brooms, muck forks, feed scoops, and hooks.
It doesn’t take much. A few extras mean less running around and more time to focus on the fun part. It makes things smoother for your barn and for the folks around you too.
Before you even think about show clothes or tack, start with the basics that get you in the gate and keep your horse healthy on the road. Sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people come to Pinto World without their Coggins papers or health certs. Keep hard copies of your entries, too — cell service gets sketchy in some spots and you don’t want to rely on a screenshot that won’t load.
Don’t neglect your trailer toolbox. Spare leather horse halter, duct tape, extra baling twine, multi-tool, hoof pick, zip ties. Toss in a roll of paper towels and a pair of gloves. You’ll definitely use both.
Hay nets should be filled before you pull out of the driveway. Pre-bag feed if you’ve got a long haul — it’s easier than scooping out of a giant bin at a rest stop. And don’t skip the first-aid kit. Check the dates on any ointments or meds.
Arrival day never goes to plan. That’s why stall setup stuff should be easy to grab. Zip ties, stall guards, nameplates, fans with their cords already coiled neatly. Bedding forks and muck tubs should be the first thing off the trailer..
Hooks, bungee cords, extra buckets, more zip ties than you think you’ll need. These tiny things solve a ridiculous number of problems. Hang a bridle, attach a bucket, hold a curtain in place. They don’t take up space, but they’ll save you trips back and forth across the grounds chasing down tools. Stall setup isn’t glamorous, but it’s the first impression your barn makes — and the faster it’s done, the faster you can focus on the show.
Your horse doesn’t know it’s a big show—he just wants breakfast on time, in the usual tub, the way he’s used to. Keeping his routine steady matters more than ever. Stick with the same feed, same hay, same mix. Now isn’t the time to experiment with new supplements or change things up because it packs better in the trailer.
Pre-packing feed helps a lot. Labeled containers for morning and evening make things easier, especially when different people are taking turns at feeding. Toss a Sharpie in your bin—it’ll come in handy sooner than you think.
For anything not straight from a feed store, like homemade supplements or powders, double-bag them. Grain bins and mystery dust don’t mix. Same idea for electrolytes. They’re great during hot June days—but only if they make it into the bucket, not all over your tack trunk.
Bring more buckets than you think you need. One for water, one for feed, one for bathing, one extra just in case. Showgrounds are strange that way—buckets vanish or multiply overnight. Label them. Hang them up. Rinse them out. Clean water matters, especially when horses are working hard.
Tack cleaning stuff is another must. Bring a rag, sponge, leather cleaner, conditioner, and a plan to use them. Sweat and dust pile up fast, especially in multi-class horses. The tack you cleaned beautifully before leaving home will always need some attention.
Fly spray always runs out. So does hoof dressing, liniment, shampoo. Bring more than you expect to use. Replacing it on-site usually means paying more for something you don’t love. Pack the brands you trust, in sizes that last. Keep the extras where you can find them fast—right about the time you realize you’re down to the last spritz.
The schedule tells you your classes. It doesn’t warn you about the halter that snaps during breakfast or the lead rope that somehow finds its way into a manure pile right before warm-up. A spare halter and lead rope don’t take up much space, but having them ready can make a stressful moment a lot easier.
Pinto World runs on tight turnarounds. Going from Trail to Showmanship doesn’t leave time to track down a missing glove or grab a different girth. Duplicates of the basics — girths, gloves, spurs — belong in your trunk from day one. It's one less thing to worry about when the clock’s ticking.
Clippers have a way of acting up at the worst time. Maybe the battery’s dead. Maybe they were borrowed and didn’t come back. Or maybe they’ve been sitting untouched since last summer. Bring a set you’ve tested, along with fresh blades and cords that aren’t frayed. Relying on someone else’s? That’s a gamble.
If you’re banding or braiding, pack more than you think you’ll need. Rubber bands break, combs get lost, and thread can turn into a knotted mess just when you're in a hurry. Same with sprays and gels — bring your favorites and enough to last.
Saddle pads and show sheets don’t stay clean. Sweat, dust, or a sneeze from the horse in the next stall can knock out your go-to pad fast. Having an extra means your horse stays comfortable and your gear stays ring-ready, even late in the week.
Keep your numbers, class sheets, and daily schedules in one easy-to-reach spot. A clipboard with a few labeled pockets can save you from digging through the tack trunk mid-ring call. Toss in a couple of pens—you’ll lose at least one. It all adds up to a smoother day, even when everything else feels a little chaotic.
It’s easy to focus on your horse and forget your own comfort. But show days are long. Between the heat, the hard ground, and the constant go-go-go, it adds up fast. Planning ahead for yourself makes everything run smoother and feel less exhausting by the end of the week.
Start with a chair. Something easy to fold and stash in the tack stall. After hours on your feet, it’s nice to have a spot to sit that isn’t a tack trunk. Bonus if it has a cup holder—staying hydrated matters more than you think, especially in the summer.
Keep sunscreen somewhere obvious, like your grooming tote or backpack. You’re more likely to use it if it’s right in front of you. Same goes for a refillable water bottle. The more accessible it is, the more likely you are to keep sipping throughout the day.
Garment bags help your show clothes hold up better, even in the chaos of packing and quick changes. Tuck in a small sewing kit just in case something comes loose. Baby wipes are great to have on hand—for your boots, your hands, or any last-minute touch-ups before heading to the ring.
Pack an extra pair of barn shoes. The ones you’re wearing might get soaked or just wear out by mid-week. Dry socks and comfortable shoes make a bigger difference than you’d expect when your days start early and end late.
Your tack stall turns into a hub during the show—people come in and out, weather rolls through, and it’s where you’ll find a few quiet minutes. A fan helps a lot. If you’ve got space for a small AC unit, even better. It makes a warm afternoon more bearable and gives everyone a place to cool down.
Food options can be limited or far from the barns. Packing a crockpot or microwave lets you heat up meals without having to leave your setup. Even a simple warm lunch can give you a boost in the middle of a packed day.
Keep snacks on hand that are easy to eat and don’t melt or fall apart. Things like trail mix (minus the chocolate), protein bars you actually like, or crackers in sturdy packaging are smart to have nearby between classes.
And don’t forget laundry. By the end of the week, gear piles up. A pop-up hamper or laundry bag keeps things a little more organized and separates clean from dirty. It’s not fancy, but it helps you feel more put together in a week that’s anything but slow.
Even with the best prep, things pop up. A buckle snaps, reins go missing, or your horse suddenly decides his lead rope is a toy. That’s where a just-in-case kit really helps. Vet wrap, duct tape, super glue, leather repair bits, spare reins — anything small that could save you from a bigger problem.
It’s also smart to toss in batteries, chargers, a labeled power strip, and a handful of Ziplocks with a Sharpie. These little things tend to disappear or get borrowed quickly. Having extras keeps your setup running without much fuss.
A few basic people supplies go a long way, too. Pain relievers, allergy meds, band-aids, blister pads — nothing fancy, just the things that make a long day easier. Keep them together in a spot everyone can find without having to ask.
Packing early can help avoid those last-minute vendor splurges. Show prices are usually higher, and the selection can be hit-or-miss. Coordinating with your barnmates helps—fans, muck tubs, clippers—these are easy to share. Used gear swaps can be a great way to pick up extras without spending much.
Before you load up, give your tack and supplies a once-over. Pads collect hair. Straps get moldy. Snaps rust. Fixing or replacing things at home is always easier than mid-show.
And that one thing you debated packing? Bring it. It's almost always the one you end up needing. Talk with someone who’s been to Pinto World—they’ll have great advice on what’s worth tossing in.
A packing list helps, even a quick one. Scribble it on a notepad or keep it in your phone. Doesn’t need to be neat, just accurate. You’ll appreciate it once you’re running on less sleep and trying to remember if the spurs made it into the trailer.
You know what else helps? Gear that doesn’t quit mid-show. At Perri’s Leather, we’ve been making hand-crafted, American-made leather goods for riders who expect more from their equipment. Whether it’s a halter that holds up through mud, sweat & travel, or a lead rope that won’t fray mid-week—we build it like we’re showing next to you.
At Perri’s Leather, you can get leather horse halters, leather leads for horses, leads and more.
Stop by Logans Western Supply or shop for horse tack online ahead of the Pinto World madness. Your tack room (and horse) will thank you.
Create a master checklist and review it before loading. It's better to bring an item and not use it than to need it and not have it.
