Friday Prep

As another weekend is upon us and another billion shows get ready for their exhibitors, I pack my day bag for 2 open hunter shows. I like to be prepared for anything but if I know the venue(s) I'll be judging at, I pack just for that location. In my bag always

• various pens, various colors for my own entertainment and always with rubber grip
• chapstick
• my own preferred cards for marking rounds
• cell phone on vibrate
• brimmed hat & emergency visor
• cough drops
• headache medication of choice, just in case
• compact telescoping umbrella (for those venues who provide no shade & rain of course)
• small towel for those hot days; can also be used for neck warmer if cold
• sketch pad (for shows who allow way too much time for trainer/rider/horse conflicts & lateness)
• rule books for the appropriate show (always USEF, AQHA and then as needed APHA, WPSA, etc)
• small digital voice recorder - for notes, thoughts, etc
• bug spray
• high SPF sun blocker
• gloves (in case it gets cold)
• ear buds and walkie talkie (in case the show doesn't have enough, I need access to the manager, secretary, gate person, etc)
• batteries for above
• whistle (for jumper classes w/ broken or no buzzer, I'm not using one that the show provides - who knows where it's been)
• stopwatch (for jumper classes with broken or no reliable timers & second backup plan)
• digital camera for snapping interesting observations of normal, inadequate or outrageous performances in & out of the ring
• neck lanyard for holding any issued ID that may be required
• and I always check with a website or secretary, for those shows with their own extra rules and descriptions of classes

Seems like a lot? Well it is I suppose but as a judge of many disciplines, traveling through many states, I find it better to be ready for almost anything.
For those going to show this weekend...... do your best; try your hardest; have fun & smile; learn something new; improve on the old; wear your helmet and be safe!!
Show Tip: I always prefer to see gloves worn in equitation classes. It gives a polished look and can detract from your boots if in fact you forgot to polish them!