Show Supplies - A Checklist

Show season is upon us! Families travel far and wide to compete in local, regional and state shows during the September and October fall season as well as the January and February winter season. You’ve trained, practiced, housed and properly fed and grown your heifer. Now it’s time to head to the show. Below is a list of common items to take to the show with you.

It’s certainly not exhaustive and you should definitely check with your Ag. advisor, 4-H leader, county extension agent, or parent volunteer to see what supplies your county is bringing and what you are personally responsible for bringing. Also check with them about available space and limits on items you can bring into the county area. You may also work with other members of your county team to split up who brings what.

For the Heifer:

• Health papers

• Feed

• Hay

• Beet pulp

• Bucket for beet pulp

• Water bucket

• Feed pan

• Feed scoop

• Hose

• Water filter if desired

• Extra halter/lead rope

• Neckties

• Fitted show halter

• Leather cleaner with sponges/wipes/wash cloths   

• Costume for the state costume contest if desired

Washing:

• Water hose with spray nozzle

• Bucket

• Soap

• Body brush

• Hard brush for hooves

• Water scrape to remove excess water

• Shoes/clothing you don’t mind getting wet

• Change of clothes in case you get wet

General:

• Storage box(es) for all human and heifer supplies

• Extension cords

• Duct tape/zip ties

• Pitchfork

• Broom

• Wheelbarrow

• Fans

• Fan stands

• Display

• Chairs

Grooming (check with county on needing these items or if they have them for the team):

• Chute (county is likely to have this)

• Blow drier

• Body clippers

• Small clippers for legs and face

• Topline clippers

• Topline brush

• Clipper oil

• Clipper cooling spray

• Extra clipper blades and tools to change them out

• Hair dryer for topline

• Hair adhesive for topline

• Hairbrush to fluff tail

• Rubbing alcohol

• Shine spray

• Fly spray (a must!)

• Baby wipes or wash cloths

  
  

Person:

• Copy of entry papers if desired

• Registration papers if a registered show

• Clean, ironed, properly fitting white clothes

• Belt

• Boots

• Brush

• Hair ties

• Fitted show harness or number holder

• Cooler with drinks (check with county on available space)

• Snacks

• Money for last minute supplies, fair food/rides and other vendors

A good attitude:

Understand the PDCA showmanship score card (link below)

Listen and promptly do what your leaders say

Help others, especially those new to showing or younger kids

Treat others as you wish to be treated, your teammates, other competitors, and your leaders

Good sportsmanship to yourself, the judge, and other competitors inside and outside the ring

Resources:

• PDCA Unified Scorecard 

• PDCA Showmanship Guidelines  

• Holstein Foundation Showring Ready

Show season is a flurry of activity. Try to follow a checklist so you don’t forget necessary items and keep show days as stress free as possible. Remember to check with your leaders on what to personally bring for your particular county. Enjoy the overall process, have fun and have a great show day! Good luck!