The Ultimate Pony Camp Packing List
Harley and I just returned from our first ever overnight ‘pony camp’ with the British Horse Society at Hickstead. It was a wonderful weekend full of learning and fun and without a doubt, one of the most frequently asked questions I had was … what should I pack for my pony camp!? Below, I’ve shared what I took, what was essential and what I didn’t use at all!
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How To Write Your Packing List
I find it most useful to segment it into ‘areas’ - stable, riding, rider, bedroom etc. This is a great way to mentally group things and can be useful for jogging your memory on things you may have forgotten as you visualise the space or activity. Similarly, if you’re on an iPhone, I recommend using the notes app and toggling on the ‘checklist’ button at the bottom so you can tick as you pack!
My Packing List
Stable
(For context, Harley was staying in permanent stables. If you have a different arrangement for your camp, you may want to consider that when you put together your list).
Wheelbarrow (I shared one with a friend and wished I’d taken my own - they are very useful for ferrying your bits and bobs from the lorry and back when you uppack!)
Shavings fork, broom (and shovel if you’re feeling really fancy - useful on the last day when you’re tidying up properly)
Skip bucket (if your horse is being permanently stabled for the duration of camp, you’ll want to skip out frequently)
Water bucket (aside: if you’re at all concerned about the quality of water or how it might taste for a fussy drinker, you may want to look at Equine Bio Genie’s water treatment)
Feed bucket (pro tip: we separated each feed out ahead of time in little doggy bags to make for easy packing and feeding!)
Disinfectant (The BHS provided disinfectant for everyone who came to camp, but I brought my own from Equine Bio Genie - it’s used by top veterinary hospitals, has no chemical residue with a no-rinse leave in place formula and is tasteless, odourless, non-corrosive and non-toxic)
Haynets (if you have enough of them and space in your lorry/trailer, you could make up all the haynets you need. I took Haybags and refilled haynets as I needed them)
Equihooks - this one isn’t essential but I’m so glad I took mine as there were no hooks outside the box for hanging saddles, bridles etc on
Spare string for tying up outside/haynets - our stables didn’t have any outside so glad I brought some
Horse
Passport - always necessary for travelling but some camps will not let you in without checking vaccination records, so make sure you have it and that it’s up to date!
Lunge line - I took one with me for handgrazing (most people at camp were taking their horse out 2-3 times a day, if not more). If you have a horse who has a tendency to be a bit flighty in new spaces, or you want the extra security of a longer line, I recommend this
Rugs - whatever you think you might need for overnight/daytime/travel. I took a Premier Equine Waffle sheet and Weatherbeeta Thermocell - I hardly needed either as it was so warm!
Treats - I took treats and a lick. Didn’t use the lick, did use the treats!
Sweat scraper and sponge
Hoof pick
Brush - I took multiple and only really used one and a hairbrush!
Fly spray
Sun lotion (if applicable for your horse’s nose/the weather)
Tack cleaner + sponges
(put all of the above in a bucket and you’ll have a spare for carrying water!)
Riding
Bridle
Saddle
Saddle pads - I took 3 with me so I could swap them out if they got sweaty (we did 5 rides in total over 3 days, I probably only needed 2). I use Equitex: use code WITHRHI for free shipping and storage bag
Martingale if you use one, neckstrap I always recommend
Any different bits if you change from one activity to another such as cross country
Any boots you need - I love Equilibrium’s TriZone Brushing Boots - they are lightweight, dry fast and have been independently tested for breathability and protection
Ears if you use them
Rider
Hat (if you’re doing cross country make sure you have a NON-FIXED PEAK hat, many places won’t let you jump xc with a fixed peak)
Boots - if doing different activites, ensure you have your boots for flatwork, jumping, cross country if applicable
Gloves
Body protector (even if you don’t usually jump with one, remember that if you are doing XC, many places won’t let you jump without one)
Baton if you carry one
Bedroom
1 x top for each ride (check if you need a full-sleeve top for the cross country course, some places make this mandatory)
1-2 pairs of breeches/leggings/riding trousers of choice (my absolute favourites are the Toggi Hayes Breeches - soft as butter and flexible as leggings but without the stiff material!) - use code RHI10 for 10% off all applicable Toggi items
Waterproofs/coat if needed
Jumper/baselayer
Underwear and socks
PJs
Evening/casual clothes - if you are lucky enough to be doing yoga/pilates as part of your camp, take clothes + mat for that
Toothbrush + toothpaste
Sun lotion
Moisturiser
Deodorant
Phone charger
Water bottle
Snacks (if you are over 18 and alochol is allowed, I found the pre-made cans went down well - no extra cups or mixing needed and could be recycled after!) I also took Clear Whey which is a fruity protein powder that can be mixed with water. I have it almost everyday and found this was useful if I got hungry but was rushing around.
Whatever else you usually have at home - laptop for entertainment, books etc
Walking boots/trainers for general activities and yard chores
Duvet/sheet/pillows - whatever you’ll need to sleep!
If I’ve forgotten something - feel free to let me know!
