What to Pack for Pony Club Camp: The Complete Checklist for Riders, Horses and Parents

Ask any Pony Club parent what the most stressful part of camp week is and they'll probably give the same answer: packing.

Between riding kit, horse equipment, stable essentials and overnight camping gear, it can feel like you're moving house rather than heading off for a few days of riding. Whether you're preparing for your child's first Pony Club camp or you're a seasoned camp veteran, having a clear checklist can make the whole experience far less stressful.

This comprehensive Pony Club camp checklist covers everything riders, horses and parents need for a successful week away, including those easy-to-forget items that always seem to get left behind.

Rider Essentials for Pony Club Camp

Your riding kit will be used every day at camp, often for several hours at a time. Comfort, safety and practicality should be your priorities.

Start With Safety Equipment

A correctly fitted riding hat is the most important piece of equipment you'll pack. Before camp, check your hat meets current Pony Club standards, fits correctly and has not been involved in a fall.

If you're buying for a younger rider, it's worth checking specialist children's riding hats to ensure the best fit and protection.  The Evoke Orion JS4K MIPS Black Jockey Skull is a gerat option for young riders, combining PAS 015:2011, EN 1384:2023 and ASTM F1163-23 with kitemark and the additonal benefit of MIPS, all for under £100!

Many Pony Club camps also require a body protector, particularly for cross-country sessions. Younger riders should ensure their children's body protector still fits correctly before camp starts, as growth spurts can quickly affect sizing.

For riders tackling cross-country training, an air jacket can provide additional protection. If you use one, don't forget spare canisters.

• Riding hat
• Body protector
• Air jacket (if used)
• Medical armband
• Reflective equipment for hacking

Riding Clothing You'll Actually Use

One of the most common mistakes riders make is not packing enough changes of clothes. Even in good weather, riding kit quickly becomes sweaty, dusty or muddy.

Pack several sets of comfortable horse riding clothing, including lightweight base layers, practical polo shirts and plenty of spare riding outfits.

• Jodhpurs and breeches
• Riding tights
• Riding gloves
• Riding socks
• Hair nets and scrunchies
• Pony Club sweatshirt

Many camps include competitions or presentation days, so don't forget any official Pony Club accessories such as stocks, ties and stock pins from the Pony Club Official collection.

Comfortable footwear is equally important. Make sure your tall riding boots or short riding boots are clean, safe and broken in before camp. If you wear short boots, remember to pack your riding gaiters.

Be Prepared for British Weather

Even if the forecast looks perfect, pack waterproofs. Every experienced Pony Club parent knows that summer weather can change in minutes.

A lightweight waterproof from the riding coats and jackets collection can make long days at camp far more comfortable.

• Waterproof riding jacket
• Waterproof trousers
• Warm jumper or fleece
• Spare layers

Horse & Pony Camp Checklist

Your horse needs just as much preparation as you do. Many Pony Club camps include daily turnout inspections, so clean, organised equipment is essential.

Tack Essentials

Before loading the lorry or trailer, thoroughly inspect your bridlework, saddle and girth for signs of wear.

• Saddle
• Bridle
• Girth
• Reins
• Stirrup leathers
• Martingale
• Breastplate
• Whip

Cleaning products from the tack and leather care collection are worth bringing too, particularly if turnout inspections form part of the camp programme.

Saddle Pads & Leg Protection

Take at least two clean saddle pads or numnahs so you always have a spare available.

If your horse usually wears protection, pack your regular horse boots and bandages, including brushing boots, overreach boots and travel boots.

Grooming Equipment

A complete grooming box stocked with your favourite grooming equipment will make daily turnout preparation much easier.

• Body brush
• Dandy brush
• Curry comb
• Hoof pick
• Mane comb
• Shampoo
• Detangler
• Sweat scraper

Stable Equipment You'll Need

Most camps require riders to provide their own stable equipment.

Bring a clearly labelled headcollar and lead rope, plus any spare equipment you may need throughout the week.

Practical feed room equipment, haynets and hay bags and essential yard tools can make stable management sessions much easier.

Keeping Your Horse Comfortable at Camp

Summer camps often mean warm weather, long days and plenty of flies.

A combination of fly spray, a breathable fly rug and a comfortable fly mask can help keep your horse happy throughout the week.

Many riders also bring electrolytes and supplements to support hydration during periods of hot weather and increased exercise.

Finally, every camp kit should include some basic equine first aid supplies for dealing with minor cuts, rubs and scrapes.