Jul 14, 2022

11 Tack Trunk Essentials from USEA Members Around the Country

By Meagan DeLisle - USEA Staff
USEA/ KTB Creative Group photo

A horse person is only as good as all of the tools they store in their tack trunk! Let's face it, as eventers we never know what we might need and when we might need it, so having everything prepared for whatever life might throw at us each day is essential. Needing some help deciding what items to stock up on as you prep for the rest of your 2022 show season? We asked USEA members to share their favorite go-to items that they can't live without in their tack trunk to help inspire you for things you might need to snag the next time you are at the tack store.

Charlotte N: "Avocado spray! It smells so good and leaves the BEST shiny coat. Vinous it also helps bring out my horses dapples."

Audrea D: "Electrical tape. For securing velcro on horse boots; temporary fix for bridle keepers; taping down pinny numbers to prevent flapping; securing helmet cover when rubber band breaks; colored tape in your signature colors to label buckets, tubs, boxes, scrapers, hoof picks, etc."

Isabelle W: "Effax boot shiner sponges, makes it so quick and easy to clean my boots."

Ashley E: "Zip ties for hanging cross ties, buckets, hay nets, stall guards, name plaques at shows, and reattaching halter name plates when the Chicago screws fall out! They break easily like bailing twine but more efficient to use."

Caroline A: "First aid kit always. Number one thing I make sure to have checked off any time I travel!"

Ellie T: "Wipes! For humans, for the horse, for literally everything. Especially when my horse decides to poop on herself the morning of the show."

Brynna G: "Gatorade Thirst Quencher Powder packets. Has saved me from getting heat sick at every single horse trial I have ever attended in the midwest between June and September!"

Lauren H: "My Epona Tigers Tongue sponge and rag! I use it for everything- last minute grooming, cleaning bits, wiping out hooves, and so many other things."

Jeanine A: "Stick-em, the sticky stuff that you put on your boots/saddle to stick yourself to the saddle. Put on the seat of the saddle with an X - X marks the spot."

Becky L: "Washcloths. I use them for wiping down my boots, cleaning my horse's face, my face when I'm sweating, cleaning my shirt or jacket off before stepping in the ring, and more. Super handy and something no one thinks about until you need it."

Jill P: "Spares! As a former pony clubber and 4-H member, I bring extra pieces of tack, clothing, snacks (for me and my horse), water, etc. I've broken my own stirrup leather and have had someone forget pants for dressage."

May 17, 2025 Education

Eventing 101: The Show Secretary is Your New Best Friend. Here’s How to Keep Them Happy

Familiarizing yourself with the key players at each horse trial is an important step to your success at your next competition. One of those important figures is the show secretary. Think of the show secretary as the mastermind behind most of the organizational efforts related to each horse trial. They manage entries, the show schedule, ride times, stabling, and so much more. Without the hard work of the show secretary and their office staff, a horse trial simply would not be able to operate.

May 16, 2025 Officials

USEA Foundation Announces the Janet Briggs Fund for the Continuing Education of Licensed Officials

The USEA Foundation is pleased to announce a new initiative, the Janet Briggs Fund for the Continuing Education of Licensed Officials. Established in memory of Janet Briggs, this fund honors her lifelong dedication to the sport of eventing by supporting the ongoing education and development of eventing licensed officials.

May 16, 2025 Eventing News

USEA Events A-Z: Hunter’s Run Farm Horse Trials

In the rolling countryside of Metamora, Michigan, there’s a place where eventers gather not just to compete, but to celebrate the spirit of the sport. Area VIII’s Hunter’s Run Farm—home to the Hunter’s Run Farm Horse Trials—has long been a beloved destination for riders across the Midwest, and this year, it’s gearing up for one of its most exciting seasons yet.

May 15, 2025 Eventing News

Weekend Quick Links: May 17-18

Are you following along with the action from home this weekend? Or maybe you're competing at an event and need information fast. Either way, we’ve got you covered!

Official Corporate Sponsors of the USEA

Official Joint Therapy Treatment of the USEA

Official Feed of the USEA

Official Saddle of the USEA

Official Forage of the USEA

Official Competition & Training Apparel of the USEA

Official Horse Boot of the USEA

Official Shock Wave of the USEA

Official Horse Wear of the USEA