Winter circuits start in January all across the world. The main winter circuits in the United States are HITS Thermal in California, HITS Arizona, HITS Ocala and the Winter Equestrian Festival in Florida, and the Gulf Coast Winter Classic in Mississippi. Horses and riders have warm weather options for showing from coast to coast.

There is so much to do to get ready for these first horse shows of the year. Not only do the horses need to be fit and ready to compete, but entries, veterinary work, transportation, and other details all need to be planned well ahead of time.

Each series of competitions has different requirements for entries and facility admittance, but most of them have some general requirements. Below is a general checklist to help you make sure that you’re ready to go:

• Entries submitted by deadline (deadlines vary depending on competition);
• Deposits sent with entries;
• Required current vaccinations (i.e. Flu/Rhino within 6 months, EHV 1 and EHV 4 within 3 months for HITS Thermal – remember these must be valid/ updated through the final competition);
• Current Vaccination Certificate (proof of vaccinations);
• Current Coggins and Health Certificates;
• Current Registrations for Horses and Riders for national and international federations (USEF, USHJA, and FEI).

In addition to the documentation and paperwork required by the competition, you will probably also want to address the following items to insure a pleasant and hassle-free experience for you, your staff, your clients, and your horses:

• Confirm that your entries were received;
• Confirm the total number of stalls reserved (including horses, tack, feed, and other storage stalls);
• Confirm housing (hotel rooms and dates, rental information, or camper parking and logistics);
• Confirm transportation for horses (check timing, route, number of horses, paperwork, etc);
• Place an initial feed and bedding order;
• Finish all routine vet work well in advance (joint injections, vaccinations, worming, etc), especially if your horses have a long trailer ride;
• Communicate plan for shipping (feed before and during trip, watering, blanketing, any special medication, etc.).

Using Stable Secretary makes barn management easier, whether you’re on the road or at your home stable. Among other things, Stable Secretary will provide alerts for all Health-related due dates:  Coggins renewals, farrier appointments, worming, vaccination, and dental due dates, and will give you reminders about joint injections and therapeutic appointments or procedures. View past Health events and enter new ones on-the-go. If you are away for an extended period of time, it’s easy to stay connected with your team at home so that nothing slips through the cracks.

Use these checklists to help take care of the logistics and details, and then let the packing begin!  From everyone at Stable Secretary, have a safe, fun, and successful winter series!!