Packing and getting organized to go to any show is always a task. If anyone knows the complexity of this task, it's the Bloomberg family. With four kids hitting the show ring, being organized, keeping priorities and making lists are just a small portion of what keeps Wravenna Bloomberg managing the circus that is preparing for a show. Take a deep dive into how Wravenna and her crew prep and pack for hitting the show road this summer!

One of the dreaded tasks with loading up for shows is what all needs to be packed. With four kids, and always a full trailer of livestock, here are a few of our tips to make this process smoother and less stressful! 

Get organized!

I like to make lists, and I make different lists for each type of task. In other words, a list of what feed needs packed, a list of what needs loaded from the house, a list of what coolers/food boxes need to go, etc. I have found that lists keep us all on target and help minimize the chance of forgetting stuff. It is also a way to help spread out the responsibility of loading, while providing ways to double check. 

Priority #1

Like most show families, our livestock take priority at our house. Thus, when prepping for a show, we load all the things the animals need first. 

• Feed

• Shavings

• Equipment

• Mats/carpet

• Pans/buckets

• Medications

• Supplements

• Show box with supplies

Following the advice of one of the OG show moms of our time, Dana Goss, it’s always my job to double check and make sure we have everything for our showstock to be ready to hit the ring once we get there. And if there are show supplies we need to get at the show, I start a list based on what is missing from the showbox. 

Keep the trailer loaded

Over the years, I’ve learned keeping the bigger stuff for stall setup in the trailer is a big help. Especially if you are headed somewhere each weekend.

Items always loaded in our trailer include:

• Tables

• Chairs

• Carpet

• Tent

• Feed hanger/cut panels

• Pick fork

• A bag with extra jackets/sweatshirts

• Microwave

• Heater/fans/umbrella

• Extension cords

Now, anytime we are headed to a national show, this all is gone through and added to/switched out depending on time of year and events we are going to. 

The little things

Depending on the show, there may be paper work required to bring. We keep a packet ready to go and double check it has all the necessities-

• Registration papers

• Health paper

• YQCA certs

• Entry payment/receipts

“Where’s the snacks?”

With four little kids, I hear this all the time! But knowing how busy show days get, this small detail becomes a big portion of how everyone’s mood holds up. ?? I always make sure we refill the coolers and snack box before each show. Also, I try to plan out what lunches will consist of. Sometimes we take easy lunch items like stuff for sandwiches, or a crock pot meal, or sometimes we support the local concession stand. A microwave in the trailer comes in handy for this as well! Taking stuff kids can make themselves is a big help on busy days. 

Finally the clothes

This one is a process. We have some kids in our house who know exactly what they want to wear and have it packed ready to go. And then we have the other extreme. I’ll let you guess who is who. ?? Regardless, I use the trusty list to go through and make sure each kid has show clothes, boots/shoes, belt, and play clothes for each day. I have also found it helpful to take extra shoes/jackets, etc to keep in the trailer just in case. There has been a time or two my shoes ended up on one of the kids to show in because this step was missed. 

Ultimately, each show family is different and we all have specific needs. So as you prepare for those national shows, take time to think through what is valued and needed for your family to have the best experience. Maybe you have someone accident prone- better add a bigger first aid kit. Maybe you have someone who needs naps- bring that cot. Maybe you have littles jazzed about free time with their friends- pack the games, balls, and scooters. But no matter what you pack, a good attitude with the desire to make the most of time spent together should always be at the top of the list!