We have done everything from staying at a hotel nearby to camping in the back of our truck at rodeos, so I feel pretty confident answering the question of ‘what to bring to a rodeo.’ Here’s an older post with 3 tips for starting rodeo. I’ll start by explaining a little about how they work and why there is often a need to camp. If you don’t care to read on jump to the checklist and our Amazon list .

Most of the junior rodeo associations and high school rodeo associations (NHSRA) have multi-day rodeos where you have to check in by 7:30 am Saturday, sometimes even Friday evening, and compete for the weekend. They’re often held at arenas outside of small towns or at fairgrounds. There might be “hook-ups” which include power outlets you can plug into if you have an RV or Living Quarters Horse trailer so you don’t have to use a generator. Often times there is only “dry camping” available which means you need to have your own water and way to generate electricity.

Not everyone can start out with a fully stocked living quarters horse trailer with all the amenities. If you can and have, I am NOT throwing shade because you earned every bit of that, I have no doubt. If you’re a first gen rodeo family without the comforts of an “LQ” right now, we got into rodeo without one and did it for almost 3 years. Now, we have earned a 3 horse gooseneck where the previous owner took out the saddle rack from the tack room, made a custom back tack and made a cozy little mini LQ in the front. We love it but I would still consider us very much in the ‘roughing it’ category. I have no doubt we will continue to step up as our finances allow and I encourage you to take baby steps and enjoy your journey as well!

So back to the checklist…The list we made is sort of an ‘essentials list’ with a few nice things added to it (i.e. propane fire pit). We hope this helps you and should even come in handy if you have a super nice trailer. I’ve linked some of the items mentioned on this Amazon list should you want to snag anything conveniently. I also included my new favorite mini Keurig. Most of the first aid items can also be purchased from your vet. Should you see anything I missed, please comment below! Here’s the download:

I’ll soon do a list for those who have no clue how to even start rodeo or which associations are available in your area, so comment below if there’s an area you need help with!