If your Memorial Day weekend looks anything like ours, it’s definitely not relaxing.
It usually looks more like late nights at the barn, parents loading trailers, kids washing animals, and someone yelling, “Where are the clippers?!” while everyone scrambles to get out the door on time.
And no matter how organized I try to be, I always find myself doing one final walkthrough the night before a jackpot show. I’ll be standing in the barn thinking through everything—does my animal’s hair look right? Did I pack enough towels? Did I clean the trailer? Did I forget feed again?
After doing this enough times, I’ve learned that the difference between a stressful show morning and a smooth one usually comes down to what you do the day before.
The biggest thing I try not to do anymore? Wait until the last second to wash animals.
I used to think washing the night before made the most sense—until I realized I was dealing with wet hair, stressed animals, and a lot of unnecessary chaos. Now I try to wash a day or two before the show whenever possible so their coat has time to fully dry, fluff back up, and look its best.
This time of year is also when skin issues love showing up at the worst possible time. Warmer weather, humidity, shared wash racks, and more travel can quickly lead to dry skin, irritation, fungus, and ringworm problems. Before every show, I always do a full skin check to make sure I’m not missing anything small that could turn into something bigger.
That’s why I always keep Ring Out Shampoo on hand for regular washes because it helps clean deeply while supporting healthy skin and coat condition. If I notice any problem spots, I’ll use Ring Out to help address skin issues before they become a bigger headache right before show day.
The night before a show is also when I do final clipping touch-ups. Nothing major—just cleaning up little areas that need attention so I’m not panicking show morning. I’ll also spend time blowing and training hair because those extra few minutes can make a big difference once you step into the ring.
And honestly, one thing families forget all the time? Your trailer and equipment need prep too.
After multiple spring shows, trailers can build up manure, odor, and moisture fast—and once summer heat arrives, it only gets worse. I always try to clean out the trailer before loading animals again so they’re traveling in a cleaner environment.
My quick trailer cleanup checklist:
- Sweep out old bedding
- Remove manure buildup
- Wash mats
- Clean water buckets
- Spray down odor-prone areas
SciZyme Concentrate has become one of my favorite products for this because it helps break down odor and keeps trailers, pens, and barn areas fresher heading into summer.
And before we finally leave, I always do one final check of the essentials because forgetting one small thing can make for a long weekend.
My must-pack list:
- Clippers
- Brushes
- Show supplies
- Feed
- Fans
- Extension cords
- Towels
- Show clothes
- Health products
Memorial Day jackpot shows can feel hectic—but they’re also some of the most fun weekends of the year.
A little extra prep before you hit the road means less stress, healthier animals, and a lot more confidence once you walk into the ring.
