Every livestock showman has that moment: "I forgot WHAT?!" From missing extension cords to MIA registration papers, here's a helpful roundup of all the unexpected but absolutely essential items showmen somehow always leave at home (or forget as they are leaving after the shows).
We all triple-check our show halters, feed buckets, and grooming supplies. But in the rush of prepping livestock and loading trailers, the little things sneak by. And suddenly, you're using a piece of twine instead of wire, bartering gum for antacids, or wishing you packed that extra pair of socks (or another belt for showmanship). Here's a light-hearted look at the forgettable essentials every show family has kicked themselves over and created more than a little tension on show day. And yes, we've all been there.
And it's not just the random stuff, either. Sometimes it's the most obvious show items that get left behind! We're talking entire bags of feed, the show stick you always use, show harness, halters, or the trusty (and often underestimated) feed scoop. You know, the things you were literally holding five minutes ago before getting distracted by a sibling or parent's last minute "did you remember to grab" comment. Yep. Those.
The "Who Forgot the Wipes?!" Moment
Hand sanitizer? Wet wipes? Paper Towels? You'll want all of them unless you're okay with eating lunch after handling everything in the barn. Remember you are most likely making sandwiches out of the cooler or sharing a crockpot meal with the families stalled around you. Clean hands are appreciated.
First Aid = First Thought Next Time
Ever had a show buddy limp into the ring because of a "new show boots" blister? Pack that first aid kit. Bonus points for Tums, ibuprofen, allergy meds, and Band-Aids with cartoon cows. Throw in some tweezers and an ice pack if you're aiming for gold-star preparedness.
The "Oops, It's Raining" Category
The forecast said it would be sunny. Your soggy socks say otherwise. Don't forget:
-
Rain ponchos (the uglier, the luckier)
-
Trash bags (multi-use magic!)
-
Towel for the inevitable mud splash
-
Extra socks and dry shoes (your future self will thank you)
-
Pallets to stack your hay and feed on. Nobody has time for a feed run when it's show time.
Sitting Down Is Not Overrated
Bringing a lawn chair sounds optional until you're standing for 6 hours straight and eyeballing a tack box like it's a recliner. Want to really upgrade? Bring a chair with cup holders, a snack pocket, and perhaps an umbrella holder. Your own pillow and blanket - brilliant!
Power Panic!
When the Clippers Die Mid-Fade
No charger? No power strip? Welcome to panic city. Save yourself with:
-
Power banks (extra-long cord = bonus)
-
Extension cords (the 6-footer never cuts it)
-
Pigtail Adapters (you'll be the hero!)
-
Extra clipper blades (because yours will go dull at the worst time)
Organization: AKA Controlled Chaos
Label All the Things
Markers, duct tape, and bags = organized chaos. Nothing says "pro" like labeled socks and a zip tie kit that could repair a spaceship. Want to level up? Use color-coded bins, reusable tags, and storage cubes. You'll look like a show day ninja.
Money, Docs & Other Adulting Stuff
-
Cash is king when the card reader is offline.
-
Keep those health papers, registration papers and entry forms handy (not under the floor mat).
-
Print backup copies. And don't use glitter ink.
-
Bring a mini folder or envelope. Bonus if it has a cow on it.
-
Did you check your tattoos? It never hurts to check those twice and make sure your EID tags/fair tags are still where they belong in your animal's ear.
Creature Comforts That Save Sanity
-
Shower shoes or slides (trust us)
-
Favorite snacks (hangry is real)
-
Extra clothes
-
Hair ties, deodorant, and chapstick: the holy trinity of showday grooming
-
Hair spray unless you really want to use tail adhesive on yourself too
-
A cozy hoodie or blanket for chilly mornings
-
Earplugs or a white noise app if you're napping in a noisy barn or trailer area
Lost & Found Laughs
Ask any fair's lost & found what turns up: phones, wallets, dentures (!), even hearing aids. Moral of the story? Zip your pockets. Use a fanny pack. And label everything with your name-even your lawn chair.
Most Common and Unexpected Items Left Behind
After livestock shows and fairs, a wide variety of items are left behind-some expected, some quite surprising. The most commonly forgotten items tend to be everyday personal belongings, while the unexpected finds can range from the quirky to the valuable.
Most Commonly Left Behind Items
-
Cell Phones: Dozens turned in daily. Must be the universe telling us to unplug.
-
Wallets and IDs: Nothing like realizing your entire wallet is MIA 100 miles down the road.
-
Keys: Seriously-how do you even leave without them? We don't know either.
-
Eyeglasses and Sunglasses: Found perched on bales of hay, barn rails, and fair food counters.
-
Hats and Jackets: When that cool morning turns hot, and suddenly your hoodie's gone forever.
-
Strollers: Parents, we know. It's been a day.
-
Single Shoes: Yes, one. Not both. The mystery of the barnyard Cinderella lives on.
Unexpected (and Sometimes Bizarre) Items Left Behind
-
Engagement Rings and Jewelry: The ultimate in "please return to the lost & found."
-
Cash: Either misplaced or mis-tossed in a hurry.
-
New Purchases: Someone spent good money on those boots... and forgot them.
Pro Tips to Remember It All
-
Don't let your next livestock show turn into a scavenger hunt. Make a checklist, then laminate it and hang it on the livestock trailer door. Leave space to jot in items that the family forgot for (or left behind at) the last show.
-
Assign a buddy system: one packs chargers, the other packs snacks.
-
Have a "show day sanity box" with all the oddball items you forgot last year.
-
Check the weather and plan outfits accordingly-yes, that includes backup pants. Consider keeping extra layers in the show trailer all year.
Visit www.thompsonshowfeed.com/contact to share your best "oops" moments and we might just feature your story on social media in a kind, supportive way (since we've all been there, done that).