20 Items to Pack For a Day at a Horse Sale (or Any Livestock Auction)

Packing like a pro and reducing stress by being prepared can make a trip much more enjoyable…a trip to the sale barn that is. Your suitcase is packed and the trailer loaded, but what will you need on sale day?

Much like a carry-on for flying, a small bag equipped with the essentials can save you time, money and anxiety.. I’m providing a list of items to pack (or at least consider) into a tote, backpack, purse, etc. as you head into the auction barn for your next horse sale or livestock sale. Whether you’re buying or selling, or just socializing, you’ll always find yourself (or a family member) in need of something. Don’t make a special trip back to the truck and trailer or even into town for that something- have it already packed and handy.

Be sure to click on the highlighted links for some personal recommendations.

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1. Check book or Credit Card: Pay for those purchases

2. Cash: You don’t want to chase down your spouse for extra cash; be sure to have your own stash

3. ID: This is often required to get a buyers number

4. Financial Documents: Need a bank letter? If you didn’t submit it ahead of time, be sure to pack it along

5. Pen: Take notes, write down lot numbers and price or contact information of people you meet

6. Catalog/Sale Material: Bring it along with you if you received it in the mail or you’ve printed it off. You never know when the office will run out and you’ll be without.

7. Headache Pills

8. Hand Sanitizer or Hand Wipes

9. Portable Charger: Recharge your device while you sit in the seats

10. Gum: You’ll be in close proximity to many people- talking about horses or the latest gossip. Don’t let them know that you had onions on that hamburger you ate in the sale barn cafe.

11. Snacks: Nuts, Candy

12. Drinks: This might overload your bag, but if you have room thrown in a bottle of water. You’ll save yourself from paying for it later

13. Kleenex: the potential uses are endless: runny nose, spit out your gum, a bathroom stall with no TP

14. Hair Tie or Barrette

15. Chapstick/Lip Gloss: Depending on the environment, sale barns and outside pens can be very drying, protect your lips from the elements and stay looking fresh

16. Business Cards or other promotional tools

17. Extra Clothes: Scarf, Gloves, Jacket, etc.

18. Phone: This isn’t something you need reminded to keep with you, but having it packed in your bag will keep your hands free and reduce the chances of losing it.

19. Keys: Much like your phone, it’s something you’re going to have to keep with you anyway, so might as well have a home for them instead of creating a bulge in your pocket.

20. Glasses: Sunglasses or Reading Glasses- be able to read the fine print and get a closer look at what you’re bidding on.

This list is great for other occasions too. Apply these tips and purchase recommendations to a day at the rodeo, a festival, a show or anywhere you’ll be away from home for an extended period of time.

Now where will you put all of these treasures in order to keep them clean, organized and close at hand? You’ll want to choose the appropriate bag for a horse sale, livestock auction or any western, cowboy or farm-related event: A tote, backpack, fanny pack are just a few options. Pick something washable if it’s soft or something slick and dust and smell resistant. Your bag of choice will absorb much of it’s surroundings.

Enjoy your time at your upcoming event. Be sure to say hi and show me your awesome bag full of necessities if we cross paths!

Related Posts & Pages:
10 Packing Tips For Kids
Or don’t even leave the house: Top Tips for Buying and Selling Horses Through Online Auctions