You’ll need a safe place to confine your dog when not on the field, either a crate or an ex-pen. A portable shelter or shade cloth comes in handy if the day is hot. Make sure to bring water, food, bowls, treats, etc. Colored hunt collars are available to use on the field during the trial, but if you want to leave your dog’s collar on as well, make sure to remove any dangling tags or tape them securely (see the Hunt Test Rules). If you usually use a retractable lead, think about switching to a flat lead—you’ll find it a lot easier to manage when you are turning loose or catching up your dog on the field, plus you can clip it around your torso so your hands will be free.
Your dog is going to get really dirty on the field. Bring towels and grooming equipment, maybe even a grooming table. Most people let the mud dry and then just brush out the dirt and twigs—proof of how well the PBGV coat works for this kind of activity! Ticks can be a problem in late fall and early spring so check with your vet about what products to use and be prepared to pull ticks off your dog.