6 Things I’m Glad I Got Before Entering the World of Endurance Riding
Welcome back for Part 2! In part one, I told you some things I wish I knew before my journey began. In this part, I’m gonna tell you about the stuff!
Now I am not telling you to just buy everything on my list, that’s not the purpose of this post. However, all of this stuff has been essential to
my riding career as I’ve embarked on this journey. Each of these things has been well worth the money spent. But make sure you do your research before you buy anything! Make sure you get what’s right for you!
(Picture credit to Merri Melde at the Autumn Sun Pioneer Ride 2023)
And if you have questions leave a comment, or reach out to the community. I have yet to meet anyone who isn’t happy to help or answer questions in this community!
Alright enough of that, let’s get into it:
1) Go the Distance: The Complete Resource for Endurance Horses
by Nancy S Loving
This book is the BIBLE of endurance riding. I read it almost weekly as I was getting started and I am still constantly taking more notes. This is the best comprehensive guide on how to prep your horse for endurance, navigating the rides, the vital signs of your horse, and much much more.Dr. Nancy S Loving does an amazing job of simplifying and explaining things in ways that are easy to follow!
2) Ride Packing List
This might seem silly, but I feel like it is more important than we think it is. For my brain, not having the things I need listed or planned out is simply a recipe for disaster. The link below is the packing list that I have created and curated over this year. It includes the things I bring for both myself and the things I bring for my horse. It is constantly changing as I find more things to add, update, or change. Please feel free to click the link, make a copy, and begin making your very own personalized packing list!
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ZR0ceVVTgPDtuWmGAJ5ai0mAXhLoU1RWI59rhGiJgJU/edit?usp=sharing
3) Breeches
Now, again, this might seem silly, but breeches are so so important. I mentioned in Part 1 that I learned my lesson the hard way. I definitely did. I am still working on getting it all written out, so stay tuned for the whole story, but let’s just say that leggings and jeans are not built for endurance riding. Your body will thank you for using actual breeches. I know breeches can be pricey! So these are the ones that I found and have ridden with ever since that first 50. They have held up well and are extremely comfortable. (size ran big on me)
4) Half Chaps
You’ll really want to pick a pair of these up. Half chaps will protect your legs from a ton of punishment on your rides. Mine saved me from countless scratches and bruises as I rode through brush. They also help keep your (expensive) breeches from getting a ton of holes in them.
5) Riding Helmet
I’ve loved this helmet! I have worn it for all my rides, including training, and I have yet to have any issues. It has enough ventilation in the summer that I don’t overheat, but it is snug enough that I’m warm in the winter.
6) Equilab
If you don’t already have this app, download it now! This has been invaluable for me to track my conditioning progress with my mare over this year. On top of that it has been an amazing safety net. Equilab has a safety tracking feature so that my husband can see where I am when I’m out alone.
Thanks so much for joining me for Part 2! For those of you who are new on the journey I hope this helped! Please leave your questions in the comments. For those of you who are veterans, thanks for watching my journey and please add your thoughts on essentials for endurance riding! I know there is still so much more for me to learn and to experience in this sport and I’m excited to share that with you as I go!
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Other Helpful Resources
Horsewoman health roadmap
Podcast episodes
Heels Down
Endurance 1
Riding out alone
Trail etiquette and safety
Youtube Videos
Leg positioning
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