Need clothing suggestions for 11 day ride, 20-25 miles a day . . .

[Foxglove]

On Sept 17-28, my quarter horse and I are going to ride across Michigan from Lake Michigan to Lake Huron. He’s ready to go, fit as a fiddle, and has every piece of recommended equipment that exists --he’s ready! I even bought the boy a Fleece Works Endurance pad --nothing but the best for my boy!

But me? From the top --I plan to wear a helmet and have light weight summer type helmets on hand. They fit well. Continuing downward --not sure sure . . . a few sports bras, but what about underwear? Is there a special kind for distance riders? (FYI this is a distance ride, not an endurance ride --I go at the speed I choose and can quit at any time). I will be using a fleece seat saver and a gel seat saver --on the other hand, I’m pretty thin so not a lot of built in padding. One competative endurance rider told me she saw a woman off the trail, “cutting her underwear off with a knife,” because it rubbed in the wrong spots! I don’t want to have to do that!

I plan to take a variety of shirts and layer --considering a fishing vest so I’d have a million pockets. Camelpak? Too heavy? Water bottles better? I have all the rain gear I need in a variety of weights. I planned to wear riding tights, gaiters, and Ariat all-terrain so I can walk or ride. One distance rider said at noon one should dismount and walk for an hour to allow the horse’s back to rest.

Any suggestions on must haves? The ride organizers require one to carry a knife at all times, (maybe to remove underwear?) but other than that, not much listed except be prepared for any/all type of weather in Michigan in Sept.

Thank you!!

Foxglove

[Frog_Pond]

Patagonia underwear. I’ve worn every sport brand over the years but these are the BEST for all activities – no seams, very thin & breathable, never caused a rub or moved around, whether I’m skiing, running, riding, or sitting in a desk chair.

[Lieselotte]

To be honest, I have some Ovation riding underwear but that is not necessarily better than my cheap Hanes cotton briefs from Target My saddle fits me perfectly and I believe that is the most important thing - not the actual underwear!

Also, instead of a fleece seat saver get yourself a real sheepskin cover which will help regulate temperature and moisture which will prevent chafing as well.

In addition, you should have simple saddle bags, including bottle holders, and only keep your phone and ID on your body but not too much other stuff. (I personally do not like things bouncing of me.) I use this setup and it has worked well for me every ride.

One thing that is different about Endurance vs. what you might be doing: speed and changing gaits. We tend to trot and canter the majority of the time, with walk breaks only on technical trail or steep up and downs, so there is a lot of posting and two-pointing. While that tends to require more rider fitness, at the same time it prevents “butt fatigue” if you know what I mean. So don’t walk for too long and change gaits frequently, and also get off to walk or jog for a while.

A question: You say your horse is very fit. I assume you are the one who made it fit, right? Then you have ridden a lot and for longer distances already and probably know already what clothing works or not. A big rule in Endurance is not to try anything new, or for the first time, at a competition. All testing should be done at home - and that includes your undies

Good luck!

[Foxglove]

Thank you Lieselotte and FrogPond! My seat saver IS a real sheepskin cover as pictured --I use it over a gel pad when I hunt. I like your set up --it seems to hold a bunch. Walking beside W for awhile is definitely do-able, but jogging is not. With two replaced knees and a replaced hip, jogging is not something I can do. I can walk easily though.

I’ve made W as fit as a horse can be for what he’s going to do. We’ve done interval and distance work since June. He hunted all winter Sept-April, then had May off. He’s a tough little ND QH who lives out (by choice) on 20 acres of rolling hills. He’s the last in the barn and the first out. He greatest asset (I think) is he wastes no energy. When he’s standing still he’s asleep. Otherwise, he’s doing as he’s asked with not energy wasted on arguing, head shaking, speeding up, or slowing down. He does his job. He’s a small horse with huge bones for his size. And he has big feet.

I can’t wait to spend 11 days with him on a trail! I hope he’s as excited as I am.

Thank you again!

Foxglove

[tabula_rashah]

Technical fabrics and no cotton if possible. Bring layers. Do yourself a big favor and get a stick of body glide to keep in your saddle bag- it can be a lifesaver if something starts to rub.

[Bank_of_Dad]

Or get some ButR Butt from a local bike store. Great for preventing chafes.

[arapaloosa_lady]

[QUOTE=tabula rashah;8258899]
Technical fabrics and no cotton if possible. Bring layers. Do yourself a big favor and get a stick of body glide to keep in your saddle bag- it can be a lifesaver if something starts to rub.[/QUOTE]

Preventative body glide is where it’s at, in my opinion. You know where you get rubs & it’s much nicer to prevent them than to try to mask them.

I’d also buy some nice backpacking socks for your ride. Great socks are highly underrated!

[tabula_rashah]

[QUOTE=arapaloosa_lady;8262153]
Preventative body glide is where it’s at, in my opinion. You know where you get rubs & it’s much nicer to prevent them than to try to mask them.

I’d also buy some nice backpacking socks for your ride. Great socks are highly underrated![/QUOTE]

Very true on both accounts!