New To Endurance, is it right for us?

eventingtoendurance · August 12, 2020, 7:26am

Hey all! I have recently decided to retire my 10 year old OTTB gelding from jumping due to reduced movement in his knee. He raced from the time he was 2 until he was 5. When he was 6 I started him in the hunter/jumper ring then 2 years ago we started a very successful eventing career, so you can say he’s been around the block a few times. He had some boney changes and we did treatment and have stopped the progression and are currently in the process of building him up to normal work (currently on 10 min rides a few times a week, no cantering). Do you think that it would be fair to start him on a path towards endurance when he is healed? It is something I have always wanted to try and the community seems wonderful and I would love to be a part of it. Selling him and getting another horse is not an option (he is my forever boy). So anyway that’s my first question, I know it will take at least a year for us to be ready for a 25 miler but I think it could be worth it if he stays healthy.

My second question is if my existing tack is suitable. I will list my current “set up” and feel free to tell me what you think would work and what would. (keep in mind I use purely synthetic equipment as I am a vegan, so sheepskin is a no-no sadly).

-Wintec Isabell Dressage Saddle (saddle fitter said it was a perfect fit but need to get it rechecked after our 6 month hiatus from work)
-wintec wither riser pad (has some padding to it and is quite squishy) used with a regular square pad
-ovation synthetic girth (was maybe thinking of getting a cover for it? but it doesn’t rub so not sure if I should mess with that)
-rope sidepull (has rings to use as a halter, which I do)
-gum rubber pull on bell boots
-SMBs on all four or SMBs on front and fetlock boots on hind
-I still need to get a synthetic breastplate as the one I have now I’ve had since I was 12 but I’m using a regular hunt style breastplate that is not padded

Thank you in advance for your help! I understand if endurance is not possible for us but I sure would love to give it a go!

eventingtoendurance · August 28, 2020, 9:10am

https://www.instagram.com/p/BLYpZBwhb7n/?taken-by=krissyscritters&hl=en

Here is the setup minus the boots for those curious.

prudence · August 28, 2020, 9:11am

Yes to everything. Go have fun with your horse which is what endurance has always been to me. You don’t need a synthetic breastplate unless you decide you want something pretty. My only concern would be his soundness so be sensitive to any issues and back off if he has problems.

gypsymare · August 28, 2020, 9:11am

I found endurance folks to be the friendliest group of horse folks I’ve yet encountered. Your tack is fine. The best saddle is the one that fits your horse.

I’m not sure where you are located but some areas hold a yearly clinic to demonstrate a typical ride and vet check and answer question but usually only 12-15 miles.

You might also be interested in fox hunting. Most clubs go out with a hill topping field that doesn’t jump or gallop. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery at a more leisurely pace. And I understand the hunting part not be your bag but in the states it’s more of scenting out and chasing. I have yet to see a fox harmed in 5 years of hunting.

paintedtrails · August 28, 2020, 9:11am

You never know till you try!
NO special tack requirements, use what works for you & your horse. (well some rides require shoes or boots for hoof protection)

Try to find an intro ride, or endurance 101 & 102 clinics to get your feet wet

Come volunteer and join some of the FB pages!

tabula_rashah · August 28, 2020, 9:11am

I’d say definitely give it a go Whatever works is the motto for tack. I would probably keep a good eye on the SMB’s though- they can tend to build up a good bit of heat underneath and collect sand, etc.

eventingtoendurance · August 28, 2020, 9:13am

Thank you so much for all of the wonderful responses! I am so excited to start but also so apprehensive to work him hard, time will tell I guess. I am in Alabama and it looks like all rides are at least 3 hours from me sadly, but I guess I can still train and see what happens!

prudence · August 28, 2020, 9:15am

Part of the fun is going to new places for rides. Look upon a three+ hour drive as getting to see different trails and meet different people. Have fun.

FatDinah · August 28, 2020, 10:44am

Hey, I want to get into endurance, too. My farm owner has graciously offered me a ranch style QH as a ride. Is there a Facebook/web site or good book to explain details of conditioning. I have some spring 25 mile rides right here.

Stushica · August 28, 2020, 10:45am

Mwahahahaha, welcome to the dark side. Use what you have as the others have said, but I too agree with Tabula to watch the boots, unless he interferes and needs them I would skip them, they tend to cause more harm than good. Also, if you girth doesn’t rub don’t change it, sometimes covers can create more bulk and cause rubbing on smaller or more delicate skinned horses… just play that by ear.

Where are you in AL? I know a few folks that live there and might be able to hook you up with a mentor (I also ride there occasionally and know friendly people that would love to teach you whatever you desired to know). As for FB, look into the green bean endurance pages and also check AERC’s website, they have a list of mentors and endurance 101 information.

Just take it easy and start slow with your horses to see how they do, most horses can tolerate distance just fine but it’s the speed that causes problems. Please, above all have fun and enjoy your horses! Also, feel free to PM me any questions if you feel so inclined.

Oh and I do believe there are also FB groups for TB’s in endurance as well as QH’s in endurance… both of which I have also ridden