What type of Tack? (Usual)

[endurancegirl_15]

What type of saddle does everyone use for Endurance? And their tack? I wanted to find out what type of saddle and equipment everyone uses for Endurance rides, and why they do, and what they like about it.

For me:
I am a newbie, so I am in the process of buying new items. I am also looking forward to everyone’s replies so I can get some help. :lol:

Saddle- I have been using a barrel saddle which is very heavy cringes and I hate using it. But sadly, it’s the only saddle I have that fits my mustang. I am in the process of buying a new one though! Yay!

Saddle Pad- Process of buying one, because I have yet to buy a saddle. sigh :sadsmile:

Bridle- I use a biothane bridle/halter combo. I also sometimes use an indian bosal, which I custom make. I love the biothane though!

Reins- I am using two sets of reins. One, I made my own set of red and black reins. The other, are biothane reins. Which I love both of course.

Breastcollar- in the process of buying a biothane one.

Boots- All four Easyboot Edge’s. My horse has extremely sensitive feet, and they work marvelously for him. He rides so much better, and is pain free also! They stay on very well, and now, I can support AERC while riding in them

Gear Bags- I really want one! Will buy one as soon as I buy a new saddle.

=]

[PRS]

Although I don’t compete I do trail ride exclusively and for fairly long distances. I have a Sensation Hybrid treeless saddle which I absolutly love. Although all brands and styles of treeless saddle aren’t right for every horse, any given treeless saddle will fit a larger range horses than any given treed saddle. I replaced my old barrel saddle with this treeless saddle and will never go back. I honestly thought I needed the “security” of the deep seat on my barrel saddle but I have found that my Sensation Hybrid offers a much MORE secure seat AND the saddle is suprisingly stable too! If you want to explore treeless saddles further I strongly suggest that you join the treeless saddles group on yahoo! groups: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/treelesssaddles/

The girl I purchased the saddle from competes in CTR and has over 4000 miles on her Sensation English trail saddle. I demoed and purchased mine from Melissa at www.freedomtreeless.com .

Edited to add:
I use a Skito treeless saddle pad under my saddle, a Wintec English bridle with matching reins, a custom made biothane and neoprene breast plate (also available from Freedom Treeless at a very reasonable price), and Old Mac’s hoof boots.

[AHorseoffCourse]

Saddle- Arabian Company Solstice saddle

Saddle Pad- Haf pad, but also use a woolback and skito as the fancy strikes me.

Bridle- Hought biothane snap on bridle, on a rope halter.

Reins- I alternate between flat and round nylon woven reins, depdning on what gloves I’m wearing and if it’s a conditioning ride I’m going to be practicing dressage on versus a loose rein conditioning ride.

Breastcollar- Biothane from hought

Boots- Renegade boots for the hooves, griffin’s leg protection boots (shorties for the back, the longer ones for the front)

Gear Bags - Snug pax version

[katarine]

I do think that everyone who replies should clarify what their real life depth of experience is with endurance. Riding in a few 25 mile limited distance rides or CTRs, is not endurance

[Eddy_s_Mom]

I have just short of 2000 AERC endurance miles :winkgrin:

I use a Black Country Equinox II, which I ADORE!!! I recently sold my Arabian Saddle Co. Rubicon because it was heavy, had too much leather in between myself and my horse and was too wide for my current ponies.

I like the Fleeceworks pads due to the sheepskins numerous good qualities!!

I use a plethora of Zilco/Biothance tack, which I love. I have found that that beta reins are the best for me, and they are super easy to customize length. I prefer to get my ponies solid in an s-hack for rides, I think they eat/drink much better than with a bit.

I ride barefoot and use Easyboot Gloves (to train) and Glue-Ons for rides. Loff them!

I use a Stowaway pommel and cantle pack on my saddle.

My gear bags are all awards from previous rides as are my rump rugs.

Just starting in endurance most people can usually get away with the stuff they already have and add on as needed. Good choice to get away from your heavy western saddle, your horse will be so thankful!!

Good luck! When is your first ride?

[endurancegirl_15]

[QUOTE=katarine;4793230]
I do think that everyone who replies should clarify what their real life depth of experience is with endurance. Riding in a few 25 mile limited distance rides or CTRs, is not endurance :)[/QUOTE]

Good idea, but some of us are just starting out. And some people only do LDs. And basically I was talking of the sport of Endurance. In general I call it endurance. =]

[endurancegirl_15]

[QUOTE=Eddy’s Mom;4793341]
I have just short of 2000 AERC endurance miles :winkgrin:
…
Good luck! When is your first ride?[/QUOTE]

Cool! That is really awesome that you almost have 2000 miles! My goal for this year is to get 500 or 1000 miles. It will be my second year of riding, and last year I did lots of 12 and 15 miles as more conditioning rides. So this year im taking on the bigger stuff!

Actually, my first ride is the 24th and 25th! And I’ll be going to the MWHF next weekend, so maybe I’ll get a new saddle before then! But… I will have to see if it fits him and all. And if he’s comfortable with it. So, I might just have to do a 15 mile with my new saddle…

[katarine]

[QUOTE=endurancegirl_15;4793453]
Good idea, but some of us are just starting out. And some people only do LDs. And basically I was talking of the sport of Endurance. In general I call it endurance. =][/QUOTE]

Umm- I was suggesting that for your benefit, actually. If a person rattled of their list of what works superfly great for them, with a whopping 100 miles total over 4 rides in their past, their experiences and suggestions can’t logically measure up to Eddie’s Mom’s. That is all I was after

[Eddy_s_Mom]

[QUOTE=endurancegirl_15;4793461]
Cool! That is really awesome that you almost have 2000 miles! My goal for this year is to get 500 or 1000 miles. It will be my second year of riding, and last year I did lots of 12 and 15 miles as more conditioning rides. So this year im taking on the bigger stuff!

Actually, my first ride is the 24th and 25th! And I’ll be going to the MWHF next weekend, so maybe I’ll get a new saddle before then! But… I will have to see if it fits him and all. And if he’s comfortable with it. So, I might just have to do a 15 mile with my new saddle… ;)[/QUOTE]

Thanks It takes a lot longer than one would think to complete that many miles. I am assuming you will be starting out with LD’s, which is awesome. Just take it slow and go one day at a time. It’s tempting to race through them but if you really are wanting to do endurance (50-100 miles) you won’t want to start your horse off racing LD’s.

I generally don’t like riding in any new tack for a ride, but I did a 50 the week after getting my new saddle because it fit the mare far better than the ASC I was previously riding in. Several training rides would be a good idea for your new saddle :winkgrin:

You’ll have to post when you complete your first ride! Good luck!

[Halcyon_Days]

hmmm, I just started my 13th season of endurance, anything from 25-75 miles, working towards my first 100 this year–gelding is 9 and I think ready. I use a Bob Marshall treeless endurance saddle, Zilco bridle and breastcollar, first 25 miles in a bit, then I switch to a S hackamore. I have Stowaway saddlebags (they don’t flop) wear a Camelbak (70 oz size) and two water bottles hanging off the front of the saddle–one with E-lytes and one plain water. My horse is shod (upright front foot doesn’t hold a boot well) and has pads in front. Love my Tipperary helmet, saddlebums tights and Kerrits jerseys. Cool Medics vest for hot rides

[jlrcoats]

Have done plenty of 25’s to 35’s. Last year started with 50’s. This year hoping for plenty of 50’s.

Saddle - Specialized…love it
Saddle Pad - HAF pad…after many other trys…love it
Bridle - Sportack halter bridle with wintec reins
Crupper - Higher Mark
Breast Collar Higher Mark
Sponge and bag by “Healthy as a horse” Love their web site
Water Bottle holders by Running Bear Tack and they are OLD, not sold anymore but way better than what is out today.
Polar Heart Monitor, got at Running Bear, Teddy is good at answering questions and helping when needed.

[system]

Type Tack?

Real quick…I use a Bob Marshall Sports Saddle and Skito pad. Been using both over 5 years and am still just as pleased with them today as the day I purchased them. You can feel every movement your horse makes beneath you; every breath he takes. The Bob Marshall is marvelous. You can spend lots of money or not with gear. I hear the Bareback is also a great endurance saddle. Both are treeless, which, in my opinion, is the way to go.

I, too, use biothane tack. A lot of endurance riders use the S-hackamore. I don’t 'cause Doimas is a bit of a bonehead at times and very stubborn.

WATER! Whatever kind of saddle pack you decide on (Snugpax & Stowaway are two), you need water holders.

Other things you should seriously consider are half chaps, Ariat Terrain boots, endurance stirrups and a helmet.

Welcome to the world of endurance! It is the most fun I’ve ever had!

[endurancegirl_15]

[QUOTE=doimerhorse;4802290]

Other things you should seriously consider are half chaps, Ariat Terrain boots, endurance stirrups and a helmet.

Welcome to the world of endurance! It is the most fun I’ve ever had![/QUOTE]

I have half chaps and helmet, also endurance stirrups. But I’m not quite sold on them yet.

Thanks! I am really really enjoying it so far! And I am VERY excited!