Endurance equipment question!

Randonneuse

Randonneuse

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Hello!

As some of you know I am going to do the NCR 30km ride in Cirencester Park end of July (anyone interested??)-first time-
Sooo I know I need a bottle carrier, bum bag (with small first aid kit, hoof pick, phone), whistle.
What is your equipment please and what makes have you got?

Thanks :-)
 
I don't personally do endurance, however I do like their gear!

Have you tried the "Performance Equestrian" website? I know they've got some of the things you mention, plus I got my riding hat from their display at a show, its the "Tipperary", really fab & ideal in hot weather. Also I've got one of their bridles.

Also there's bound to be lots of stuff on E-bay?
 
I would second performance equestrian. Lovely people, any questions ask the owners. You'll probably find they have a stall at Cirencester.

Recommend you get the bottle holder, bum bag, space blanket (in case problem on course to stop you or horse getting cold - english weather can throw some curve balls), small first aid kit, vet wrap carried in bum bag & hoofpick.

Also next time your farrier takes off a set of shoes that aren't totally shot, ask to keep them. Put them in the trailer when you go to a ride just in case you loose one. Always farriers on site, but they generally cold shoe. If you have an old one it has already been shaped to fit your horse, so on site they will only have to nail it on for you. That way when you do the trot up at least the horse is working on an even platform.

Are you an EGB member? If you want company you can always ask on the forum or your local group (all have their own websites as well).

My next ride is New Forest, in a few weeks time. If you can get to it I'd recommend it, lovely going & just generally a fun ride to do. CR classes on the sat (18th), NCR on the sun (19th)
 
This is my second year of endurance and I'm going to admit I still ride in my plain snaffle bridle, my general purpose saddle and your average riding clothes!!! No flashy equipment here, I use a watch for the timings and carry my map case with the map and a set of timings! The only equipment I have ever taken is a hoof pick aside from when I competed for Wales and took the whole bumbag and equipment shebang to Scotland!
Oh and Cirencester if fantastic, best ride going!!! I'm waiting until I've done a 40/40 at Berkshire Downs before I enter because I can't decide whether to push up a level with distance and do a 50km or do a 40 on the Friday and a 40 on the Sunday!
 
Hi, I used to crew for my OH
This is what we had:
Basket type stirrups can't remember the make,
A wide Bum bag made by Scott USA (if you add the word equestrian you will pay three times the price,
Adidas water bottle filled with Isostar in the hot weather.
Whistle from a lifejacket.
Heart rate monitor from Argos (human one) works perfectly
Loads of water in the crew car. I had a 12volt submersible water pump and a hose to cool the horse down, it came from a camping shop.
Electrolytes for the horse.
Bandages, cool gel pads.
Hoof boot
Definitely a space blanket we used ours at Thetford when a guy got dehydration.
And finally a dog for your crew to walk when you're off having fun:D
 
pip6

Also next time your farrier takes off a set of shoes that aren't totally shot, ask to keep them. Put them in the trailer when you go to a ride just in case you loose one. Always farriers on site, but they generally cold shoe. If you have an old one it has already been shaped to fit your horse, so on site they will only have to nail it on for you. That way when you do the trot up at least the horse is working on an even platform.

Bilto is barefoot and bitless and my barefoot trimmer should be there to "support me" in case of a problem (shouldn't have a problem feet wise though as they are soo hard!)


Are you an EGB member? If you want company you can always ask on the forum or your local group (all have their own websites as well).

No I am not as never done any Endurance ride before (you can have a look at my other thread about Endurance in Ciren park!)

My next ride is New Forest, in a few weeks time. If you can get to it I'd recommend it, lovely going & just generally a fun ride to do. CR classes on the sat (18th), NCR on the sun (19th)[/QUOTE]

Don't have a trailer and don't know anyone who has one :-(
 
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lazybee said:
Hi, I used to crew for my OH

Heart rate monitor from Argos (human one) works perfectly
Electrolytes for the horse.
Bandages, cool gel pads.
Hoof boot
Definitely a space blanket
And finally a dog for your crew to walk when you're off having fun:D
Click to expand...

How did you fit the rate monitor on the horse?
Electrolytes? Do I need some for Bilto for 30km?
 
Randonneuse said:
How did you fit the rate monitor on the horse?
Electrolytes? Do I need some for Bilto for 30km?
Click to expand...

Hi, the strap on the monitor we had was long enough to fit around the girth area. The pick-up sensor is positioned just behind the left fore leg. It wasn't on all the time, put it on just before the vet gate. We gave electrolytes in the water bucket. This was a precaution really as after (sometimes) a long hot ride, we then had the journey home too.
 
I think it is best to get them used to electrolytes a few days before, you can mix some salt and lo salt in to the feed, not too critical if you are not on extreme distances. Most endurance people will offer a wet sugar beet mash with electrolytes as they go through stages. Also offer plain water brought from home or with a bit of apple juice or sugar beet water added.
 
You don't actually NEED anything special. If the tack and equipment you've got does you fine for a 2 or 3 hour hack from home, it will do you fine on ride day.

There are loads of gadgets and gizmos you can get for endurance, but you don't NEED them.

The only thing you might want is a map case, and you can pick a basic one of them up from a walking shop for a couple of quid. And if you're riding to the venue then you may want to see if you can drive to the venue beforehand and leave a bucket of water for your horse to drink and a few slosh bottles to cool the horse down afterwards (most people use old fabric container bottles filled with water).

E-lytes, personally I wouldn't bother unless it's forecast to be really hot. If I do use them, I make my own out of equal quantities of normal salt and lo-salt, and add a bit to the feed for a day or two before and a day or two after, that's all. Most commercial e-lytes are rubbish and full of glucose filler anyway.

If you do want to buy stuff, though, Performance Equestrian are lovely :)
 
MaisieMooandCometToo said:
The only equipment I have ever taken is a hoof pick aside
Click to expand...

That's great until something goes wrong, which can happen at any distance. My adv mare fell at Ciren a few years ago (trod on herself & tripped up - nothing to do with the going), & galloped back to the venue through 3 barbed wire fences. What saved her was the thick sheepskin breast plate she used to wear. She is still covered in scars over her chest (had about 40 staples put in at the venue) where hair never grows. Anyone there about 6 years ago may remember the horse covered in red stuff coming back into the venue, she was quite a sight.

We were so lucky though the damage was only skin deep. 6 weeks later she came out at Alfreds Tower doing 15kph & getting a grade 1 in the 65km. Tough girl. Falls are unusual at slower speeds of novice classes, but I've even had one trip in an NCR & gash her knee (she turned to look at something & got her legs in a muddle, was only 5).

If you do have to stop on course, even on an easy crewing ride like Ciren, waiting to be picked up your sweaty horse can chill quickly. A space blanket will help them stay warm until help (crew / vet / farrier) arrives.

Horse water is provided around half the course at Ciren, but not rider water. A drinking bottle is very sensible so you can stay hydrated on the ride & avoid the horrible headache that comes with dehydration. Food bars also help keep you topped up if you have space in your bum bag.

As for first aid kit, especially when crweing I have on several occasions helped out riders with grazes or cuts from going past branches or bushes with thorns, getting cuts. The dressings can also be used on your equine buddy too if need be.

Once I was crewing & a lady had trouble getting through the gap in the hedge to leave the field, the horse swerved off & got caught in some wire (not at Ciren), which gave it a single puncture wound to the chest, bled like you wouldn't believe. Her friend stayed with the horses (using dressing pads from the first aid kit I take to every event), whilst I drove her friend back to the venue so she could collect her lorry & go back for the horse. Horse was fine, but you wouldn't have wanted to have to ride it back.

Things happen. Prepare for the problems so on the rare occasions they happen you can deal with them, & if nothing happens it's great.

As for transport, go on your local group page & see if anyone wants to share. Endurance are a very friendly bunch, happy to help & very supportive.
 
Thanks so much everyone for your advices :-)
We will walk to the start which is about 3 miles one way from the yard.
Would it be ok?
I thought it probably would be good in a way as it would warm Bilto up before the ride and help him not too be too stiff the following day?
Oh I hope nothing like you pip6 happens on the day as Bilto can be mister spooky some days, especially if windy!

Do we get a map for Cirencester Park? (for those who have been there and to know if I need to buy a map case)

Space blanket I need to buy I would have never thought of it!

I have ordered a bottle carrier to clip on the saddle from Robinsons today.

Water with apple juice? Is this for sugar? Or to make it more "appetising"?

I don't think I'll invest in much at the moment but will do if I plan to join a local group :-)
 
Riding 3 miles to the venue should be fine :) We have a good few locals hacking to the venue for the ones we run in this neck of the woods. The only thing I would say if you're flying solo, is make sure that the emergency contact number you give the organiser is someone who is reasonably local and is someone you'd trust to get your horse home should something happen to you.

You will get a map, so a map case is a good idea (unless you like trying to uncrumple soggy bits of paper while cantering along....). If you're going to an outdoors shop for a map case, they will also sell little first aid kits for not many £££. If you do a lot of hacking out, it's probably not a bad idea to have a pocket sized one to carry with you for everyday use. It's the old 'be prepared' thing, ie make sure you have money on a charged mobile, a bit of baler twine, a bandage, etc etc. But those aren't endurance specific items, they're things that you probably should be thinking about each time you ride out.

ps If you do need an extra hand while you're there, come and give us a shout on our trade stand (Little Oak). We're generally around from lunchtime onwards and I'm quite often found giving crewless riders a hand if they need their pony holding for a while or whatever.
 
EstherYoung said:
Riding 3 miles to the venue should be fine :) We have a good few locals hacking to the venue for the ones we run in this neck of the woods. The only thing I would say if you're flying solo, is make sure that the emergency contact number you give the organiser is someone who is reasonably local and is someone you'd trust to get your horse home should something happen to you.

You will get a map, so a map case is a good idea (unless you like trying to uncrumple soggy bits of paper while cantering along....). If you're going to an outdoors shop for a map case, they will also sell little first aid kits for not many £££. If you do a lot of hacking out, it's probably not a bad idea to have a pocket sized one to carry with you for everyday use. It's the old 'be prepared' thing, ie make sure you have money on a charged mobile, a bit of baler twine, a bandage, etc etc. But those aren't endurance specific items, they're things that you probably should be thinking about each time you ride out.

ps If you do need an extra hand while you're there, come and give us a shout on our trade stand (Little Oak). We're generally around from lunchtime onwards and I'm quite often found giving crewless riders a hand if they need their pony holding for a while or whatever.
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Thanks a lot :-)
My OH should be my crew (!) but not 100% sure yet as he is really disappointed he can't run by me while I'm riding...(EGB said it's not allowed for health and safetu when I emailed them) so I may need some help!

My barefoot trimmer asked me if she could do a presentation about horses being ridden barefoot there, do you know if this would be possible or is it best for her to give the EGB a call?(asking you as you have a trade stand there!)

Thanks again :-)
 
I had to catch a horse and scrape the rider up off the floor out walking the dog once (she was doing some kind of fun endurance ride thingy and her horse got a tad overexcited and they galloped off and crashed into a tree:eek:), she and the horse were ok, but I think a sugary sweetie to suck on would have helped as she was a bit wibbly with the shock. So I would pack some sherbet lemons, or whatever your favourite is:)
 
Ehm, if I'm going on a long'ish hack (or pleasure ride); a good thing to have on your person or saddlebag somewhere is (ehh-humm) a sanitary towel. Honestly! Not just for the obvious reason, but with a roll of vet-wrap on you as well, you're OK if your horse (or you) have a cut.

Its a simple emergency "fix" without being bulky. Or you could take a small baby's nappy (bit more room needed tho!).

The advantage of an ST is that its kept wrapped and sterile, and takes up the smallest space. Simples!
 
Randonneuse said:
Hello!

As some of you know I am going to do the NCR 30km ride in Cirencester Park end of July (anyone interested??)-first time-
Sooo I know I need a bottle carrier, bum bag (with small first aid kit, hoof pick, phone), whistle.
What is your equipment please and what makes have you got?

Thanks :-)
Click to expand...

Before you ride... talculm powder ;-)
 
Try looking in the hiking/outdoors shops rather than at Equestrian suppliers. I have a fab north face bum bag from cotswold outdoors that is suitable for riding as well as hill walking and fell running as it was designed for. You would get map cases compasses etc cheaper too.

Make sure you have a good breathable waterproof that fits in your bum bag too.
 
Great suggestion MJR2BT! Love it!

Randoneuse (sorry for the spelling), have a wonderful day out & a fab ride. If you need help or water at anytime ask others, you will find people are very willing to be of assistance. Even if your horse needs a drink, you can ask another crew. People are very friendly & helpful & wont mind you asking them.

Afraid hubby can't run as it's in the rules you aren't allowed to be accompanied on course, only met at crew points.

Ciren is a lovely venue, with loads of room. If someone can be back at the venue for you, to help it would be very useful. Also means you can bring plenty of drinks & food for you & pony post ride (nice wet sloppy feed). Apple juice is used as an appetiser. For energy they will offer sugar beet (or in my case grass nuts) water. Easy made, horses love it. At your distance/speed, if you reguarly hack you should have plenty of energy to get round without this. It's more to form the habit so when they go onto longer distances they drink well & take food on board.

Just relax & enjoy your ride. It is very well marked, just remember which colour loop you are doing. Offer him water whereever you come across it (some water points as a large part of the park inaccessible to crews). If he chooses not to drink, don't worry, at least you've givin him the chance.

Set a nice steady pace, & focus on staying in a rhythm. Be careful, the sport is very addictive! Soon you'll be dreaming of doing a 65km with a mid-way vetting.....
 
Randonneuse said:
Thanks sooo much everyone :-)

Anyone knows where I could buy a (cheap-ish) breathable waterproof which fits in a bum bag please?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Lidl and Aldi often have cycling gear. I have an Aldi €15 hi viz yellow one which is very handy for Trec where a rainjacket is compulsory. It doesn't have a bag but I roll it up in an 18" sausage and strap it to the front Ds or my saddlebags . I don't suppose its as breathable as Goretex but to be honest when I'm riding nothing is really breathable , some of the professionals seem to prefer fleece as it is more breathable and bodyheat and movement drives the water off.
A ziplock bag makes a very adequate map case .
If you put a little water in a drinking bottle and freeze it before filling with water it will stay cold for the day.
The maple syrup oat Valley bars are great for sharing with your horse in Trec where we aren't racing.
£ shops often have small key tags very cheap fsor putting emergency nos on your tack.

Have a great time,
 
Have a look in the rock bottom section on cotswold outdoor website. Go to local outdoor shops and cycling shops or have a look at aldi or lidl as they have some ok stuff. Goretex is expensive but honestly worth every penny. I have a berghaus goretex paclite jacket that I have used for riding, walking, holidays, and a marathon. About six years on it is like new (apart from the horse snot) and still keeps me 100% dry. DH's cheaper version is about four years old and about dead.
 
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