Endurance Riding as a beginner!

[bailey2000]

Hi there...

looking for some advice on what to do as a beginner. I have had my pony since he was 6 months old and now that my children are older I would like to do something with him that I have always wanted to do. We are planning on starting off on a 32km GER next year around March 2016 and will be mainly getting fit this autumn and winter (that's both of us )

I'd like to know about other people's experiences and what you will need for this level of ride, what you have to do during the ride, as well as the following:

Which saddle/bridle/girth/saddle pad/boots?
Which brand of clothing, type of breeches/top?

My pony is due a new saddle so I'd like to start as I mean to go on and would prefer leather tack unless there is something out there that everyone recommends?

Thanks in advance for any advice...

 

[wench]

For tack you want whatever is suitable and fits both you and the horse.

I would also think whatever jods and clothes you want will also be acceptable

 

[MiJodsR2BlinkinTite]

I think you'd be best advised OP to go onto the Endurance GB website, and then find the group for your area.

Endurance people are always very helpful and will be the best ones to advise you if you're starting out. They will also help ease you into the sport and will buddy you up with someone if you feel you need that.

I'd be inclined not to go buying a lot of expensive new kit to start off with.

Go onto the website, ring the names/numbers listed for your area, and let them advise and support you would be my advice.

Good luck!

 

[bailey2000]

I think you'd be best advised OP to go onto the Endurance GB website, and then find the group for your area.

Endurance people are always very helpful and will be the best ones to advise you if you're starting out. They will also help ease you into the sport and will buddy you up with someone if you feel you need that.

I'd be inclined not to go buying a lot of expensive new kit to start off with.

Go onto the website, ring the names/numbers listed for your area, and let them advise and support you would be my advice.

Good luck!

Thanks, I'll do that then. My daughter show jumps so I know where I am with that but it's a new mine field with a different discipline. I just want to make sure we're both as comfortable as possible . We've got a great saddler too so will ask her if she knows what's best.

Thanks again

 

[alibali]

Why not try a few non-competitive Pleasure Rides this autumn? It will give you both an idea of what to expect, get you into the way of vettings and help with conditioning which will stand you in good stead for next year. As a bonus it will help you meet more experienced people who are usually very generous with advice. A lot of very experienced riders do Pleasure rides with their young horses, as conditioning work or with their older horses who are still fit but have stepped down from competitive distances.

Endurance is a wonderful sport for being able to ride in the same classes as top level riders whether or not you aspire to those heights. Just tonight I rode in the same class as a horse that won this years 160km class at the Golden Horseshoe and a previous Scottish Novice Champion. I have yet to attempt a competitive distance! So don't dismiss Pleasure Rides they have great value in the grand scheme of things

 

[NZJenny]

See if you can get out on some shorter rides - that will give you a good idea of fitness (yours and ponies) as well as what is going to work clothing and tack wise.

There are no hard and fast rules - I have competed three horses in three different saddles. It is all about comfort. I will say that synthetic tack is easier to clean and keep clean, but I have mostly ridden in leather saddles with no issues, other than some TLC needed after 8 hours in the rain.