Endurance virgin

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weebarney

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I'd like to try out an endurance ride as a non member to begin with to see if me and the horse get along with it. I was wanting to know what do I need to know or take? I'm looking to start out on 10-12 mile rides. Thank you
 
If you're only doing the shortest rides to begin with, there are no real essentials, other than what you would expect to need on a long hack - comfy clothes/boots, plenty of water for you and the horse on your return. The only extra you will find useful is a transparent map holder.
 
Generally there will be arrows where possible, they might also use ribbons tied to trees/bushes. But you will also be given a map and often a talkround too, which is useful if you miss an arrow.
 
You should get there with enough time to settle your horse, find the secretary's tent and pick up your bib and map, go to the loo, tack up, offer water to your horse, get yourself sorted with sunblock, map holder etc.....
If it is a non competitive ride you still might have to present to the vet and farrier, but if so you will have been given a specific time, and not just 'between 9 and 10'.

I like to be there at least half an hour before my vet time, and for someone new to it all I would recommend getting there even earlier so you can take your time.
 
weebarney said:
Say the start is between 9.30 and 10.30 what time should you arrive by? Thanks
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I, m no expert, only do pleasure rides at the moment, I allow however long it takes me to un load, tack up, (always takes longer than at home) sort myself out, ie hat, back protector etc, ablutions (ie black bucket in back of trailer lol) and dont forget to book in with secretary before start. Try to stay calm and enjoy. Once im in saddle im fine. Just the getting there.
 
Hi weebarney
I've done a few endurance rides this year and absolutely loved it! I'm not the best at map reading but this hasn't stopped us giving it a go. the route is marked well and people seem really friendly so willing to stop and help a lost soul lol!
I make sure that my mare has a good cotton nummnah, too thick causes rubs. And sheepskin covers for her breastplate and cheek pieces. For myself I've found the just chaps are good, as is a loose teeshirt and cotton gloves.
The last ride I went too was extremely hot so had loads of water for her and me. She coped better than I did, but I will say don't forget about yourself! I was so busy cooling my mare I didn't realise I was faint from heatstroke!
I'm off to another ride in a couple of weeks, we are just novice level but going for the 40km!
Good luck.
Star*
 
Thanks for the advice I will hopefully do a ride in September or October. The hacking is not great round here so I'm looking forward to doing some nice rides .
 
I'm an advanced rider, several also come on here (particular mention to Esther!). Any questions you have, will be happy to answer. WRT when to get there, even for a pleasure ride you will be given a start time, such as 11.32. Whilst there is some leeway (if you are running late please ring ride organiser & let them know you will be late), you are expected to start then give or take a few minutes. It is not like a fun ride, where you start anytime in a two hour window.

You need to present to the farrier & vet 30 mins before your start time (PR classes only do trot up to check horse is sound). I usually aim to arrive at the venue 1 hour before my vet time. Then you can get your equipment ready, get you ready, get your number / report to secretary, go to loo etc before you present to the farrier (see them before vet, don't need new shoes just sufficient for distance), then vet.

A couple of years ago I was a speaker at our groups intro to endurance day. I still have the notes if you'd like a copy, goes into much more detail than I can on here. If you want them, pm me an email address.
 
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