how do I prevent saddle sores (mine!) on a riding holiday?

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staffylover

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I'm soon going on a 3 day trek with about 5 hours a day in the saddle, mostly at slow speeds but the occasional canter/gallop. As I have no control over the comfort or fit of the saddle, what precautions can I take to minimise the risk of my getting sore bum/legs/back/whatever? Any suggestions gratefully received. I won't have ridden for a month prior to this trip, though I ride my comfy horse in her blissfully comfy saddle 5 days a week at the moment, but not for more than a couple of hours at the most. I'm thinking cycle pants or similar. Didn't they use to do padded riding underwear? Any suggestions gratefully received. Being sore can take all the enjoyment out of a very expensive holiday! Thanks in advance for your suggestions.
 
When I did a similar thing, I made sure what I was wearing was comfortable, I also did as much riding as possible before(sad that your not able too) Make sure that you do get off and walk every now and then. At night have a good hot bath and do keep moving about. You can get cream if you do get sore. Now the MOST important thing to do in the evening and you must not forget, is to drink loads of medication, I recommend a nice fruity white, half a bottle and you won't care!! :D
Maybe invest in a seat saver.
Have fun, wish I was coming!!!
 
Yes you can get special riding pants - some larger horsey shops sell them or go online - they are less bulky than cycling pants but I'd take both if I were you. Also vaseline! Have a lovely time :-)
 
Sukistokes2, I will certainly follow your advice re evening medication!! Thank you both for this advice. I'll let you into my big secret - I'm off to Australia at the end of November for the trip of a lifetime - I'm so excited!! Mostly staying with family, but this riding holiday will be one of the highlights. Good advice re riding beforehand. I'll just have to ride in whichever part of Oz I happen to be, to keep my hand (bum?) in!
 
Have a really wonderful time, don't forget your sun cream. I went to Wyoming, Three weeks of day long rides,riding through the area where General Custer was killed. I loved it!! Sores and all!
 
My mum and I have been on a few riding holidays and she swore by surgical spirit on the er...cheeks...to toughen the skin and also, as the others have suggested, a Heather Moffet Seat Saver!
 
Vaseline
Did an 11 day trip in the Pyranees this year, some days more than 8 hrs, and this, strategically placed, made all the difference! I also wore full seat high waist breeches (but I always do!!)
 
What size are you if you don't mine me asking? I have a pair of Berlei riding pants that I am selling (bought 2 pairs with the bra to get free postage from Less Bounce and have only used one pair for shows so have the 2nd pair brand new unworn) if you are interested? Also you can get cycling chamois cream which might help. Maybe take your own seat saver?
 
When I was working in Kenya we regularly rode out for hours (inc. a few week treks with about 8 hours in saddle each day) but I never had any problems.
You might be fine - I just wore cotton jods as anything else was too warm. Changing jods around helps - so pair a first day, pair b the next and a the next etc. this works very well :)
 
only_me said:
When I was working in Kenya we regularly rode out for hours (inc. a few week treks with about 8 hours in saddle each day) but I never had any problems.
You might be fine - I just wore cotton jods as anything else was too warm. Changing jods around helps - so pair a first day, pair b the next and a the next etc. this works very well :)
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How lovely, I love Kenya having been three times! It's magical
 
Sounds absolutly lovely :)

Im just back from a week in spain, up to 7 hours a day in the saddle. I recommend a Heather Moffat seat saver or similar (my saddle was NOT comfortable) vaseline just in case you need it, and several pairs of jods in case one pair rubs for some reason.

Enjoy :)
 
wow sounds amazing! Hope you have a marvellous time! I wonder if in Australia you might have a stock saddle (bit like a western saddle) so a seat saver made for an English saddle may not fit it. Can you find out ahead of time and, if it isn't an English saddle, ask them if they have seat savers available to hire? Otherwise take one anyway and hope for the best!

I have been lucky enough to go to botswana on a horse riding safari 3 times now and my recipe for comfort in the saddle is

Acavallo Gel Out seat saver ( but see above)
wear 2 pairs of cotton seamless knickers
If you do get 'saddle sores' the best thing to use is calamine and glycerine cream which is very soothing and quite thick so it stays on. I would put talc on top.
I always take blister plasters not just ordinary plasters. They don't go on in every place you might get a blister but they are very good if you get chafed knees.
Take ibuprofen with you, you might find you get a bit achey even with the best of precautions.

Have a wonderful time! :)
 
Thank you all so much for this very helpful advice. I had forgotten I have a Heather Moffat seat saver, so I'll take that. Billabongchick, I'm a size 16 (blush) and would be interested in the item you are selling. Thank you again, everyone. I'll think of you as I ride over the mountains in glorious midsummer sunshine!
 
staffylover said:
Thank you all so much for this very helpful advice. I had forgotten I have a Heather Moffat seat saver, so I'll take that. Billabongchick, I'm a size 16 (blush) and would be interested in the item you are selling. Thank you again, everyone. I'll think of you as I ride over the mountains in glorious midsummer sunshine!
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Perfect! Will PM you!
 
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