Things to Consider (BIG & Stupid endurance ride)

B

Blackhawk

Well-Known Member
Joined
24 August 2005
Messages
6,442
Location
NE
sublimedesigns.moonfruit.com
I have kept it quiet until now, but I have been slowly planning to undertake a ride across France for charity. I have the support of two charities, but I will be planning this, and undertaking it off my own back.

Now I'm aware that this could fail miserably, I could go out there and raise no money at all but I want to try. I have experience of long distance walking, but not riding.

I have done quite a lot of planning already with people who are experienced with long distance travelling, (cyclists, walkers and survival experts) and have made contacts with riding schools and stables in France but I am looking for anything that I might have overlooked as sometimes my head feels like it is going to explode with all the planning.

If anyone could bounce considerations, things I may have missed, any experiences of long distance riding, etc off me then I would really appreciate it.

I'm still planning my equipment, (most of which will go by road) and full itinerary though I know which route I'm taking there is a lot more planning to do than just choosing which way to go!

TrecPeter has been helpful, so thanks to him for the PMs a few months ago!

Any advice or encouragement would be much appreciated!
 
NO idea, but goodluck!!
smile.gif
 
I'll need it!
smile.gif
Talking to all the different French establishments has been nightmarish so far. I have a map with details of stables, but no names so I then have to research each area, find the stables, email them and pray they speak English or can understand my broken French. Then plan how far that stable is from the next one, and start the process again!
 
I've got a couple of friends who did the same this year, 3 months across France with an ex-racehorse and a cob. I'll try and dig out their phone number for you.
 
You may have already thought of it - but I can't recommend getting some really comfortable underwear enough - Tilley do excellent knickers for just this kind of endurance testing
smile.gif


Which charities are you doing this for?
 
[ QUOTE ]
I've got a couple of friends who did the same this year, 3 months across France with an ex-racehorse and a cob. I'll try and dig out their phone number for you.

[/ QUOTE ]

epsom that would be awesome! Thank you so much! If they have an email address too that would be great.
smile.gif
 
[ QUOTE ]
I presume you've already got in touch with this group or looked at their site?

http://www.thelongridersguild.com

The have a useful tips and kit guides bit that might help.

[/ QUOTE ]

I've emailed them, plus some similar people over in France.

I've joined a large french forum and I'm slowly making contacts with people who have yards who don't mind me stopping for a night. My French isn't brilliant though, so it's taking me ages to reply to anyone!
tongue.gif
 
[ QUOTE ]
You may have already thought of it - but I can't recommend getting some really comfortable underwear enough - Tilley do excellent knickers for just this kind of endurance testing
smile.gif


Which charities are you doing this for?

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks! I will look them up. Comfortable knickers and a comfortable saddle are a must
smile.gif
 
Have you been on the Performance equestrian website - they have loads of stuff for endurance riding - from bags etc that attach to saddle to bridles that convert into headcollars (very useful!!)

Can also reccomend endurance jods and a troxel hat - loads more comfy if you are wearing them for hours
 
Hi
I live in France and would welcome a PM if I can be of any small help in this area. You say you have joined a Forum, do try Equine On line and Total France . com, they have lots of helpful horsey folk on there. Good luck and keep us posted.
 
Just wanted to say good luck!
Also, though I'm sure you've got it all planned already, how about looking on the Trec forum for the list of compulsory items for the orienteering phase?
I know when I did Trec we had to carry things to cover almost any eventuality, including a hoof boot in case we lost a shoe, but all this was still easily fitted into a saddle bag
smile.gif
 
Ooh I'm so jealous. That was always my line, was going to drop out of real life and ride around Ireland. Eighteen years later...still nothing.
Very good luck with it all. I really admire you for going for it. Unlike all talk and no trousers merchants like me!
 
Sounds very exciting. one thing to consider is getting names and phone numbers of equine vets on the route and farriers too.
I've done some long distance riding and think either do a maximum of 20 or 30 miles , depending on terrain, like flat and easy or hilly and difficult, and only ride every other day, or do a max of 15 miles and ride every day with 1 day a week off works well.
you'll need back up and if someone can take feed rugs your stuff and spare cloaths ahead then it helps out tremendously.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top