Crews and Crewing
Do I need a crew?
Most riders compete without a crew and they are not very present at most rides. This may come as a surprise to those unfamiliar with endurance, but crewing for yourself is not hard to do. Occasionally, one rider might crew for another on their off-day. If you're lucky enough to have someone crewing for you, make sure you communicate clearly what you need and expect from them as well as show appreciation for everything they are doing for you. Most likely, you'll want them to care for your horse while you take care of yourself and rest during the holds.
Most riders compete without a crew and they are not very present at most rides. This may come as a surprise to those unfamiliar with endurance, but crewing for yourself is not hard to do. Occasionally, one rider might crew for another on their off-day. If you're lucky enough to have someone crewing for you, make sure you communicate clearly what you need and expect from them as well as show appreciation for everything they are doing for you. Most likely, you'll want them to care for your horse while you take care of yourself and rest during the holds.
The Crew Bag
Whether crewing for others or for yourself, you'll likely need a crew bag of some sort sooner than later. Crew bags are full of things necessary for you and your horse during holds such as food (for you and your horse), extra water, and supplies. Crew bags are necessary for "out" vet checks, meaning that you'll be out on the trail for your vet check and hold rather than in camp ("in" vet check). Where your vet check will be is covered in the ride meeting the night before (you can, of course, also contact the manager before arriving or when you get there). You'll need to put your crew bag on the "out" check trailer the night before the ride (don't forget!). Crew Bags are also handy for keeping things together for yourself or your crew even if you don't have an "out" vet check.
Crew bags come in all shapes and sizes. A cheap crew bag may be as simple as a plastic tub (with a lid) or a duffel bag/hay net combination. On the fancier end of the spectrum, many riders have bags made specifically for this purpose, but they can get expensive!
For a examples of what other riders use for their crew bag, click here. For more information about packing your gear bag, check out Karen Chaton's blog post.
Whether crewing for others or for yourself, you'll likely need a crew bag of some sort sooner than later. Crew bags are full of things necessary for you and your horse during holds such as food (for you and your horse), extra water, and supplies. Crew bags are necessary for "out" vet checks, meaning that you'll be out on the trail for your vet check and hold rather than in camp ("in" vet check). Where your vet check will be is covered in the ride meeting the night before (you can, of course, also contact the manager before arriving or when you get there). You'll need to put your crew bag on the "out" check trailer the night before the ride (don't forget!). Crew Bags are also handy for keeping things together for yourself or your crew even if you don't have an "out" vet check.
Crew bags come in all shapes and sizes. A cheap crew bag may be as simple as a plastic tub (with a lid) or a duffel bag/hay net combination. On the fancier end of the spectrum, many riders have bags made specifically for this purpose, but they can get expensive!
For a examples of what other riders use for their crew bag, click here. For more information about packing your gear bag, check out Karen Chaton's blog post.
Crewing for Another Rider
Crewing for another rider can be a fantastic learning experience! You'll learn the ins and outs of how that rider cares for and monitors their horse as well as what they need in order for the two of them to complete the ride. Riders generally welcome offers to crew and may even request volunteers, especially on longer distances and harder rides. Every rider is different, so your crewing experience will be different and you will need to discuss the particular needs and expectations of your rider. In addition, the following tips should get you off to the right start:
Crewing for another rider can be a fantastic learning experience! You'll learn the ins and outs of how that rider cares for and monitors their horse as well as what they need in order for the two of them to complete the ride. Riders generally welcome offers to crew and may even request volunteers, especially on longer distances and harder rides. Every rider is different, so your crewing experience will be different and you will need to discuss the particular needs and expectations of your rider. In addition, the following tips should get you off to the right start:
- Know what your rider's bag looks like - This way you can get it quickly when your rider needs it.
- Help make sure it gets on the truck - it would be a disaster if your rider got to the out vet check (if there is one) and didn't have their bag.
- Stake out a spot at the vet check - this way you'll have a place all ready for your rider and their horse
- Volunteer while you're waiting for your rider - You'll have lots of time on your hands! However, you don't want to miss your rider, so make sure you only agree to do a job that will allow you to be back in plenty of time for them and/or that you'll be able to meet them when they come in.
- Help get water - Does your rider need water? Does their horse? Do they need any for their mash?
- Discuss what your rider needs and expects before the day of the ride - each rider is different and needs different things.