Tack, Clothing, and Supplies
The bottom line in endurance is that you do what works best for you and your horse. In fact, you may occasionally here about a rider who competed - and completed - bareback with only a halter and reins. While that's not generally recommended, it's also not against the rules assuming your horse is deemed "fit to continue" (even though you may not be!). What keeps you both comfortable for miles on end? Every rider will have their own answer. If you already have properly fitting and functioning equipment, you may not need anything beyond what you already have. However, riding 25-100 miles does put certain strains on a horse and rider that certain equipment is better designed for than others. Below are listed some of the most common tack, clothing, and supplies that you will find at an endurance ride. To shop for these, visit the Shopping page.
For data about what type of tack Decade Teams use, click here.
Gear for the Horse
Gear for the Rider
Camping equipment
For data about what type of tack Decade Teams use, click here.
Gear for the Horse
- Materials - The "show must go on" even if the weather isn't participating. Therefore, most endurance-specific tack is made from biothane and betathane, a plastic material, instead of leather. This makes it easy to clean and stands up better to mud and water.
- Hoof Protection - Because horses are covering long distances at an elevated speed, hoof protection is generally recommended. Keeping horses barefoot and using hoof boots for protection when it's necessary (or at all rides just to be careful) is popular among endurance riders. They might choose to boot just the front hooves or all four during rides, though some horses are capable of going barefoot during rides as well. The most popular boot brands are EZ Boots (gloves and glue-ons are seen most often) and Renegades. Other riders choose to use shoes for simplicity or to meet the particular needs of their horses. The newest form of hoof protection that has yet to be subjected to wide-spread use and evaluation is the EZ Show (by the same makers of EZ Boots), which is a glue-on shoe, providing a compromise between the benefits of barefoot and simplicity of shoes.
- Bridles/Halters - Because getting off and leading/tying is a frequent occurrence in endurance (vet checks, holds, as dictated by terrain, and just because), riders typically keep a halter under the bridle. Sometimes this is a rope halter under a headstall and other times it is a halter/bridle combination specifically designed for endurance.
- Bits, Hackamores, and Sidepulls - Many riders choose to use a hackamore (s-hacks are very popular) or side pull so that their horse will have more freedom to eat and drink. However, others choose to use regular bits (usually a snaffle) for more safety and control and generally do not feel that it inhibits their horse's ability to eat and drink. (NOTE: Riding a horse in their regular non-snaffle bit that they go well is fine. On the other hand, if you feel that you need more control than a snaffle at a ride because your horse won't slow down or is pulling, the solution is likely more training rather than a harsher bit.)
- Lead Ropes and Reins - Be prepared to lead your horse. Single-loop reins that clip on can double as a lead rope (though it can get tricky if they run through a martingale) as can split reins. If you don't plan to use your reins as a lead rope, carrying one that is clipped on to your halter is a good idea.
- Saddles - Any saddle that fits you and your horse properly will do. However, endurance riders tend toward lighter saddles that do not have a horn (often branded as "endurance" saddles). Obviously, lighter saddles mean less demand on the horse. Endurance riders typically have no need for a horn and often find it can cause more harm than good, particularly when if they need to bend down to hitting their head or if a horse moves in such a way that throws them forward. Beyond these, there are as many different saddles as riders. Some prefer traditional tress, others adjustable or flexible trees, and still others no trees at all with the trend in using treeless saddles. There are usually as many "Western-style" seats as "English-style" seats and as many fenders are there are billets. What works for one horse may not work for another (and what works for one horse at a certain point in conditioning may not work for that same horse at another point when their bodies have changed), and the same idea is applicable for riders. And what works for a regular trail ride or even for 25 miles may not work for 50-100 miles.
- Pads - Pads need to work with the saddle and will not make up for a poor saddle fit (though it may make up for a certain issue here and there). Pad preferences vary with the rider, but riders typically look for a pad that will allow their horse to breath. There are many synthetic as well as natural wool pads that are popular, but the $15 discount pads at your local tack store likely won't make the cut. Pads are one place you do not want to make short cuts, and a new, good quality pad will typically cost from $80 up to $250.
- Breast Collars - Most endurance riders use a breast collar to help keep their saddle in place. Most commonly used is the Y-style with a wither strap and that attaches to the girth/cinch as it provides freedom of movement in the shoulder.
- Martingales - Riders often use martingales at rides to help keep excited horses' heads down. Of course, this is not a replacement for proper training and isn't meant to be, but rather is for "just in case". Running martingales that clip on to the breast collar are most common. Standing martingales are not recommended.
- Cruppers - Many riders use cruppers, but many also do not. They are usually made from a plastic biothane material and are popular with treeless saddle users.
- Girths - This is one area where using what works best is key to avoid tack galls and rubs. Neoprene and 100% mohair girths and cinches are very common.
- Saddle Bags - You'll need them! Stow Away is a popular brand and has many colors and styles depending on the type of saddle you use. Make sure you have places to cary everything you'll need, especially water (see the pre-ride checklist for more details)
- Sheepskin Covers - They're nice to have and lots of riders use them to stay comfortable. Styles vary from covering just your seat to the entire saddle, fenders and leathers included.
- Training aides - Typically, you won't see many training aids on horses as proper training is very important before bringing a horse to an endurance ride. Contrary to popular believe, endurance is not the place for horses that just want to run, run, run!
Gear for the Rider
- Helmets - though only required for Juniors, most endurance riders wear helmets. The Tipperary Sportage is most common, but riders should try on various brands before deciding which they like best.
- Vests - vests are another piece of safety equipment many riders choose to use
- Shirts and Jackets - riders wear what's most comfortable. Many choose to wear shirts made from sweat-wicking material to stay cool.
- Pants - riding tights are most commonly used. These eliminate inseams that can cause
- Bras and Underwear - This was covered in great detail in the Great Underwear Thread of 2012. Enjoy!
- Boots - There are many good-quality and comfortable brands out there, but Ariat Terrains seem to be most popular
- Half Chaps - If riding with billets, half chaps are a must to avoid rubs. You can get plain ones that do their job well or fancy ones with fringe!
- Gloves - You're going to be holding your reins for a long time, so gloves are usually a good idea
- Rain Gear - You never know what the weather will bring, but the ride will probably happen regardless. Even when a ride starts in sunshine, stories of them ending in a downpour are common!
- Bags and pockets - places to carry things on you are important, especially if you get separated from your horse. Vest pockets, fanny packs, and arm bands are handy for a cell phone and a GPS.
- Helmet visors - these attach to your helmet and range from ball-cap styles that shade your face to full brims that shade your ears and neck, too
- Sunglasses - another popular and practical item
Camping equipment
- Somewhere for you - Horse trailers with living quarters are very popular at ride camps. However, many riders throw a mattress in their gooseneck, use a camper on the back of their truck, or camp with friends. Camping in a tent isn't very common, but can be done! For creative ways to convert your trailer into a place for you to camp, check out the Facebook group Horse Trailer Conversion
- Somewhere for your horse - High-ties on your trailer, portable panels for corrals, and portable electric pens are most popular. Endurance camps don't typically lend themselves to using high lines. Simply tying to your trailer is another option.
- Buckets - the flexible plastic ones a great for carrying water
- Water Tank - Bringing your own water in a tank with a hose to fill buckets is a handy alternative to carrying water from the water tank.