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Current to Wed Jul 23 17:29:52 GMT 2003
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    Re: [RC] [RC] info - kit kat


    Hi,

    I am a newbie to the sport, But I can anwer a couple of you questions:) And I im just into helping anyone into this new great sport. First of all, you have to ask yourself. Shouldn't you go and help out the closest endurance ride held in your area. JUST to make sure you really like it. I went with my horse to the first one, and I was glad to some degree that she was pulled. I learned lots from crewing for my friend and helping out other riders and talking to all the experienced riders. Then my second ride, I rode it. Even better experience. Also, don't go crazy about changing things about your routine until you are sure this is the sport for you.
    Now onto your questions........
    1) What kind of shoes do you reccomend for a ride? I hear things about sneekers, easy boots, aluminum shoes?It's all very mind boggeling (SP) to a first time hores rider and distance rider! What are the differeces? How do you go about using them? (i hear you have to use some kind of stuff with easy shoes?!?!) What is most econimical? Which wear the best?

    Me, I just use regular shoes. I have a full set of shoes and they are just steel shoes. But it really depends on your horse. The new horse I just bought has TOUGH feet... but im still going to put a full set on....well today actually.


    2) SPONGING? what is the deal with sponging? I know it has something to do with cooling the horse down. If you take all your tack off during a ride to sponge off, won't the horse get saddle sores if you put a saddle on wet skin? Also wouldn't it mess up the saddle pad?

    Sponging cools your horse out faster. They are already sweaty and hot, so sponging there neck and all over cools them and drops there heart rate. Make sure you get between there thighs to when sponging, you do not want to get a rub. About the saddle pad thing, and saddle sores. If your saddle fits good, you should not get saddle sores, also, alot of riders change there saddle pad a hold times, so they have a dry one.


    3) How do you go about camping with your horse? I was told that tieing to the trailer is a bad idea, but for those of us who are just starting out, what's your advise to keep a horse around long enough over night so that they are still there the next day so that you can ride them? I have seen the portable corrals but they look awful expensive, that's why I decided showing wasn't for me...The expense? Am I wrong in thinking this?

    Yet again, this is a personal preferance thing, and it depends on each horse too. When I went, I Highlined. I was going to bring a portable hot wire fence, but the hot box died on me. Some bring corrals, some bring hotwire pens, other highline... all depends on horse and rider.


    4) What do you do when you have no one to crew for you? Do you have to run around to all the stops and set out your stuff the night before? And if so how do you keep people from stealing it? (sorry for my lack of trust in human decency) also what on earth do you pack for a stop besides buckets of water and some hay. I know about electrolites, but am still fuzzy about how to use 'em.

    Well, about a crew, Im not sure were you are, but were we are, you can ask ppl to help you. Like my mom helped me last time. But there are always ppl there volunteering to do all sorts of jobs. And im sure if you asked the ridemanager for help, they would send someone over to help you. So far, everyone has been awesome at the 2 rides that I have been to... my mom came late to my first ride and I had ppl offering to hold my horse for me and getting water for me without me even asking. They know how hecktic it is. Packing, ok, im an excesive packer... I need an extra trailer for all my stuff. IBUT, at both rides, it has worked out good. Someone needed my sturrips after theres broke. Someone need a bridle, someone needed a chicago screw, ect. So I bring LOTS of stuff. I bring in doubles, 2 bridles, 2 halters, 2 of everything that can break..... but that just me.....


    5) Last one for now. Equipment. I am lookin at tack (saddles) and I am boggled at the price of some tack. I know cheapr is not always better, but I need some advise as to whick type of saddle is most economical. I am used to riding western and have NEVER ridden an english saddle. I have found several english multi puropose saddles that I thik would work, BUT I don't know if this is a smart choice for me as i have never ridden in one. I'd like to get an aussie but they too are a bit too rich ro my pocketbook.

    OK! this one here, WHY would you try an english saddle if you are a western rider? You can ride in anysaddle. You just want to ride in a saddle that you are comfotable in. If you want a lighter weight saddle, buy a lightweight western... but do not change your riding style for a sport, expecially endurance, that is a "come as you are" sport. lots of ppl ride western in endurance. So, do not just go out and buy one because you THINK you have to. Like I said before, go and volunteer at a ride or too, and go have fun, ask questions from anyone and everyone... and have FUN! "to finish is to win" So just have fun:)



    Sarah(ITS RAINING) Prozac(yes..........mom is not riding me) Penny(Who is this LADY.......I want to go home) Chance(suckle, suckle, NOT THAT THING ON MY FACE AGAIN......no CONTROL) Chilliwack BC, Canada

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