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Re: [RC] What do I need? - heidiPlease Reply to: Susan sewalker@xxxxxxxxxx or ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx ========================================I am in the process of buying my first endurance horse, and I was wondering what stuff I would need to be able to condition and maybe compete my horse (won't be competing for a long while, as she isn't conditioned right now). I know I would need a bridle, saddle,girth, saddle pad, breastplate, splint boots, and I know there must be some other things I am missing. What else do I absolutely have to have, and what else would just be highly recommended but I wouldn't die if I didn't have it? Well, I've yet to use a breastplate (30+ years and 6000+ miles, and I live, condition, and compete in MOUNTAINOUS country--never mind several years of chasin' cows in these mountains before I ever heard of this sport), and I just got splint boots for the first time last year for the two geldings I'm currently riding, both of which have since "outgrown" need of them as they've gotten in better shape. A few stalwart souls have competed bareback, but most would say that the saddle (with girth and pad) is a necessity, along with some sort of headgear (bridle, hackamore, whatever works best for a given horse). Beyond that, it all depends on the horse. Less is more--if you don't need it, don't use it. All other pieces of tack have their purposes, but unless a specific horse has a specific need for a specific item, they are window dressing. After you get your horse and start conditioning, you will be able to ascertain whether or not your horse (or you!) might need other bits of tack. Heidi ============================================================ There are 2 ways to win at this sport. You take a horse and race him for a short time and then find a new horse or you can take one horse , do the homework and spend many miles and years enjoying that horse. ~ Paddi Sprecher ridecamp.net information: http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/ ============================================================
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