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You don't say  whether your first ride will be an LD or a 50 (or 100!) 
miler or how much long distance training you and your horse have done so 
 I'll make some assumptions here.  I'll assume that you've done your 
homework and you and your horse are adequately conditioned which you've 
done using the tack you have now.  I'll also assume that your first ride 
will be an LD.  Based on those assumptions, I'd say, go with what you 
have now if you haven't had any problems on your longest rides.  I'd add 
some way to carry a water bottle for you, your ride card and maybe a 
jacket or rain gear if the weather warrants it.  I'm a firm believer in 
only adding equipment when I see a clear need for it.  Doing a ride or 
two will show you what equipment you have a "clear need" for upgrading. 
 Remember, back in the old days, people used very basic tack and did 
quite well.  There is a lot of stuff out there to tempt us to part with 
our money but it isn't all "necessary" to get the job done for all horses.
	As for breast collars, that's in many ways a personal choice unless 
your horse just isn't comfortable in one design or another.  I don't use 
a crupper but my saddle fits my horse very well and doesn't slip forward 
going downhill.  Cruppers are used to keep the saddle in place; 
personally, if my saddle slipped far enough to need a crupper, I'd shop 
for a better fitting saddle.
	"Boots" can mean either hoof boots or splint boots.  Using hoofboots, 
usually over bare hooves, is a horse management issue.  Some do it, some 
don't but there is not reason to switch if your horse is doing well the 
way he is.  As for splint boots, some horses move in such a way as to 
ding themselves on the opposite pastern/canon as they move.  They need 
splint boots.  Many people also use them as protection against dings 
from rocks and brush along the trail.  Being a minimalist and being 
fortunate enough to have a horse that travels straight and has thick 
hair, I don't use them, but there's nothing wrong with using them if you 
like.
	Girths are something your horse will talk to you about.  There isn't 
one material that works for all horses in all terrains and climates.  If 
you start getting rubbing with what you're using now, look again at 
rides you go to to see what other people are using and ask them why 
(because their horses' issues may not be the same as yours.)
Hope this helps!
Laney

Sacred Wind Arabians wrote:
> Hi group I have a few more questions.
> I am woundering what kind of tack is "needed" I can not afford a whole 
> lot of new stuff right now and I will have to buy as i go but I need to 
> know what are some of the necessities.
> I currently have an all purpose english saddle and I have a Toklat Pad 
> with inserts. Will this do for now? Also I was woundering what kind of 
> breast colors you all use. I have seen the Beta ones but I have also 
> seen the wool ones what would be better? Also at what point would I or 
> do I need a crupper? Also I have seen lots of pics of endurance horses 
> wearing boots. What kind are the best for endurance rides? What kind of 
> girth works well for endurance, mine is an adjustable leather one do I 
> need wool?
> Are there any extras that I have not thought about that I would need?
> Just tring to prepare for my first ride.
> Thanks Kimberly

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