ridecamp@endurance.net: [endurance] Rider's Sores & Rubs/Heat troubles

[endurance] Rider's Sores & Rubs/Heat troubles

Tina Hicks (hickst@puzzler.nichols.com)
Thu, 11 Apr 1996 15:53:02 -0500

Just have to put in yet another plug for Sportack's tights since I have now
ridden in them. Now, to me, I gave them the ultimate test (please withhold
comments on how smart this was <g>) - the first time I wore them was at the
War Eagle 55!! Yes, I know, never try anything new at a ride, etc.....

Well, I had no rubs and in the rain I think they just got better!! They
almost become a 2nd skin, no rubbing, irritation, sores, etc...

Before these I was using some Miller's Sportific breeches with tall socks -
worked okay but the fabric is not good when it is wet - it's a heavy
cotton/almost denim - water increases their weight exponentially, I think
:->

In the summer do most of you continue to use the lycra/nylon material or do
you go to a cotton mix? Sportack offers their tights in a cotton mix but
says that the lycra/nylon is by far the most popular.
====================
On the horse having trouble handling the heat, part of it can be helped
with semi-conditioning rides, electrolytes, etc... but, IMO, the ability to
handle heat is often very much a function of that particular horse's
body....I mean, some people handle heat/cold better than others - makes
sense to me that horses do the same. I had a QH a few years ago that, even
tho he was very fit, on electrolytes when being ridden in the heat, and
conditioned in the heat he still had a hard time handling it (dressage/3day
- *not* endurance <g>). My answer was to remember this and ride him
accordingly...

That's not a very scientific answer :-> but not all horses are going to be
able to handle extremes in temperature (particularly heat) well, no matter
what you do, IMHO, of course <g>

Tina and crew
hickst@nichols.com
Huntsville, AL