[FutureVetGirl]

When I'm at an Endurance Competition.

I MIGHT be going to one on the 18th and 19th... it's still just a maybe.

I've watched several... at least... the beginning and end of them... but I've never participated in them.

I'm not wanting a website.

So... for those of you who have done an Endurance Competition before... what are some tips, basic knowledge, etc?

[FutureVetGirl]

bump... sorry for being impatient... I'm just REALLY psyched...

[katyrides]

I don't know a lot about endurance but it takes a lot of energy? I know there's ladies on here who ride endurance but I don't remember who.
Sorry :\ Wikipedia that stuff yo!

[FutureVetGirl]

I hate wikipedia. In all honestly... not just my honest opinion... it's very false on most of its information, because anyone can just go in and edit it.

So yeah... wikipedia isn't for me.

I'll just wait until people who HAVE done endurance can say something else... thanks though.

[katyrides]

Maybe you should change your title so they can see it.

[Demanda1904]

it is exactly that, an endurance ride.
your horse should be very physically fit or you will be pulled if your horse shows any even slight sign of lameness or dehydration melnutrition etc. Tack wise i think, don't qupte me theres very few rules/limitations. i also think here in cali you have to do your ride with someone over 18.
what sort of information are you looking for, via what they do at check points, tack...?

[FutureVetGirl]

More like just random things like... "be sure to bring water" or how the checkpoints and vet checks are done, etc...

[Top Dun]

What You Will Need

• Any saddle that is comfortable and fits both horse and rider.
• A bridle. A bitless bridle or endurance bridle makes it easier for the horse to eat or drink on trail.
• Halter
• Lead rope
• Sponges
• Buckets
• Comfortable clothes and Helmet if you want
• Extra saddle pads or girth to replace sweat soaked or muddy ones.
• Feed for your horse.
• Coolers, rain sheets and blankets according to the weather. Be prepared for any weather.
• Comfortable clothing. Be prepared for any weather.
• Grooming tools.
• Electrolytes-a salt/sugar solution that helps keep your horse hydrated.
• Your horse may need to be shod. If the terrain is rocky you may want to use pads and caulks.

What to Expect

When you arrive at the ride site, make your horse comfortable. Participants often camp over night as starts are often in the early morning hours. At the entry desk you'll receive your ride package containing a number and score sheet as well as other information. You'll take your horse to the vets and judges for a thorough examination. They record information such as pulse, respiration, temperature and hydration. You'll be asked to trot your horse out on a loose lead so they can assess its soundness and attitude.
After the vet check you'll bed down for the night. Picket lines or portable stalls are common ways of containing horses overnight. You'll want to pre-load your horse with an electrolyte solution and make sure he is eating and drinking.
Early in the morning you'll start out on trail. All competitors start at the same time. These mass starts can be exciting. Some people like to wait at their trailers until the dust settles.
You'll want to give your horse every opportunity to drink and eat along the trail. Veterinary checks along the way make sure your horse is healthy and sound. Your horse will be checked very thoroughly again at the end. Awards and prizes are handed out after the majority of horses have finished.
Preparing Your Horse

Your horse should be in good health, and perfectly sound. If your horse is overweight or very unfit, start very slowly. Begin by riding 4 to 6 days a week, five miles per workout, at a pace of 4-6 miles per hour. Gradually increase your time, distance and speed. Start conditioning at least 8 to 12 weeks before the event. Before attempting an endurance ride, you may want to participate in some competitive trail rides or mileage rides where you can learn to pace your horse over slightly shorter distances. Ride over varied terrain including steep climbs. Teach your horse to be calm around highway and off road vehicles.
Preparing Yourself

Endurance riding demands a high level of fitness of horse and rider. In addition to riding consider doing some cardio building exercise. Eat properly, and try to go into the event rested. A tired rider is harder for a horse to carry. (Compare carrying a sleeping child, to one that is awake.) Dress comfortably and bring a change of clothing. Know your horse and learn to recognize signs that he may be tired, uncomfortable or lame. You'll want to recruit a support crew to help look after your horse and you during the ride. Learn how to give your horse electrolytes.



my first endurance ride


http://www.enduranceridersofalberta..../info_new1.htm


http://www.seraonline.org/Conditioning.pdf

[18thTomorrow]

Originally Posted by FutureVetGirl

I hate wikipedia. In all honestly... not just my honest opinion... it's very false on most of its information, because anyone can just go in and edit it.

So yeah... wikipedia isn't for me.

I'll just wait until people who HAVE done endurance can say something else... thanks though.

Actually, Wikipedia has become a wonderful resource. It is edited and CLOSELY monitored by over 75,000 active contributors who are very strict about how changes are made and information is given. I dare you to go in and add nonsense information to some wikipedia page, then keep checking it. I'll bet your changes are reversed in less than an hour (As well, you will see a cautionary message on your screen from the Wikipedia community monitors).

No other encyclopedia has so many authors--many of whom are experts in their field or subject--working so closely to keep it up-to-date.

You're missing out and clearly in the minority if you think Wikipedia has no worthwhile information.

[FutureVetGirl]

I was told by every teacher that I ever had that I should NEVER go on wikipedia to find my answers. One of them is a fellow monitor and editor.

Once... a friend of mine used wikipedia for her assignment... and got some information that was VERY false. (I don't remember what it was on though... sry)

So yeah... I said from experience... wikipedia is OK for a little bit of information... but not if you're wanting to truly learn something.


Oh... and Thanks a lot Top Dun. That helped.

It's a short, 40km ride... so I highly doubt that we'll have to get there the night before and all. And it's only a few miles from the barn.