When you start endurance riding, it is wise to choose ordinary, well-fitting tack for your pony, and comfortable riding clothes for you.
Before starting out in endurance riding, many riders ask what type of equipment they will need. The answer, at first, is nothing more than they would use when going out on a long hack. However, the more a rider competes and the longer the distances they have to cover, the sooner they will realise that comfort is a priority for both rider and pony.
Essential Equipment
Pony Club Endurance rules specify particular items of tack and riding equipment which are not the same as those permitted by EGB, SERC and ILDRA. It is therefore important to check the most recent Rule Book to ensure that you are appropriately kitted out. At rides organised by The Pony Club, including the Championships, there will be a tack check, with the purpose of ensuring that your tack is safe for the job. The stitching on stirrup leathers and reins must be sound; leatherwork must be in good condition; and all tack should fit and be well adjusted. Make sure it is clean and presents a good, workmanlike impression. The Pony Club's Saddlery and Tack Cleaning achievement badges will help you to learn more about this.
Even if the ride does not have a tack check, well-fitting tack and comfortable clothing is essential for endurance riding. You will be on your pony's back for several hours so any pinching or rubbing will become much more evident than during a half-hour lesson. Looking at the wider field of endurance riding, equipment for pony and rider is designed for safety, comfort and ease of maintenance whilst still allowing a certain amount of individuality. In general terms the tack which you use every day for Pony Club rallies will be adequate provided that it is in good repair and fits well. New tack and/or clothes are not expected, so clean and tidy, comfortable second-hand gear for both pony and rider is completely acceptable.
The equipment described in this chapter will be enough for you to start competing at endurance riding and you will probably already have most of it. As with all equestrian disciplines there is a confusing variety of expensive specialist gear on offer, so it is important to restrict your purchases to those appropriate for your competition level and accepted under Pony Club rules. However, there are some items of special equipment which you will find helpful as you progress and there are some aspects of endurance riding which you may wish to take into account when choosing what to wear.
Hats
Your hat must conform to the correct standard: endurance societies and British Riding Clubs have a different one to The Pony Club. Pony Club approved headwear (see Rule Book) is acceptable to these societies but not the other way round, so you must make sure that you are wearing the right hat. Conventional skull cap type hats can prove to be both heavy and hot when riding longer distances which is why lightweight, ventilated hats (pictured here) have become popular among endurance riders. Pony Club Members are permitted to wear these provided that they meet the usual required safety standards. These hats are only acceptable at endurance rides however-not at other Pony Club rallies or events-so unless you are doing a lot of longer rides it is probably more sensible to use your normal hat.
Footwear
Most endurance riders favour short riding boots and half chaps instead of tall boots because tall boots tend to be too hot for the time spent riding. This is another area where you need to be careful as Pony Club rules are not the same as those for other endurance societies. (See Rule Book for details.) Your usual jodhpur boots with a smooth sole will be acceptable to all organisations but if you are going to be running across slippery terrain leading your pony for parts of the route, or mounting and dismounting frequently for gates, then you may find that they offer limited grip. In these cases trainer-style riding boots offer an alternative and Pony Club Endurance rules do allow for this provided that you ride in a caged stirrup.
A wide range of half chaps are available. The most important thing is that they fit well and are comfortable but when buying a new pair you should give consideration to features such as ease of cleaning, breathable fabric (pictured above-right) or reflective strips. Unlike other Pony Club disciplines, coloured chaps and reflective stripes are permitted for safety reasons as they can help improve visibility. (However, decorative tassels and fringes are not allowed.)
As with all things, if you do purchase specialist footwear/chaps for endurance riding you should be aware that it may not be acceptable to use them for other Pony Club events.
Map Case
You will need a map case (a clear, waterproof plastic case on a strap, similar to the one pictured here) to hold ride instructions and your map. As map cases tend to flap you must make sure that the cord is long enough to fit over your shoulder and hold the case snugly under your arm.
HINT
Putting your number bib on over the top of the map case strap also helps to reduce flapping and twisting. A shirt with a collar is recommended because the strap of the map case can rub your neck and become uncomfortable. It is a good idea to put your map into the case upside down so that when you look at it whilst riding, it will be the right way up!
Water
It is important to carry a drink because it is surprisingly easy to become dehydrated during an endurance ride as you lose body fluids by sweating and are not able to replace them quickly enough. Almost all endurance riders use some form of saddle-mounted water bottle and holder. A plastic drink container with a top you pull up with your teeth is the best type. If you do not have a bottle carrier (right) then take a high energy sports drink with you-the sort that comes in squashy packs that you can slip into a pocket. Keeping hydrated on rides is crucial. Most riders would seek out water for their pony on long rides but, in the excitement of competition, might forget to drink themselves.
Dehydration can cause serious problems-from headaches to dizziness-and at worst can make you become confused, unable to make decisions, and make you feel dreadful. Reminding their rider to have a drink at crew points is an important duty for the crew.
Water is also vital for the pony. If the day is hot or your pony is not fit enough he may lose so much fluid that he becomes dehydrated, and when it comes to the final vetting he will not pass. Always make sure that you allow the pony to drink as much as he wants whenever you have access to water. If you have to cross a stream, for example, pause for a moment to see if he would like a drink. Ride maps will often indicate where there is water available en route. (See Chapter 7 on Crewing for more information on pony and rider care during the ride.)
First Aid Kit
It is wise, and in some cases obligatory, to take a first aid kit. The Pony Club recommends that it contains the following:
Triangular bandage.
Wound dressing.
Vet wrap (or similar).
Space blanket (foil ones fold into a tiny package).
Glucose sweets or mint cake.
Whistle.
A small length of string. (Baler twine will do, but leather shoelaces are unbeatable.)
Some riders like to include a folding hoof pick.
If you require any medication such as an asthma inhaler it is also sensible to carry this with you.
You may also wish to carry a snack for the rider such as a cereal bar.
The entire kit can be carried in a bum bag or saddle pannier. The Pony Club recommends that it is carried on the rider's person because if they have a fall and their first aid kit is attached to the saddle it may be unavailable just when it is needed most. At the very least a rider should carry a wound dressing in a pocket. However, if you opt for a saddle pannier you need to ensure that it is firmly fastened so that it does not bounce up and down on your pony's back.
Pony riding can be a dangerous sport so you are strongly recommended to undertake some basic first aid training whatever discipline you choose to participate in. In addition, endurance riders are often riding for long periods out of sight of stewards or other immediate sources of assistance. The Pony Club runs two achievement badges which will help you prepare for any accidents-Human First Aid and Equine First Aid.
Mobile Phone
Carrying a mobile phone with you (in case you need to contact your crew or the emergency services) is a sensible precaution. You can buy special cases for them which fit onto your arm, or else the phone can be slipped inside a bum bag. However you should be aware that some rides will take you into areas where there is a poor mobile signal. This is why your first aid kit should always contain a whistle for summoning help.
Medical Card
Pony Club rules state that all Members must wear a medical armband on their arm whilst competing in endurance.
(N.B. It is not considered safe to wear it on the leg as this may make it difficult to access in the event of an accident) The medical card should contain details of any pre-existing medical conditions and medication, emergency contact details and doctor's contact information. Some...
