Power bars make me gag. I usually donıt eat while on the trail, but carry a homemade trail mix (nuts and dried fruit) and a granola bar for emergencies, and one bottle with water and one with gatorade (which I canıt STAND unless I need it, and then I canıt get enough.) I mostly empty both bottles between vet stops. (If I donıt I get yelled at!) I do eat at vet stops -- I always want something salty, so I have chips and pretzels available, plus bananas and orange sections, and pasta salad for the lunch break. Late in a 100 mile ride I usually go for a coke -- caffeine helps. At Fort Valley in 1994 someone handed me a cup of hot beef stew at the 80 (or or) mile vet stop. I know itıs not usually recommended, but it seemed like the best thing Iıd EVER eaten -- obviously I needed it.
As for saddles, I ride a Sports Saddle with a woolback pad, and both I and my horse love it. He never has a sore back, and I find it really comfortable. If anyone wants more details, please e-mail me direct rather than clog the list.
Nancy Smart