conditions it is put through are exactly what destroys leather.
Biothane is good. usually it is the hardware on biothane bridles that =
breaks. Biothane will last you three or four years until it is truly gone, =
but most people throw theirs out after about three years. If your horse =
is thin skinned, it might chafe and be uncomfortable. A biothane bridle =
runs about fifty bucks. I'm not sure on the breastplate.
I prefer nylon. Nylon is cheaper than biothane, but it's life is much =
shorter. It is softer on your horse, but it can be difficult to keep =
looking nice for very long. Personally, I make my own nylon tack. All it =
takes is a decent sewing machine, a local tack shop that sells nylon =
(most do) and soemwhere to buy hardware. I have found that =
home-made tack fits better too. I recomend nylon, personally.
If you are an efficient rider, ride ENGLISH!!! you must be in two point =
going up steep hills, and it's hard with a traditional western saddle. =
THey make endurance saddles, but a normal english is best. But a fuzzy =
saddle cover on your saddle (you will thank me, I promise), grab a big =
chunk of mane when going up hill so you don't put too much stress on =
the breast plate (you will also put stress on his shoulders) and be sure =
to buy a "Y" style breast plate. When you go down hill, stay in 3-point. =
donot lean back, it will put stress on your horse's rear end and he will =
get a sore back.
I personally still wear my PVC riding boots during rainy seasons =
(puddles) and in the summer it's cold enough here to wear a pjair of =
insulated traditional english riding boots. They are, however, not =
waterproof. I wear riding stretch pants, or traditional black breeches, =
but that's pretty unorthodox. Dress for comfort, you'll be out there =
awhile. Buy a pommel bag if you don't already have on. Put in it =
surveyors tape, flashlight, glow sticks, a space blanket, non-perishable =
food, ace bandage, asprin, band aids, pen&paper, etc.
well, sorry about the tangent=8A remember me from the NH list? okay
--Fush
> From: Ellen <vincian@cdmnet.com>
> Date: Tue, 30 Apr 1996 15:44:14 -0500
> Subject: [endurance] Endurance tack
> =
> Hi everyone! The new-to-endurance girl with her horse Ahab the A-rab her=
e
> again!;D
> I was wondering what tack and equipment and attire do you all use usual=
ly
> for rides? I have no idea what to use and I really don't feel like spend=
ing
> $$$$ for a new saddle unless I REALLY need to. I have a 15(more like 14.=
3)
> hand QH/Arab gelding who uses a standard tree saddle. I have both a
> Collegiate Senior Event Saddle and a Bighorn used western pleasure saddle=
=2E
> My horse has a weaker lower back, so I always use a "foamy" for his back
> when I ride. I own two leather bridles(one english with a full cheek
> snaffle and one western show bridle I got for $20, but it is a Circle Y!)=
=2E
> I don't own a breastplate (or collar), and I know that that is one thing =
I
> will need! What is your opinion on leather vs nylon vs biothane? I know=
> that leather breaks if the horse is caught on something, but it is also
> harder to care for and can get ruined on trail rides. Any input and/or
> endurance catalog #s would be greatly appreciated!
> =
> Thanks!
> Solange Deschatres in Missouri vincian@cdmnet.com
> and 12-Bar Origional(Ahab the A-rab to you!;D)