RE:riding sneakers

["Jonni" <jonnij@earthlink.net>]

Here is what I found with sneakers and endurance. Those who are new to
getting off and walking, or running with the horse on a ride usually start
on downhills. Make sure you have a shoe with enough tread to keep from
slipping, or loosing footing on loose ground. Smooth leather soles like on
boots just do not do well on loose rocks and such when trying to go
downhill. Also make sure the fit is good, and when you go downhill your feet
do not slide forward and cause pain in your feet. I just bought a new pair
of actual running shoes, that are designed for trail running. They are
comfortable to ride in, and are designed for comfort on trails. With all the
stirrups available with "cages" and tapaderos, having a heel on your shoe is
not as important for safety as they are with 'normal' stirrups. I also went
to a good running store, where you put on a pair of shoes, and they watch
you run (or jog) in them. The fellow who runs the store has completed the
Western States 100 mile run (Tevis for runners) and understands trail needs.
The shoes cost a tad more, but I got some that were built for the job, fit
me, and designed to work the best with my style of movement. (my ankles turn
in)
Jonni in Calif. with Drut the "former' endurance horse<sigh>


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