What is the best choice for?

Question

for endurance riding, what type of tack is best?

stirrups?

bits/bridels? can you use hackamores?

and then is it better for the horse to have shoes? or no shoes?

also can gaited horses participate?

thanks!

Answer 1

For endurance riding you need endurance tack if you want to go full out.  It is designed to be light but also comfortable for long periods in the saddle ridden fast over rough ground.

You can use any bit you choose.

If you do endurance you will probably have to have shoes.  Part depends on where you ride and part depends on the horse's feet, but in most areas there is enough rock so that horses ridden those distances need shoes.  However some people do use easy boots.

Yes gaited horses participate.  Arabs are considered the best but the fox trotter is gaining popularity.  On flat ground Walkers are good but tend to fall behind the fox trotters in rough terrain.  Another possibility is a gaited X arab cross.  We sold a beautiful one last year to a little girl and our family and theirs rode together from Thurs. to Sat.  Despite the fact that their horses were not in condition the little half arab half fox trotter did fantastic.  I told the little girl that she would make a fine endurance horse if she ever got into that.

Edit

I reread my post and it seened as I was implying arabs are gaited.  No most are not.  arabs are the supreme endurance horse because they sweat more and have a muscle structure which produces slightly less heat than the average horse.  This gives them incredible endurance.  However their ride is rough (no offense but those that do not agree with that have simply never ridden a gaited horse).  The rough gait is harder on the rider.   It takes a lot of conditioning for both horse and rider to do endurance and the gaited breeds give the advantage to a rider.  

If you go gaited and cover more than one type of terrain I suggest a fox trotter.  Get one that can running walk and fox trot.  Try to avoid ones with an extreme over reach if you are covering rough terain.  Rocky Mountains are good too but most I have seen are simply fox trotters that can running walk and were double registered as a rocky while the books were still open.  

If you go gaited and are in rough ground then stick with a fox trotter.  The extra sure footedness of the fox trot will aid you tremendously as well as the added endurance the gait lends the horse.  Try to stick with one that only fox trots or that prefers the fox trot to other gaits.

Oh and their are different levels of endurance and the lower levels you can use a light western saddle.  You do not need an endurance saddle to get started.  And yes Aussies make fairly good endurance saddles.  I have one but I sugest getting a western converter for the girth.  They are not that expensive and make it much easier to tighten the saddle.

Competitive trail is another possibility for you.  Competitive trail is as long but there is an optimal time that you want to try to finish in.  Any faster or slower and you lose points.  So for this a gaited horse works great because it helps you time your speed.

Answer 2

yes there is a "new" area for gaited horses in endurance riding *i'm still looking for the link that someone else gave me*

depends on the horse, but i would think shoes just b/c the different terrains the horse is going over.

i seen a endurance saddle for the first time(i snuck to the tack store this after noon and it was like heaven) anyway, they come in english and western, i wish i took a pic of it (maybe sometime this week i can sneak back out and take a pic of it) the only major differences i seen with the saddle was:

1. wider *could just be the saddle, but it look and felt so much more comfty then my all propose.

2. only had two billets. (idk way for sure yet, but i'll find out, if anyone else knows please tell me)

3. the saddle flaps are longer (the guy said it was for your legs to be more strieght with riding)

4. more rings for attachments.

i called my first trainer, i'm going back for lessons and maybe lease a horse at her barn and she wants to do short rides maybe (25 miles max). . . anyway, she said she has an aussie stock saddle that she is going to use. she says that it's also considered a endurance saddle, but for me i'm going to stay away only b/c i know another trainer who doesnt like the saddle.(but who knows, what ever fits the horse and you)

i tried to get more info out of her, but she told me i should look for the horse first and until then research on the web.

anyway, i cant wait to see the other answers and take more notes.

still LOOKING for the web site ( i have so got to get organized with my web info lol)

URGH i cant find it. . . i'll get back later on the site. . . it was really intersting

edit:

FOUND IT~!!!!~ (right after i posted, again go figure)

http://www.endurancehorse.org/

edit edit:

drop me a line sometime, i have a few other web sites and things that may be helpful.

Answer 3

Sometimes it is compulsory for a horse to be shod. This takes a lot of stress on your horses hooves especially when your riding on rough terrain.

At your saddlery there should be certain saddles used for endurance riding that are light weight or many just wear fender saddles or plain western saddles.

Bridles can be in any form. You can use a bit bridle or a hackamore it really comes down to the type of horse you own rather than what looks better.

Helmets can be any brand usually you wear the more protected and high performance helmet incase of falls.

A lot of the eventers you will see wear leg protection and carry boots with them. This is so things like brances and that dont swipe at the horses and the boot are used for incase you come over very rough terrain. Not all horse shoe protect horses. Usually your farrier will use a special type of horseshoe for your horse in endurance.

The stirrups you see arent usually like the stirrups you see in jumping and that. They are more like western stirrups but with a foot protector at the front to make sure your feet dont slip through the other side of the stirrup.

here is a website that is devoted to horse tack and supplies for ENDURANCE RIDERS

http://www.dixonsmith.com.au/ds.html

Anyways hope that helped you out

Goodluck

Answer 4

Gaited horses can participate. Any type of tack is acceptable as long as it fits the horse properly. I would suggest you do put shoes on your horse, seeing as you don't know what the terrain will be like. Gaited horses are allowed and  happen to be excelent at endurance.

Answer 5

i do that too sometimes.

i would recommend shock absorbent stirrups, theyre great for long rides.  i use a type of hackamore. specially designed for endurance riding, so that the horse can easily eat and drink. it works by pressing on the horses pole. it is just as good as a bit bridel ( someone is training in dressage with it )

the horse i ride it shoeless, but if youre worried that it may hurt the horses feet, they make boots for your horse

of course gaited horses can participate

good luck and hope i helps.. best answer?

Answer 6

Hi there!

It all depends on your horse.

A lot of endurance riders prefer to go bitless (including hackamores) because it's simply much more comfortable for the horse on long rides and most riders won't use/need much rein contact anyway.

Synthetic tack is a popular choice because of the usually dirty and wet conditions. Plus the sweat from the horse will be easily hosed off at the end of the ride. Synthetic tack is very low maintenance too, compared to leather which cracks ect.

You can use any stirrups, which any feel the most comfortable because you will be in the saddle for usually hours.

Shoes completely depends on the terrain you're riding on. Many go without shoes though.

Any horse can be entered. From 10hh lead rein ponies to fit Percherons have been known to compete. Western or English or *other* trained horses are suitable for endurance.

Good luck!

Answer 7

i;ve done a couple of novice rides and

you can use any thing that is comfortable for

you and your horse. conditioning of your horse

is most important. i rode in a aussie saddle

with endurance stirrups. had a great time my

best friend rode her gaited horse and had no

problem. we didn't have shoes on our horses

it all depends on your horse and it's needs

also my other friend does the 25 miles and she

uses a western saddle and a hackmore. and

does really well.  good luck i hope you try doing

it and have fun.

Answer 8

I owned 2 arabians, and they are amazing for endurance riding.  They can go all day and in fact that is what they were bred for.  I preferred english tack, but that is just a preference.  Western tack, including hackamores, are fine, as long as the horse is well trained enough for it.  I preferred shoes on my horses, because the shoes protect the hoof when you are riding on rough terrain.  I don't know gaited horses well, but I do know that it is not a good idea to ride gaited horses with non-gaited horses.  I don't know why you couldn't use them for endurance.  Remember that these horses were bred for comfort, and if you want an endurance horse, then it is most important to choose one whose conformation & breeding most closely fit your needs and goals.

Answer 9

The MOST important thing is the conditioning of your horse! Read everything you can!! Do that the right way!! Take care of your horse he/she is going to carry through!! The best type of tack is what you are the most comfortable in!!!! Look for the lightest saddle & tack. The horse having shoes depends on the horse. Mine are not & don't need them. That is something you should talk with your farrier about. Some breeds have better hooves. Gaited horse can & do compete. Yes, you can use hackamores, bits, sidepulls etc. etc. You just look for light weight comfort.

Here is a site with great tack & info.

http://www.endurance.net/

Answer 10

i dont no any thing about endurance riding, but i do no that gaited horses can participate for sure.

Answer 11

Gaited horses would be great, especially for the rider! Arabians also make great endurance horses. I'm not sure about hackamores. Since you'll be going over different kinds of terrains, I believe your horse should be shod. You can find endurance saddles on doversaddlery.com. Good Luck!