Endurance Riding

[love2laugh]

Is endurance riding considered western or english? The saddles look like they could be either. And what do you wear when endurance riding? I saw a few pictures on the internet of some riders competing, but I couldn't tell if they were wearing breeches or something else. Thanks, Natasha

[Nhi]

I used to do some endurance riding (long distance riding as it was called then - which was quite a few years ago!). The tack used now has evolved from general purpose English tack: saddles have bigger panels to spread the weight a bit more, bridles can be turned into headcollars by unclipping the bit and so on. Riders wear comfortable gear, lycra joddies and boots that are comfortable and safe for both riding and walking (running for the real enthusiasts!). Riders also have a bum bag or similar with some essentials: whistle, space blanket, gluose sweets, hoof pick, compass (I think we used to have to take 10p for the phone but I imagine mobile phones will be a requirement now).... I can't remember any more but there was quite a list and you weren't allowed to start unless you had them all.

Hope this helps a bit.