| There is practically no limit where horse lovers can go | | | | from their strenuous day more easily each evening, |
| on vacation these days. What was once limited to the | | | | and a nice lightweight fly sheet can help keep biting |
| grassy knolls of Ireland, stony estates in England, and | | | | insects away. With all of the hours in the saddle each |
| wine tasting excursions in California's Napa Valley has | | | | day, the saddle pad must be of the highest quality. |
| now expanded around the globe to include locations | | | | Most riders prefer a saddle pad with extra foam and |
| such as Patagonia, the Great Wall of China, Spain, | | | | moisture-wicking properties or one with built-in pockets. |
| Tanzania, Kenya, Morocco, and pretty much any other | | | | Packing For People |
| place riders could think to go. There are equestrian | | | | Packing lightly for an equestrian vacation means |
| vacations geared toward beginners, professionals, and | | | | sticking to the basics for people as well as animals. |
| everything in between. An equestrian vacation can be | | | | Most of the gear must be carried by the rider or |
| a cattle drive at a dude ranch, classical dressage | | | | packed in a suitcase, depending upon the type of |
| training, casual trails, or an extreme sports experience | | | | vacation that has been selected. Most companies |
| in the mountains of Costa Rica! | | | | provide lodging and food, but some require that riders |
| Preparing for an equestrian vacation takes careful | | | | bring their own sleeping bag. |
| consideration of the duration of the trip, the expected | | | | Riders need to make room for clothing other than their |
| weather, and the terrain to be covered. Like all trips, | | | | equestrian apparel as well as rain gear, a camera, |
| there are some basic supplies and apparel that simply | | | | sunglasses, bug spray, basic toiletries, a towel, a |
| have to be brought, but this is not the sort of trip in | | | | washcloth, and sunscreen. Sealable plastic bags, wet |
| which an extra suitcase or two can be handled or | | | | wipes, and extra batteries for the camera are good to |
| even allowed. Packing as lightly as possible while | | | | bring. A passport bag or money belt is an excellent |
| ensuring you bring everything you need is much easier | | | | way to carry valuables close to your body and |
| with a checklist and some prior planning. | | | | separate from luggage. |
| Your Horse Or Theirs? | | | | Equestrian Apparel |
| One major factor is planning this holiday experience is | | | | Packing all of your riding apparel takes some planning. |
| to decide whether or not to use their mount or your | | | | Many quality brands have stylish new travel bags for |
| own. Bringing your four-legged friend requires extra | | | | luggage as well as horse riding equipment, making |
| transportation, planning, and expense. It also means that | | | | identifying your property at baggage claim all that |
| the two of you will have shared experiences unlike | | | | much easier as well as making you stand out in a |
| any other. Of course, clinics and training sessions | | | | crowd. Riders need to bring an ASTM/SEI-approved |
| generally require that riders bring their own mount and | | | | helmet, gloves, and paddock boots. Plenty of thick |
| horse riding equipment, whereas most dude ranches | | | | socks are a good idea, and comfortable breeches or |
| forbid the use of anything but their own animals. | | | | jodhpurs are mandatory. |
| Basic Horse Riding Equipment | | | | Breeches with a low-rise waist made with stretchy |
| Most equestrian travel companies provide a list of | | | | fabric are the best choice. A lightweight jacket that |
| required and recommended horse riding equipment | | | | can adapt to changing conditions is extremely helpful. |
| that should be brought. The most basic items that | | | | Make sure you choose one with the features you'll |
| riders must bring include one or two halters, lead lines, | | | | need, such as an outer shell, a removable inner fleece, |
| saddle pads, a saddle, a bridle, a stable blanket and/or | | | | and a hood that can be concealed or removed. |
| sheet, and a cooler. Trailering supplies will also be | | | | Taking the time to select the bare minimum of riding |
| needed. Obviously, this is not the time or place for | | | | apparel and horse riding equipment for an equestrian |
| horse riding equipment that is worn, shabby, or likely to | | | | riding vacation will free up your time and your hands to |
| break. Riders should invest in whatever replacement | | | | enjoy an adventure you will remember for the rest of |
| pieces they need prior to packing for an equestrian | | | | your life as being a truly magical experience, and one |
| vacation. | | | | that you will want to repeat again and again! |
| A sturdy blanket or cooler will help your mount recover | | | | |