Ultimate Endurance Ride Packing Guide: How to Prepare Like a Pro for a One-Day Adventure!

When the sun (hopefully) rises on the day of your endurance ride (because there's nothing worse than trying to enjoy a day in the saddle in torrential rain), the thrill in the air is palpable! There’s nothing quite like the excitement of exploring a new ride with your trusted horse. But before you inevitably drive for hours down the road to the venue, there’s a crucial step that can make all the difference: packing like a pro.

Forget something important and you could be in for a stressful day. Get it right, and you’ll feel like the most organised rider on the planet (even if you do still manage to misplace your gloves five minutes before setting off). So, let’s dive into the ultimate endurance ride packing list!

The Essentials: Tack and Gear

First things first, let’s talk tack! If you rock up to an endurance ride without a saddle, bridle, or stirrups, well… it’s going to be a very long walk.

Saddle, Bridle, Numnah, and Stirrups

I like to think that as long as I have my tack and a riding hat, I could at least start the ride—so that’s always top of my checklist. Saddle, bridle, numnah, girth, and stirrups all make the cut. If your horse wears leg boots, chuck those in too.

Whilst we’re on the subject—when did you last have your saddle checked? Around 70% of horses in endurance events may experience saddle-related discomfort due to poor fit. You don’t want to be one of them!

Hoof Boots

For the non-evangelic barefooters out there— i.e. you use hoof boots, make sure they’re packed! I like to travel my horses with them on so it’s one less thing to do at the venue. And if you have a spare pair? Pack those too! Losing a hoof boot mid-ride is not a fun experience. Trust me.

Rider

Now, onto what we need. At the bare minimum, you’ll need your riding hat (make sure it meets the required safety standards). If you ride in trainers, bring a spare pair. If you ride in boots and/or chaps, get them packed!

Clothing-wise, it’s all weather dependent, but I opt for breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics that dry quickly. And always bring a change of clothes—you never know what British weather has in store!

Rugs

This one’s very dependent on the forecast, but I like to bring at least two wicking rugs to help dry my horse post-ride, plus one waterproof just in case. Because, let’s be real—just in case in the UK basically means definitely going to happen.

• saddle

• numnah

• girth

• stirrups & leathers

• bridle

• leg boots (if you use them)

• hoof boots (if you use them)

• riding boots/trainers/chaps

• riding hat

• appropriate clothing

• 1x spare of everything listed above!

• wicking rug x2

• waterproof sheet

Crew Support: Hydration and Feeding

Water Buckets & Containers

I always bring a sealed water bucket to mix flavoured water (molasses for mine) without it sloshing all over the car boot. I also bring a couple of 20L water containers, with quantities varying depending on the ride. Additionally, I pack several sponges and sweat scraper to help cool & dry my horse and some dedicated wash buckets.

Flavoured Water and Feed

To entice my horse to drink more, I mix in molasses with the water. I also prepare a variety of feed options, from cubes to mash and chaff. Having options ensures my horse stays fuelled & hydrated. Over an 80km ride, a horse could lose anywhere from 20 to 40 litres of sweat or even more if conditions are particularly challenging - hydration is key!

Electrolytes

Electrolytes play a critical role in maintaining hydration. I prefer powdered electrolytes that I can easily mix into my horse's feed - these are kinder on the stomach. However pastes are available and if your horse won't eat his feed with the electrolytes in then you can make up your own syringes with some Gaviscon (or other anti-acid) to help reduce aggravation on the stomach lining. It's also minty so the horse's much prefer it!

Hay or Haylage

Lastly, I always pack plenty of forage – the same type my horse usually has at home. It's important to ensure your horse has the option to eat during travel as well. Fibre is essential for supporting digestive health and also aids hydration. It absorbs and retains moisture throughout the digestive tract and slows down the rate at which food moves through, allowing the horse's body to absorb more water from both the food and the fluids it drinks. Additionally, fibre helps regulate the movement of electrolytes, which are vital for maintaining hydration and proper muscle function, especially during intense exercise.

It's unlikely your horse will eat a lot of forage on the day when offered more enticing bucket feeds but if you can get them to eat whilst travelling and whilst tacking up this will be a real bonus.

• water bucket

• water bucket with lid

• washing bucket

• sponge/s

• sweat scraper

• water containers

• feeds

• molasses

• electrolytes

• forage

Hoof Pick and Spare Hoof Boots

If there’s one thing I never leave home without, it’s a hoof pick. You never know when a stray stone will get lodged, so I keep one in the crew car, one in the trailer, and one on me! Spare hoof boots are also packed—even if your horse is shod, a hoof boot can be a ride-saver if a shoe is lost mid-way!

Extra Items to Consider

• Grooming brush & mane comb—for last-minute detritus removal.

• Towels—for drying itchy faces (and, let’s be honest, yourself).

• First aid kit—bandages, antiseptic, hoof repair kit, duct tape, and baler twine (because they can fix anything).

• Heart rate monitor & stethoscope—so I know where it is at all times!

Snacks and Hydration for the Rider

Let’s not forget our fuel—because a hungry, dehydrated rider is a useless one!

Drink Bottles

I fill my drink bottles with a mix of water, squash and electrolytes. Staying hydrated is key to maintaining energy levels over long distances and having some electrolytes really helps to stop cramps! I personally prefer making my own 'sports drinks' at home but you can of course also by ones of the shelf.

High-Energy Snacks

Snacks are a rider's best companion. I pack flapjacks, bananas, rice cakes, and pretzels for those sustained energy boosts. I never forget a protein shake for post-ride recovery—essential for muscle repair.

Sweet Treats

After a long day in the saddle, the worst thing for me is always the drive home so I do pack some high-sugar/caffeine hits to get me back. I enjoy a can of full-fat Coke as a treat. It’s a delightful pick-me-up! I also make sure to carry a flask of hot tea on the cold days.

• drinks bottles

• water

• sports drinks

• protein shake

• snacks

  • bananas

  • rice cakes

  • flapjacks

  • pretzels

Final Thoughts – Need Help with Your Endurance Prep?

Packing for an endurance ride can feel like an Olympic-level sport in itself, but trust me—it’s worth it! A well-packed setup means less stress and more time to enjoy the ride.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start, I offer coaching to help riders prepare for endurance rides, from kit planning to fitness and strategy. If you’d like expert guidance to get the most out of your endurance season, drop me a message—I’d love to help!

Now, time to double-check the packing list and hit the road—happy riding! 🐎

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