What Do I need for Tack and Equipment?
You really don’t need anything special. MOTDRA allows the use of any kind of humane tack. However, there are some things that make distance riding a lot easier and more enjoyable, including:
•	A very well-fitted saddle. It can be western, English, Australian or a specially-made saddle. It helps if it has extra D-rings for hanging stuff from. A saddle-fit problem may not be noticeable in the arena, but will show up after hours of distance riding.
•	A good bridle. Biothane is nice. Halter-bridles make life easier at the vet checks. Leather or nylon are OK, but require more cleaning.
•	A riding helmet. Many ride managers are requiring safety helmets on all riders. MOTDRA requires helmets on junior riders under the age of 18. You only have one brain. Visit a rehab hospital if you don’t think you need to use a helmet.
•	Water bottles. These come in containers you can hang on your saddle, or in fanny packs to hang on you. Carry at least one to drink from and one to pour water over your horse.
•	A sponge on a string. Dip this into streams and ponds to squeeze water on the horse for cooling. Make sure to practice this at home. A LOT!
•	A fanny pack, cantle bag or other way to carry “stuff,” such as horse and people snacks, a hoof pick, car keys, a pocket knife, horse bandage, map, rider card, compass and whistle.
•	Riding tights or breeches with no inner seam. If you want your thighs shredded like hamburger, wear jeans. Even the guys wear breeches or tights for distance riding, or they wear pantyhose under jeans.
•	Wide comfortable stirrups. There are several brands made for distance riding.
•	A rain slicker – we ride in all weather!
•	Horse clothing appropriate for the weather – you might need a rain sheet, cooler, fly sheet, winter blanket and/or rump rug.
•	A cushy saddle cover. Not a necessity, but definitely helps (unless it’s pouring down rain and it becomes a sponge!)
•	Necktie coolies. These are wonderful inventions that you soak in water and wrap around your neck to keep you cool on hot days.
•	A sweat scraper. Many riders hang one on the saddle. It is the evaporation process that cools the horse.
•	An E-Z boot for lost shoe emergencies.
•	A heart rate monitor. This helps you track your horse’s condition as you ride.
•	Ice boots are nice for longer rides, but some horses don’t like them much.
•	Camping gear. Rides start at dawn. It is a lot easier to arrive at the ride site the day before and camp out than to try to get there the morning of the ride.
•	Camping food. Most MOTDRA rides offer a potluck dinner at the rider meeting. However, many endurance rides do not. Be prepared to feed yourself!
•	Buckets. With lids. Lots of them. Many camp sites are primitive. You need to bring in the water you and your horse will use. Ask the ride manager to see if horse and/or people water is available.
•	A pooper scooper. Good trail riders clean up after their horses in camp.