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#23807 From: Lida Pinkham <lidapink@...>
Date: Wed Jul 1, 2009 4:19 am
Subject: Breast collar recommendations?
lidapink
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OK more newbie questions. I think I'm narrowing down on the heart rate monitor setup I want. I really like the idea of the wearlink receiver strap and I just need to decide what basic monitor I want that will work with that receiver. So thank you to everyone who shared their recommendations. I would love any others if there are more.
 
But my next questions is about breast collars. I think I have decided to use my dressage saddle instead of my western saddle. It is lighter, synthetic, more comfortable for me and about the same for my horse. We just did a 12 mile ride this weekend and his back was not sore at all. But, I don't have a breast collar for that saddle and plus the one I have for my western saddle is a more fancy western style that goes over the shoulders. I think the style that most endurance riders use will be more comfortable for trails.
 
I like this one I found on the Long Riders Gear site Zilco:
 
Has anyone had any experience with their products? Any other products you would recommend or good sites to checkout.
 
Thanks again everyone for your help!
 
Lida


#23808 From: "Becky Huffman" <Becky@...>
Date: Wed Jul 1, 2009 4:31 am
Subject: Re: Breast collar recommendations?
qadifan
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I have one that's a similar style that I love and I also have a lot of other zilco products that I've always been happy with.  I wouldn't hesitate to buy that one if I needed another breast collar.
 
 

Becky Huffman
www.WritingHorses.com 
 

 
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Tuesday, June 30, 2009 11:19 PM
Subject: [AERCMembersForum] Breast collar recommendations?

OK more newbie questions. I think I'm narrowing down on the heart rate monitor setup I want. I really like the idea of the wearlink receiver strap and I just need to decide what basic monitor I want that will work with that receiver. So thank you to everyone who shared their recommendations. I would love any others if there are more.
 
But my next questions is about breast collars. I think I have decided to use my dressage saddle instead of my western saddle. It is lighter, synthetic, more comfortable for me and about the same for my horse. We just did a 12 mile ride this weekend and his back was not sore at all. But, I don't have a breast collar for that saddle and plus the one I have for my western saddle is a more fancy western style that goes over the shoulders. I think the style that most endurance riders use will be more comfortable for trails.
 
I like this one I found on the Long Riders Gear site Zilco:
 
Has anyone had any experience with their products? Any other products you would recommend or good sites to checkout.
 
Thanks again everyone for your help!
 
Lida


#23812 From: "Smith, Jennifer L." <smithjl@...>
Date: Wed Jul 1, 2009 3:40 pm
Subject: RE: Breast collar recommendations?
steelsidedown
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I have two from Running Bear that have worked well for many years, still look like new.... and they fit well with my dressage saddle.
 
Jen
 


 
 
----- Original Message -----
 
 
 
 
But my next questions is about breast collars. I think I have decided to use my dressage saddle instead of my western saddle. It is lighter, synthetic, more comfortable for me and about the same for my horse. We just did a 12 mile ride this weekend and his back was not sore at all. But, I don't have a breast collar for that saddle and plus the one I have for my western saddle is a more fancy western style that goes over the shoulders. I think the style that most endurance riders use will be more comfortable for trails.
 
Has anyone had any experience with their products? Any other products you would recommend or good sites to checkout.
 
Thanks again everyone for your help!
 
Lida

 
.


#23809 From: Sharon Levasseur <sharon1359@...>
Date: Wed Jul 1, 2009 10:59 am
Subject: Re: Breast collar recommendations?
zephyrs_mom
Offline Offline
Send Email Send Email
 
You can't go wrong with Zilco.

I didn't think to say this before, but... you do not need to spend all
this money when you're just getting started! You don't need a heart
rate monitor at all, right now it's more important to learn to listen
and pay attention to your horse. And as long as your dressage saddle
is comfortable and fits, you may not even need a breastcollar. Do you
have serious hills where you are?? Does your saddle ever slide back?

This sport is about comfort and fitness, not technology and fashion,
no matter how it may seem sometimes. ;-)

-Sharon L. in Maine



Quoting Lida Pinkham <lidapink@...>:

> OK more newbie questions. I think I'm narrowing down on the heart
> rate monitor setup I want. I really like the idea of the wearlink
> receiver strap and I just need to decide what basic monitor I want
> that will work with that receiver. So thank you to everyone who
> shared their recommendations. I would love any others if there are
> more.
>  
> But my next questions is about breast collars. I think I have
> decided to use my dressage saddle instead of my western saddle. It
> is lighter, synthetic, more comfortable for me and about the same
> for my horse. We just did a 12 mile ride this weekend and his back
> was not sore at all. But, I don't have a breast collar for that
> saddle and plus the one I have for my western saddle is a more fancy
> western style that goes over the shoulders. I think the style that
> most endurance riders use will be more comfortable for trails.
>  
> I like this one I found on the Long Riders Gear site Zilco:
>
http://www.longridersgear.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=83_30&products_id=6\
6

>  
> Has anyone had any experience with their products? Any other
> products you would recommend or good sites to checkout.
>  
> Thanks again everyone for your help!
>  
> Lida
>
>
>




#23811 From: Elizabeth Walker <bwalker2@...>
Date: Wed Jul 1, 2009 3:23 pm
Subject: Re: Re: Breast collar recommendations?
walker_ef0
Offline Offline
Send Email Send Email
 
I agree with Sharon.  You don't need to go broke buying all the techie gear (though it is fun).  A cheap alternative to a heart monitor is a stethoscope.  You can use it to give CRI's in order to determine whether you need to speed up, slow down, or keep doing what you are doing.  If you have the money, a heart monitor or GPS is nice - but it isn't necessary.

Also as Sharon said - if your saddle stays in place without a breastcollar, you don't have to spend the money for one.  I have one mostly for hanging little stuff from.  I generally ride with the halter under the bridle, and the lead rope attached, so I use the breast collar to tie up the lead rope. I tend to like the Beta ones, rather than the original biothane, but that is a personal preference.   BTW - I personally like dressage saddles for endurance.  They put your legs under your shoulders, so it is easier to balance (for me, anyway).  

One item I would spring for is cantle and/or pommel packs to carry water, snacks, horse treats, a first aid kit, stethoscope, etc.  SnugPax makes nice ones.

One warning - be careful with the horse treats if you use them.  My horse was amazingly fast in learning to come to a screeching halt and look back for a treat when I reached for the pocket with the horse treats ... even when I was actually reaching for the water bottle next to it.  :)  Then I had to teach him not to do that.  Now I only give him treats at rest stops or water stops, as it encourages him to drink.


On Jul 1, 2009, at 3:59 AM, Sharon Levasseur wrote:

You can't go wrong with Zilco.

I didn't think to say this before, but... you do not need to spend all 
this money when you're just getting started! You don't need a heart 
rate monitor at all, right now it's more important to learn to listen 
and pay attention to your horse. And as long as your dressage saddle 
is comfortable and fits, you may not even need a breastcollar. Do you 
have serious hills where you are?? Does your saddle ever slide back?

This sport is about comfort and fitness, not technology and fashion, 
no matter how it may seem sometimes. ;-)

-Sharon L. in Maine

Quoting Lida Pinkham <lidapink@yahoo.com>:



#23813 From: marybenstover <merryben@...>
Date: Wed Jul 1, 2009 4:04 pm
Subject: Re: Re: Breast collar recommendations?
merryben@...
Send Email Send Email
 

I agree totally.  I have 3 heart monitors and never use one of them.  What I tell people new to the sport is use what you have.  Ride the horse you already have in the tack he is comfortable with and you are used to.   Build from there by figuring out what more you need and/or want as you go.  Look at the early riders, riding Tevis with an English saddle, jeans with ace bandages, a hat and maybe a scarf.......sometimes even a water bottle....................mb

 

 

 


----- Original Message -----
From: "Sharon Levasseur" <sharon1359@...>
To: AERCMembersForum@yahoogroups.com, "Lida Pinkham" <lidapink@...>
Sent: Wednesday, July 1, 2009 3:59:15 AM GMT -08:00 US/Canada Pacific
Subject: [AERCMembersForum] Re: Breast collar recommendations?



You can't go wrong with Zilco.

I didn't think to say this before, but... you do not need to spend all
this money when you're just getting started! You don't need a heart
rate monitor at all, right now it's more important to learn to listen
and pay attention to your horse. And as long as your dressage saddle
is comfortable and fits, you may not even need a breastcollar. Do you
have serious hills where you are?? Does your saddle ever slide back?

This sport is about comfort and fitness, not technology and fashion,
no matter how it may seem sometimes. ;-)

-Sharon L. in Maine

Quoting Lida Pinkham <lidapink@...>:

> OK more newbie questions. I think I'm narrowing down on the heart
> rate monitor setup I want. I really like the idea of the wearlink
> receiver strap and I just need to decide what basic monitor I want
> that will work with that receiver. So thank you to everyone who
> shared their recommendations. I would love any others if there are
> more.
>  
> But my next questions is about breast collars. I think I have
> decided to use my dressage saddle instead of my western saddle. It
> is lighter, synthetic, more comfortable for me and about the same
> for my horse. We just did a 12 mile ride this weekend and his back
> was not sore at all. But, I don't have a breast collar for that
> saddle and plus the one I have for my western saddle is a more fancy
> western style that goes over the shoulders. I think the style that
> most endurance riders use will be more comfortable for trails.
>  
> I like this one I found on the Long Riders Gear site Zilco:
> http://www.longridersgear.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=83_30&products_id=66
>  
> Has anyone had any experience with their products? Any other
> products you would recommend or good sites to checkout.
>  
> Thanks again everyone for your help!
>  
> Lida
>
>
>


#23814 From: Karla Perkins <kperkins@...>
Date: Wed Jul 1, 2009 4:21 pm
Subject: Re: Breast collar recommendations?
karperk.rm
Offline Offline
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We use this breast collar - we like it quite a bit.  My first one I found used...try reading the ads on endurance.net and a few other places...  My husband has recently decided to ride in endurance in our dressage saddle as it has become the one that is most comfortable for him and the horse at this point in time.  If you want to spend even more money, get the full sheepskin cover for the saddle - (still working on that for our saddle).  Henry at Griffins Tack sells them.
Karla 
 
On Jun 30, 2009, at 9:19 PM, Lida Pinkham wrote:



OK more newbie questions. I think I'm narrowing down on the heart rate monitor setup I want. I really like the idea of the wearlink receiver strap and I just need to decide what basic monitor I want that will work with that receiver. So thank you to everyone who shared their recommendations. I would love any others if there are more.
 
But my next questions is about breast collars. I think I have decided to use my dressage saddle instead of my western saddle. It is lighter, synthetic, more comfortable for me and about the same for my horse. We just did a 12 mile ride this weekend and his back was not sore at all. But, I don't have a breast collar for that saddle and plus the one I have for my western saddle is a more fancy western style that goes over the shoulders. I think the style that most endurance riders use will be more comfortable for trails.
 
I like this one I found on the Long Riders Gear site Zilco:
 
Has anyone had any experience with their products? Any other products you would recommend or good sites to checkout.
 
Thanks again everyone for your help!
 
Lida





#23815 From: "rides2far@..." <rides2far@...>
Date: Wed Jul 1, 2009 4:30 pm
Subject: Re: Re: Breast collar recommendations?
rides2far@...
Send Email Send Email
 
>>>>>Also as Sharon said - if your saddle stays in place without a breastcollar,
you don't have to spend the money for one.

I was recently riding with another horse whose rider came off and the saddle
turned. The horse bolted and ran a mile or so back to the barn. When I got there
the saddle was on the horse's side, being held there by the breastcollar which
kept it from going completely under the horse. The horse had a bad rub from the
breastcollar, but the saddle was unharmed and the horse wasn't badly injured. I
prefer to not crank my girth up extremely tight so with no breastcollar or
cupper this would be a risk for me. This was the first time I saw how important
the breastcollar could be to save an expensive saddle in the event of an
accident.

Angie McGhee
____________________________________________________________
The difference is clear. Click now for a great laminating machine!
http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/fc/BLSrjpTG3Hwm2X5wkCflaLzpzCshg1OFqCdc\
2bWkvHTQyw9DAWiEYUrC0Mo/

I agree with Sharon.  You don't need to go broke buying all the techie gear (though it is fun).  A cheap alternative to a heart monitor is a stethoscope.  You can use it to give CRI's in order to determine whether you need to speed up, slow down, or keep doing what you are doing.  If you have the money, a heart monitor or GPS is nice - but it isn't necessary.


Also as Sharon said - if your saddle stays in place without a breastcollar, you don't have to spend the money for one.  I have one mostly for hanging little stuff from.  I generally ride with the halter under the bridle, and the lead rope attached, so I use the breast collar to tie up the lead rope. I tend to like the Beta ones, rather than the original biothane, but that is a personal preference.   BTW - I personally like dressage saddles for endurance.  They put your legs under your shoulders, so it is easier to balance (for me, anyway).  

One item I would spring for is cantle and/or pommel packs to carry water, snacks, horse treats, a first aid kit, stethoscope, etc.  SnugPax makes nice ones.

One warning - be careful with the horse treats if you use them.  My horse was amazingly fast in learning to come to a screeching halt and look back for a treat when I reached for the pocket with the horse treats ... even when I was actually reaching for the water bottle next to it.  :)  Then I had to teach him not to do that.  Now I only give him treats at rest stops or water stops, as it encourages him to drink.


On Jul 1, 2009, at 3:59 AM, Sharon Levasseur wrote:

You can't go wrong with Zilco.

I didn't think to say this before, but... you do not need to spend all 
this money when you're just getting started! You don't need a heart 
rate monitor at all, right now it's more important to learn to listen 
and pay attention to your horse. And as long as your dressage saddle 
is comfortable and fits, you may not even need a breastcollar. Do you 
have serious hills where you are?? Does your saddle ever slide back?

This sport is about comfort and fitness, not technology and fashion, 
no matter how it may seem sometimes. ;-)

-Sharon L. in Maine

Quoting Lida Pinkham <lidapink@yahoo.com>:



#23817 From: Barbara White <barbdoug2@...>
Date: Wed Jul 1, 2009 4:55 pm
Subject: Re: Re: Breast collar recommendations?
runandtrot2000
Online Now Online Now
Send Email Send Email
 
Not only can a breast collar save an expensive saddle as Angie said, it can also save a life.  There was a major accident several years ago at a 100 miler.  A horse went berserk when his saddle slipped under his belly, and he crashed into other horses, seriously injuring two riders.  One of those riders had to be taken out by helicopter for surgery.  A breast collar may seem like a nuisance if your horse doesn't need one, but after that accident I became a believer in my horses wearing breast collars regardless of their need for saddle slippage.
 
Barbara

#23818 From: Elizabeth Walker <bwalker2@...>
Date: Wed Jul 1, 2009 5:48 pm
Subject: Re: Re: Breast collar recommendations?
walker_ef0
Offline Offline
Send Email Send Email
 
Well - there are good and bad points for everything.  I ride with one, but I've seen a horse tearing back and forth through a ride camp with the saddle held on *just* by the breast collar - the girth was loose, and the saddle was hanging off the side, flopping around and totally freaking the horse out.  

I came close to this myself - I had Caisson all tacked up and ready to go, then found I needed to adjust something, so I unbuckled the girth, forgetting to unfasten the breast collar.  Yep - saddle slipped off his back, held to him by only the breast collar, and we had a couple of tense minutes as he freaked out while tied to the trailer.  Luckily for everyone, he actually stopped and stood for me and a friend to rescue him, and the only casualty was my toenail.  Could have been very different.

I try to follow the rule that the breast collar is the last thing I fasten, and the first thing I unfasten.


On Jul 1, 2009, at 9:55 AM, Barbara White wrote:
Not only can a breast collar save an expensive saddle as Angie said, it can also save a life.  There was a major accident several years ago at a 100 miler.  A horse went berserk when his saddle slipped under his belly, and he crashed into other horses, seriously injuring two riders.  One of those riders had to be taken out by helicopter for surgery.  A breast collar may seem like a nuisance if your horse doesn't need one, but after that accident I became a believer in my horses wearing breast collars regardless of their need for saddle slippage.
 
Barbara

_

#23821 From: Truman Prevatt <tprevatt@...>
Date: Wed Jul 1, 2009 6:50 pm
Subject: Re: Re: Breast collar recommendations?
truman_prevatt
Offline Offline
Send Email Send Email
 
Elizabeth Walker wrote:

Well - there are good and bad points for everything.  I ride with one, but I've seen a horse tearing back and forth through a ride camp with the saddle held on *just* by the breast collar - the girth was loose, and the saddle was hanging off the side, flopping around and totally freaking the horse out.  


There are risk in everything you do and every piece of tack you use. I've seen horses get brush caught up in a breast collar, the horse panic and injure himself and rider. Would not using a breast collar been better in that case - probably. I've seen a saddle come off under a horse's belly causing the horse to panic and the rider injured. Would a breast collar helped - probably.

I've personally had a saddle come off the side while I was galloping down a trail around a curve to have to duck a big limb fast. The breast collar kept the saddle from going completely around so I could bring the horse to a stop, get off and fix it. Was I glad I had the breast collar on at that time - yep. The problem in that case was it was an old Wintec, the tree was "too flexible" and the saddle didn't really fit the horse well.

In general I don't ride with a breast collar. However, I don't need one. My saddle fits my horse quite well. I use a girth with elastic straps on both sides so I can keep it snug and the horse can still have room to expand. I've ridden some pretty steep hills in the SE and some really steep inclines in some of the old phosphate pits in Florida and the saddle stays just fine. From time to time I will, however, use one. They give you some extra places to snap stuff like sponges. Am I taking some risk not riding with one - probably. However, that is compensated for the risk I don't take if the breast collar got tangled up in something.

I'd say evaluate if you really need one and if you feel more comfortable with one than without one - by all means use one. All that being said, Higher Mark Tack ( http://www.highermark.com) and Teddy (http://www.runningbear.com/) make some nice ones.

Truman

--
“I maintain there is much more wonder in science than in pseudoscience

“I maintain there is much more wonder in science than in pseudoscience. And in addition, to whatever measure this term has any meaning, science has the additional virtue, and it is not an inconsiderable one, of being true.” Carl Sagan


#23825 From: Sharon Levasseur <sharon1359@...>
Date: Wed Jul 1, 2009 9:33 pm
Subject: Re: Breast collar recommendations?
zephyrs_mom
Offline Offline
Send Email Send Email
 
I do firmly believe in breastcollars for safety... look at any picture
of me and my horse, and you'll see I use a breastplate and crupper (I
ride treeless). My comment was because it sounded as if she thought
she had to buy an HRM and biothane tack in order to begin
conditioning. I figured, if she's been riding without a breastplate
for all this time, and she's just getting started, she doesn't have to
change anything until the need presents itself.
-Sharon L. in Maine


Quoting Barbara White <barbdoug2@...>:

> Not only can a breast collar save an expensive saddle as Angie said,
> it can also save a life.  There was a major accident several years
> ago at a 100 miler.  A horse went berserk when his saddle slipped
> under his belly, and he crashed into other horses, seriously
> injuring two riders.  One of those riders had to be taken out by
> helicopter for surgery.  A breast collar may seem like a nuisance if
> your horse doesn't need one, but after that accident I became a
> believer in my horses wearing breast collars regardless of their
> need for saddle slippage.
>
> Barbara




#24171 From: hope lundquist <wwho20@...>
Date: Wed Jul 8, 2009 10:39 pm
Subject: RE: Re: Breast collar recommendations?
wwho20@...
Send Email Send Email
 
More on Breast Collars: Ride Managers can also put in their Ride Rules that you MUST have a breast collar
on your horse. The Tevis Cup Ride has that rule. No Breast Collar, No Start. They examine every Rider before
the Rider can enter the Start area. It was not always that way.  What changed was a very serious accident
caused by a Rider who did not have a Breast Collar on his horse. The other rider was forced off the trail & had 
to be airlifted to a  hospital. If you have any future plans to some day try the Tevis, now is the time to buy
and use your new breast collar  
 
Hope Lundquist/west
 

To: AERCMembersForum@yahoogroups.com
From: barbdoug2@...
Date: Wed, 1 Jul 2009 09:55:25 -0700
Subject: Re: [AERCMembersForum] Re: Breast collar recommendations?



Not only can a breast collar save an expensive saddle as Angie said, it can also save a life.  There was a major accident several years ago at a 100 miler.  A horse went berserk when his saddle slipped under his belly, and he crashed into other horses, seriously injuring two riders.  One of those riders had to be taken out by helicopter for surgery.  A breast collar may seem like a nuisance if your horse doesn't need one, but after that accident I became a believer in my horses wearing breast collars regardless of their need for saddle slippage.
 
Barbara




Windows Live™ SkyDrive™: Get 25 GB of free online storage. Get it on your BlackBerry or iPhone.

#24173 From: hope lundquist <wwho20@...>
Date: Wed Jul 8, 2009 10:39 pm
Subject: RE: Re: Breast collar recommendations?
wwho20@...
Send Email Send Email
 
More on Breast Collars: Ride Managers can also put in their Ride Rules that you MUST have a breast collar
on your horse. The Tevis Cup Ride has that rule. No Breast Collar, No Start. They examine every Rider before
the Rider can enter the Start area. It was not always that way.  What changed was a very serious accident
caused by a Rider who did not have a Breast Collar on his horse. The other rider was forced off the trail & had 
to be airlifted to a  hospital. If you have any future plans to some day try the Tevis, now is the time to buy
and use your new breast collar  
 
Hope Lundquist/west
 

To: AERCMembersForum@yahoogroups.com
From: barbdoug2@...
Date: Wed, 1 Jul 2009 09:55:25 -0700
Subject: Re: [AERCMembersForum] Re: Breast collar recommendations?



Not only can a breast collar save an expensive saddle as Angie said, it can also save a life.  There was a major accident several years ago at a 100 miler.  A horse went berserk when his saddle slipped under his belly, and he crashed into other horses, seriously injuring two riders.  One of those riders had to be taken out by helicopter for surgery.  A breast collar may seem like a nuisance if your horse doesn't need one, but after that accident I became a believer in my horses wearing breast collars regardless of their need for saddle slippage.
 
Barbara




Insert movie times and more without leaving Hotmail®. See how.

#24188 From: "Kathy" <k_m_sherman@...>
Date: Sat Jul 18, 2009 8:01 pm
Subject: Re: Breast collar recommendations?
k_m_sherman
Online Now Online Now
Send Email Send Email
 
I sure wouldn't ride in the canyons (or probably anywhere else) without a breast
collar, however, having read the Tevis rules many times over, and starting the
ride 3 times (completed once, 3rd time was the charm)I've never heard or read
any rule about tack of any kind, nor was my horse checked for a breast collar.
It would be impossible to check for a breast collar at the start, since it's in
the dark and a huge number of horses are starting pretty much at the same time.
But still, I agree with Hope, if you're going to ride Tevis, better have a
breast collar.

Kathy

--- In AERCMembersForum@yahoogroups.com, hope lundquist <wwho20@...> wrote:
>
>
> More on Breast Collars: Ride Managers can also put in their Ride Rules that
you MUST have a breast collar
> on your horse. The Tevis Cup Ride has that rule. No Breast Collar, No Start.
They examine every Rider before
> the Rider can enter the Start area. It was not always that way. What changed
was a very serious accident
> caused by a Rider who did not have a Breast Collar on his horse. The other
rider was forced off the trail & had
> to be airlifted to a hospital. If you have any future plans to some day try
the Tevis, now is the time to buy
> and use your new breast collar
>
> Hope Lundquist/west
>





#24219 From: hope lundquist <wwho20@...>
Date: Tue Jul 21, 2009 11:26 pm
Subject: RE: Re: Breast collar recommendations?
wwho20@...
Send Email Send Email
 
Hi Kathy: The new Tevis rule was added in a more recent  year. What years did you ride?
 
If before about 2004 it was not in their rules. Go back and read my POST. I did state the reason the rule
was added. Go up there this year and see. Yes it is dark but their will be a Person or more checking TACK.
 
You could however call them and ask if they have such a rule.
 
Good riding  Hope Lundquist

To: AERCMembersForum@yahoogroups.com
From: k_m_sherman@...
Date: Sat, 18 Jul 2009 20:01:58 +0000
Subject: [AERCMembersForum] Re: Breast collar recommendations?

 
I sure wouldn't ride in the canyons (or probably anywhere else) without a breast collar, however, having read the Tevis rules many times over, and starting the ride 3 times (completed once, 3rd time was the charm)I've never heard or read any rule about tack of any kind, nor was my horse checked for a breast collar. It would be impossible to check for a breast collar at the start, since it's in the dark and a huge number of horses are starting pretty much at the same time. But still, I agree with Hope, if you're going to ride Tevis, better have a breast collar.

Kathy

--- In AERCMembersForum@yahoogroups.com, hope lundquist <wwho20@...> wrote:
>
>
> More on Breast Collars: Ride Managers can also put in their Ride Rules that you MUST have a breast collar
> on your horse. The Tevis Cup Ride has that rule. No Breast Collar, No Start. They examine every Rider before
> the Rider can enter the Start area. It was not always that way. What changed was a very serious accident
> caused by a Rider who did not have a Breast Collar on his horse. The other rider was forced off the trail & had
> to be airlifted to a hospital. If you have any future plans to some day try the Tevis, now is the time to buy
> and use your new breast collar
>
> Hope Lundquist/west
>




Windows Live™ Hotmail®: Celebrate the moment with your favorite sports pics. Check it out.

#24220 From: k s swigart <katswig@...>
Date: Wed Jul 22, 2009 5:07 am
Subject: Re: Re: Breast collar recommendations?
katswig@...
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>From: hope lundquist wwho20@... speaking about Tevis rules requiring
all riders to have a breast collar.

>If before about 2004 it was not in their rules.

I was unable to find any such rule in the 2009 rules on the Tevis website:

http://www.teviscup.org/forms/2009_rules.pdf

Can somebody show me where in this document there is a rule requiring a breast
collar?

The only "equipment" requirements I noticed were the one requiring some kind of
hoof protection for the horse/equine, and an ASTM/SEI helmet for minors.

Have I missed something, or is this "rule" somewhere other than in the online
rules.

kat
Orange County, Calif.



#24236 From: "Kathy" <k_m_sherman@...>
Date: Thu Jul 23, 2009 7:59 am
Subject: Re: Breast collar recommendations?
k_m_sherman
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I rode Tevis in 2005, 2006, 2007 and there was no rule regarding tack. There was
no tack check on ride day. There is no mention of any equipment requirement
anywhere on the website or in the magazine, other than the helmet for juniors
and hoof protection for equines.

Kathy


>
> >From: hope lundquist wwho20@... speaking about Tevis rules requiring all
riders to have a breast collar.
>
> >If before about 2004 it was not in their rules.






#23820 From: "Ed Hauser" <ed@...>
Date: Wed Jul 1, 2009 6:49 pm
Subject: Re: Re: Breast collar recommendations?
us019255
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"... the saddle held on *just* by the breast collar .."
 
One reason that I have used both a breast collar and a crupper for years since seeing a similar runaway in MI.
 
Breast collars and cruppers have even more utility in the mountains...
 
Ed Hauser
2994 Mittower Road
Victor, MT 59875
 
(406) 381-5527
 
ed(at)sisuwest(dot)us
sorry about having to include email in non-computer form
 
 

#23822 From: marybenstover <merryben@...>
Date: Wed Jul 1, 2009 7:04 pm
Subject: Re: Re: Breast collar recommendations?
merryben@...
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I once read a statement by Len Brown who originated the Orthoflex saddles and it was to the effect that you should always use a breast collar and a crupper.  For some reason that stuck with me and I always do use them........................mb

 

 

 

 

 


----- Original Message -----
From: "Ed Hauser" <ed@...>
To: AERCMembersForum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, July 1, 2009 11:49:47 AM GMT -08:00 US/Canada Pacific
Subject: Re: [AERCMembersForum] Re: Breast collar recommendations?



"... the saddle held on *just* by the breast collar .."
 
One reason that I have used both a breast collar and a crupper for years since seeing a similar runaway in MI.
 
Breast collars and cruppers have even more utility in the mountains...
 
Ed Hauser
2994 Mittower Road
Victor, MT 59875
 
(406) 381-5527
 
ed(at)sisuwest(dot)us
sorry about having to include email in non-computer form
 
 


#23823 From: Diane Trefethen <tref@...>
Date: Wed Jul 1, 2009 7:11 pm
Subject: Re: Breast collar recommendations?
rdtref
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Hi Lida,

First, WELCOME! It is always nice to "see" new faces, both here and on the
trail. We all hope you enjoy and have fun in our sport since we all love it so
much ourselves.

Following up on Sharon's, Elizabeth's and Maryben's comments about gear, you
ABSOLUTELY DO NOT NEED to go out and buy a bunch of new stuff. Condition in the
gear you have now. After you've done several 5-7 hr conditioning rides (mostly
at the walk - you are going for the time out, not miles or speed), you will have
a very good handle on what MUST be replaced and what works just fine.

As for heart monitors, I use just a stethoscope and prefer them. They don't
need batteries, are always right, and are inexpensive. I know only two reasons
to use a heart monitor. 1) If you are hard of hearing and 2) To keep track of
your horse's heart rate coming into a vet check so you know how far out to drop
to a walk. Those who use a monitor to "see" when the pulse gets "too high" are,
in my opinion, just getting in their own way. The high rates can scare them
into dropping back too soon (during conditioning) and they learn to depend on
them too much. As Sharon said, it is far more important to listen to and pay
attention to your horse... and once you acquire the skill, you don't need a
heart monitor to tell you when your horse needs to slow down. I was on a trail
ride with some friends when one of them started voicing concern about her heart
monitor's readings. They were erratic but she couldn't tell anything from them.
I got off and used my stethoscope on her horse and discovered that it's pulse
was very irregular and the heart was missing a lot of beats, far more useful
than a bunch of numbers all over the place.

So hold off on buying "stuff" till you've ridden enough conditioning miles to
KNOW that you need something other than what you already have. And especially
don't worry about clothing. Whatever you condition in is fine for the rides.
In fact, it is BETTER to ride in what you use at home to condition because you
know that it will work for you. If you are comfortable in some beat up old
sweats, don't get a fancy, schmancy new pair of riding tights and riding undies
for competition only to discover 15 miles out that they rub the crap out of the
back of your knee, or the crotch holds sweat and rubs your privates raw. If you
must buy new riding pants, be sure to test them on one of the aforementioned
LONG conditioning rides before you take them out on the road :)

And remember the old maxim. NEVER change any of your gear the day of a ride.
That one little mistake has cost hundreds of riders and horses untold misery.

--
Diane Trefethen
AERC #2691
West Region



#23827 From: "lidapink" <lidapink@...>
Date: Thu Jul 2, 2009 12:21 pm
Subject: Re: Breast collar recommendations?
lidapink
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Thanks everyone for all of the feedback & the welcome!

Lucky for me I have been trail riding for years so I have most of the gear I
need. I do appreciate that y'all are a practical bunch and want to save me some
money!

I used to do short rides in my dressage saddle years ago and I don't ever
remember it slipping. However, my western saddle did slip on very steep hills
when I used a wool pad, but I have a non-slip pad now that we both like better.
But I started using a breast collar with my western saddle so I am not sure if
it slips anymore or not.

But the dressage saddle is more comfortable for me and from all the reading I've
done, it sounds like you need what is most comfortable for both you and your
horse. I got the western saddle a few years ago when I started to do more trail
riding because I thought it would be more comfortable for my horse (more surface
area) and would give me more stabilily for those spooks.

But my horse rarely spooks on the trail and if he does he pretty much spooks in
place. And so I am trying out my dressage saddle. And my last ride in my
dressage saddle was 12 miles and his back did not seem sore at all. So I am just
going to monitor how he does. But I didn't have a breast collar for my dressage
saddle and just figured it was a safety thing as many of you mentioned. I have a
borrowed one from a friend right now. But maybe I will try a few rides without
it and see how it goes.

As to the heart rate monitor. I've tried taking pulse with my fingers and with a
stethescope and I have not had much luck with either. With the stethescope I
would just start to think I heard his heart beat when fly would land on him and
he would shake and all I would hear is hair rubbing against it. Also, they
really hurt my ears. I have small ears and I even have problems with earbuds
that you use for listening to iPods or cell phones. When I asked one of the
riders who volunteered to help me learn more about endurance, she suggested a
heart rate monitor. Another was going to try to help me with finding his heart
beat with a stethescope, but we never got to it.

My horse has a history of heaves (long story there, but no heaving for over 4
years now that I know how to manage it) and so I want to be extra careful with
his conditioning to be sure I don't push him too hard too fast without knowing
it. Since I am new to the sport and I have never done anything so challenging
with my horse, I am afraid I won't know what is too much. I'd rather take it too
slow than push too hard. Seems like a heart rate monitor could save me some
expensive vet bills in the long run. I am hoping it will help me learn to read
my horse better. I do see the importance of getting to know your horse because
technology is not always reliable!

Thanks again for all the great feedback! I am really looking forward to learning
more about the sport. I have 2 15 mile CTRs planned to start - 1 in August and 1
in September and hope to be ready for a LD ride in September. If all goes well,
we'll try another in October.

Wish me luck!

Lida

--- In AERCMembersForum@yahoogroups.com, Diane Trefethen <tref@...> wrote:
>
> As for heart monitors, I use just a stethoscope and prefer them. They don't
> need batteries, are always right, and are inexpensive. I know only two
reasons
> to use a heart monitor. 1) If you are hard of hearing and 2) To keep track of
> your horse's heart rate coming into a vet check so you know how far out to
drop
> to a walk.




#23828 From: Char Jewell <ban_zus@...>
Date: Thu Jul 2, 2009 1:26 pm
Subject: Re: Re: Breast collar recommendations?
ban_zus
Offline Offline
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Lida,
 
Where you do live?

Thanks,

Char Jewell

Every endurance rider knows more about electrolyte therapy for horses in competition than any vet I know. author to remain anonymous

--- On Thu, 7/2/09, lidapink <lidapink@...> wrote:

From: lidapink <lidapink@...>
Subject: [AERCMembersForum] Re: Breast collar recommendations?
To: AERCMembersForum@yahoogroups.com
Date: Thursday, July 2, 2009, 8:21 AM

Thanks everyone for all of the feedback & the welcome!

Lucky for me I have been trail riding for years so I have most of the gear I need. I do appreciate that y'all are a practical bunch and want to save me some money!

I used to do short rides in my dressage saddle years ago and I don't ever remember it slipping. However, my western saddle did slip on very steep hills when I used a wool pad, but I have a non-slip pad now that we both like better. But I started using a breast collar with my western saddle so I am not sure if it slips anymore or not.

But the dressage saddle is more comfortable for me and from all the reading I've done, it sounds like you need what is most comfortable for both you and your horse. I got the western saddle a few years ago when I started to do more trail riding because I thought it would be more comfortable for my horse (more surface area) and would give me more stabilily for those spooks.

But my horse rarely spooks on the trail and if he does he pretty much spooks in place. And so I am trying out my dressage saddle. And my last ride in my dressage saddle was 12 miles and his back did not seem sore at all. So I am just going to monitor how he does. But I didn't have a breast collar for my dressage saddle and just figured it was a safety thing as many of you mentioned. I have a borrowed one from a friend right now. But maybe I will try a few rides without it and see how it goes.

As to the heart rate monitor. I've tried taking pulse with my fingers and with a stethescope and I have not had much luck with either. With the stethescope I would just start to think I heard his heart beat when fly would land on him and he would shake and all I would hear is hair rubbing against it. Also, they really hurt my ears. I have small ears and I even have problems with earbuds that you use for listening to iPods or cell phones. When I asked one of the riders who volunteered to help me learn more about endurance, she suggested a heart rate monitor. Another was going to try to help me with finding his heart beat with a stethescope, but we never got to it.

My horse has a history of heaves (long story there, but no heaving for over 4 years now that I know how to manage it) and so I want to be extra careful with his conditioning to be sure I don't push him too hard too fast without knowing it. Since I am new to the sport and I have never done anything so challenging with my horse, I am afraid I won't know what is too much. I'd rather take it too slow than push too hard. Seems like a heart rate monitor could save me some expensive vet bills in the long run. I am hoping it will help me learn to read my horse better. I do see the importance of getting to know your horse because technology is not always reliable!

Thanks again for all the great feedback! I am really looking forward to learning more about the sport. I have 2 15 mile CTRs planned to start - 1 in August and 1 in September and hope to be ready for a LD ride in September. If all goes well, we'll try another in October.

Wish me luck!

Lida

--- In AERCMembersForum@ yahoogroups. com, Diane Trefethen <tref@...> wrote:
>
> As for heart monitors, I use just a stethoscope and prefer them. They don't
> need batteries, are always right, and are inexpensive. I know only two reasons
> to use a heart monitor. 1) If you are hard of hearing and 2) To keep track of
> your horse's heart rate coming into a vet check so you know how far out to drop
> to a walk.



#23833 From: "lidapink" <lidapink@...>
Date: Fri Jul 3, 2009 1:34 pm
Subject: Re: Breast collar recommendations?
lidapink
Offline Offline
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--- In AERCMembersForum@yahoogroups.com, Char Jewell <ban_zus@...> wrote:
> Where you do live?
---
Thanks for the reminder, I don't think I introduced myself to this group. I
recently joined a bunch of CTR/Endurance groups.

Currently, I live in the Indianapolis area. I have only been here for 2 years.
Befor that I was in Northern Maine for 3 1/2 years and before that North
Carolina for 11 years. I went to college in Pennslyvania and grew up in
Connecticut. :-)

I grew up riding and showing horses in Saddleseat Equitation. I rode a morgan
and a saddlebred. My mom and my sister showed appaloosas. Believe it or not, I
trail rode my morgan all over the place in a cut-back saddle and double-bridle
and had the BEST time. I still can't believe I did it. One of our favorite
things to do was ride down to Dairy Queen!

I went for about 10 years without owning a horse - too poor through college and
after graduation, but I kept riding - whoever who let me ride their horse for
free! I was very interested in dressage and started taking lessons.

I bought Doc to be my dressage horse, but my horse was really not that into it.
I also had some problems with him spooking and running away from me so I realy
got into Parelli Natural Horsemanship and loved it. I did a little trail riding
as well. But after I moved to Northern Maine where there are very few shows and
only 2 dressage instructors in the whole county that I knew of, and more trails
than I could ever ride, I decided to move to trail riding. Doc was much more
enthusiastic about trail riding than he ever was in the dressage arena. So I
thought maybe we should try distance riding. But we moved from Maine before I
could really get started. I went and watched a CTR in New Bruswick while I was
there and it looked like fun!

So now I am finally settled in Indiana and looking forward to learning more
about the sport! I just joined the AERC and have contacted one of the local
mentors and have ridden with her twice. So far, I think my horse is really going
to like it!

Here are a few pictures of us riding on the trail...
http://picasaweb.google.com/lidapink/TrailRiding

and some more general photos, including a couple dressage pictures...
http://picasaweb.google.com/lidapink/WhitehallSDoctorJoe

I also have a few pictures on Facebook. If you are on there, let me know and
I'll add you as a friend.

Lida




#23834 From: Char Jewell <ban_zus@...>
Date: Fri Jul 3, 2009 4:28 pm
Subject: Re: Re: Breast collar recommendations?
ban_zus
Offline Offline
Send Email Send Email
 
I am on facebook - we'll have to link up.

Thanks,

Char Jewell

Every endurance rider knows more about electrolyte therapy for horses in competition than any vet I know. author to remain anonymous

--- On Fri, 7/3/09, lidapink <lidapink@...> wrote:

From: lidapink <lidapink@...>
Subject: [AERCMembersForum] Re: Breast collar recommendations?
To: AERCMembersForum@yahoogroups.com
Date: Friday, July 3, 2009, 9:34 AM

--- In AERCMembersForum@ yahoogroups. com, Char Jewell <ban_zus@... > wrote:
> Where you do live?
---
Thanks for the reminder, I don't think I introduced myself to this group. I recently joined a bunch of CTR/Endurance groups.

Currently, I live in the Indianapolis area. I have only been here for 2 years. Befor that I was in Northern Maine for 3 1/2 years and before that North Carolina for 11 years. I went to college in Pennslyvania and grew up in Connecticut. :-)

I grew up riding and showing horses in Saddleseat Equitation. I rode a morgan and a saddlebred. My mom and my sister showed appaloosas. Believe it or not, I trail rode my morgan all over the place in a cut-back saddle and double-bridle and had the BEST time. I still can't believe I did it. One of our favorite things to do was ride down to Dairy Queen!

I went for about 10 years without owning a horse - too poor through college and after graduation, but I kept riding - whoever who let me ride their horse for free! I was very interested in dressage and started taking lessons.

I bought Doc to be my dressage horse, but my horse was really not that into it. I also had some problems with him spooking and running away from me so I realy got into Parelli Natural Horsemanship and loved it. I did a little trail riding as well. But after I moved to Northern Maine where there are very few shows and only 2 dressage instructors in the whole county that I knew of, and more trails than I could ever ride, I decided to move to trail riding. Doc was much more enthusiastic about trail riding than he ever was in the dressage arena. So I thought maybe we should try distance riding. But we moved from Maine before I could really get started. I went and watched a CTR in New Bruswick while I was there and it looked like fun!

So now I am finally settled in Indiana and looking forward to learning more about the sport! I just joined the AERC and have contacted one of the local mentors and have ridden with her twice. So far, I think my horse is really going to like it!

Here are a few pictures of us riding on the trail...
http://picasaweb. google.com/ lidapink/ TrailRiding

and some more general photos, including a couple dressage pictures...
http://picasaweb. google.com/ lidapink/ WhitehallSDoctor Joe

I also have a few pictures on Facebook. If you are on there, let me know and I'll add you as a friend.

Lida



 
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