As always, clothing is probably the most important 'survival' item. I assume you will be riding an english type saddle, or possibly one of the McClelland updates used by the Selous Scouts in old Rhodesia. Close fitting pants will prevent chafing. Long sleeved shirts can always be rolled up in warm weather and protect arms from insects and the sun. Any hat should have a stampede string ( chin strap.) Make sure your clothing and boots are well broken in before the ride. Practise 'kicking out' of your stirrups in case you should fall and get hung up in one. You will get saddle sore . I get saddle sore, my horses get sore. It's a fact of life. I would carry some appropriate pain killer and some linement. I use simple mouthwash. It has virtually the same ingredients ( menthol,eucalyptus oil, alcohol) as the expensive labels and works on both horse and rider. The best custom fitted saddle will change fit as the horse and you burn off calories. Just make sure you both get aired out at breaks; pull the saddle and let everything breath, shake out the shaddrak or blanket, open up your shirt pull your boots and check everything for blisters ,saddle sores and debri ( I once saw a pair of lost car keys emerge from under a western blanket <img src="images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> . Last of all, if people comment on your 'form', keep your ears open and mouth shut. Once in a great while somebody actually knows something insightfull. The only really important focus of riding is to have a good time and get from A to Z and back again. That and a horse who looks forward to partnering with you again. If you do get in a wreck, just get back on. It happens to everybody.
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