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Bernice is a unique long rider in that she is carrying everything she needs on just her riding horse. Therefore, she had some unique and specific requirements for her gear. After a lot of consultation and a little trial and error, Bernice has a brand new set up for her latest 7,000-mile journey. On this long ride, Bernice will be riding in her Tucker High Plains Trail Saddle with a rear flank cinch and breastcollar and will carry much of her lightweight gear in a customized TrailMax™ Original Saddlebag System.
We outfitted Essie Pearl, her Fjord pack mare, with an adjustable bar pack saddle, Toklat Woolback Pack Pad, and a set of TrailMax Canvas pack panniers.
Last year's ride taught me a great deal about packs and packing for long rides. The added problem of packing one horse only — no extra packhorse — means every bit of space, the balance and placement on that horse you are riding is crucial.
The only thing more important than horseshoes on a long ride is the saddle. A good fit, as anyone that rides, whether trail, working cattle, or long rides, knows, if that saddle does not fit well and your horse has a sore back, you're walking!
Two weeks into using the saddle and breaking it in was easy. It was just made comfortable. I feel well balanced and upright with the deep seat as one would want when riding thirty-plus miles a day for weeks and months. My thoroughbred mare with her high withers immediately responded to the well fitted saddle. Her stride lengthened, and her back relaxed. You could just tell her response was 'ahhh.'
-Bernice Ende
Honor all saddled up with her new Tucker High Plains trail saddle and a customized set of TrailMax™ Original Saddlebags. |
Learn more about Bernice and her team:
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