Gear Lists

specs: 2000 model, serial #15541600010, Regular (SQHB), 4 in cantle, 16 in seat, round skirt, Dark Oil Antique, ~20ish lbs, professionally fitted

notes: I added d rings and two nylon latigos. Despite being SQHB, it is slightly wider than the newest Flex-2 model. Comfortable, secure. In Ashland, OH, one of my latigo laces broke and I had to use a piece of baler twine in its place to secure my girth until NE.

specs: 3 inch upholstery foam, high density, white, cut to 32″ L x 30″ W, compression rating of 44lbs, will compress to 1.25 inches with 140 lbs of pressure

notes: Foam? Again?

Yes.

The stage was set in Huntington, IN. My impact gel pad needed to be replaced. I had to then consider: do I buy a Five Star wool pad that is highly rated but costs a whopping $350-400? It would need to be put on my credit card. I couldn’t afford for it not to work.

OR do I give foam another chance, since Filipe Leite said, “It’s miraculous, it works so well … It made my ride 80 per cent easier.”

I dug through Filipe’s Instagram to find more photos of his current setup. These gave me a clearer idea of what he recommended, bolstering my courage to try it again.

As of writing this, I have been using foam for a week, and it has been wonderful. His sweat marks have been consistently even at the end of each day. No hot spots, bumps, sore muscles, etc. No irritation when mounting from the ground. In fact, most incredibly, Finley’s quarter sized bald spot from his rain rot has been able to heal with the saddle on, despite the fact that I have not cut a hole into the foam, and we are continuing to travel 10-20 mile days!

Downsides: the foam doesn’t conform to a horses back when placed on, so getting the saddle set is more challenging, though doable. Because of the extra padding, the saddle also perches above more, making an appropriately tight girth all the more critical to avoid slippage.

I was uncertain whether to get 3 or 4 inch foam (mind you, I had to base my decision on what I could gauge from photos of Filipe, ha)

3 inches was the right call. 4 inches would have been too thick.

I would one day like to add a thin wool blanket underneath the foam for its moisture wicking capabilities. (Filipe seems to have eventually done this.)

A week is not enough time to know whether a pad will work in the long run. I will update this when I know more!

update 1: as of central IA, I have officially been using this foam pad for 6 weeks and my opinion remains the same. It has been a game changer! Finley’s back always looks great at the end of the day. His bald spot has healed completely. The foam is beginning to retain a crease down the middle, making it “sit” on his back easier when tacking up. It has not torn whatsoever. At the moment, I have no intentions of adding a wool blanket underneath, re “if it ain’t broken, don’t fix it.”

update 2: In western Iowa, two patches of rain rot reappeared on Finley’s spine after two months of no resurgences. At first, I couldn’t be sure this wasn’t a coincidence. We just had a rainy spell, trapping undue moisture against his back, and the rain rot appeared were there shouldn’t be any pressure, in between the bars of the saddle.

I picked the lesions off and sprayed him with fungasol multiple times. Otherwise, we continued on as-is. Two to four weeks later, the bald spots began to heal, but tell-tale white hairs formed around them. The message was clear: something wasn’t working.

I realized, in disheatenment, that my foam pad must be the culprit. It was worn, compressing more than it once did. While his withers have held up beautifully, no issues whatsoever, his spine was beginning to take on too much slight yet consistent pressure.

I found a woman in central Nebraska who nit us a wool cover out of an old virgin wool blanket. It functions like a pillow case, adding cushion and a washable, natural surface against his hide. I will buy a brand new foam pad come spring.

specs: four knot, 1/4th stiff polyester rope halter, horse sized, beige

notes: I am firmly team rope halter. They’re light weight with no hardware.

Often, I add fleece covers to this for Finley’s sensitive skin. I’m solely riding Finley in this for the time being because I’m young and stupid.

specs: 30 in, roper style, 100% mohair, stainless steel hardware, 27-strand

update: I added weaver cinch guards to this girth at the Silver Stirrup in Duncansville, PA. While it has served my purposes well, if I were to buy another girth, I would go with one that had a higher strand number in the future.

specs: leather, 3″ wide body, 1 3/4″ billets, roller buckle

notes: I had to punch additional holes in this to fit Finley. I also oiled it prior to departure.

specs:  5/8th x 50 ‘, multifilament Polypropylene, black, no snaps

notes: This rope is longer, lighter, and cheaper than my last one!

specs: 1/5 inch, western style, gold color, white stitching, horse size, nickel plated hardware

notes: I had to punch additional holes in this to fit Finley. I added a wither strap to my setup at the Silver Stirrup. The snaps on one side of the wither strap broke after a few weeks; I’ve zip tied it to my breast collar.

specs: 2.75″ replaceable neoprene pad attached to 2″ webbing with a buckle closure and 2.5″ diameter nickel-plated steel ring

notes: After a few hundred miles, the pads have worn down, but that is to be expected. Replacement liners can be bought online. Twice now in an emergency, when Finley has pulled back when tethered, his rope has been what’s “given,” with the hobble itself never breaking. Very durable.

specs: double-stitched, 600 denier PVC coated poly with heavy-duty No. 10 zippers, reinforced with webbing at all stress points.

horn bags: 11″H x 8.5″W x 4″D

cantle bags: 22″L x 10″H x 10″D

notes: I would strongly prefer these bags had wool felt lining their undersides. The nylon material has been abrasive; it rubbed a bald spot on Finley’s flank/point of hip at one point. (This rub happened just once, and never again. The fur was also able to grow back despite the saddle bags remaining in place over the spot.) I have to use quick links purchased separately to hold the cantle bags in place. My saddle strings have been necessary to keep my bedroll from shifting.

update1 : In Ashland, OH, I had an Amish leather man add fleece to the undersides of my rear bags. He also repaired a rip in the side of one of my bags from when Finley nicked a mail box post, and reattached a zipper Finley knocked off. If not for this, I would have had to buy a new pair of bags entirely.

update 2: In Grinnell, IA, I added the removable cantle bag to store my winter coats! My coats are lightweight, yet too bulky for my other saddle bags.

It’s much easier to store my bedroll in it rather than use the saddle strings, so I will continue using the additional bag into the summer.

update 3: In Mingo, IA, I tried to lead Finley through a doorway that was too narrow and his saddle bag caught, ripping again.

I kept it closed with duct tape until we could get it sewn in Wood Lake, NE.

specs: 140×135, BLEM(ished) discount model, arizona copper color

notes: Expensive, but I love mine! My original pair is still going strong after 600 miles, being worn sporadically. There is a great article on the LRG’s website comparing hoof boots (renegade, easy boot, and cavallo).

update 1: A dog belonging to the owner of a boarding stable I overnight-ed at near Wharton, OH, chewed the heel captivator of one of my hoof boots. I had to buy a replacement piece. Otherwise, they are continuing to hold up well.

update 2: I must not have tightened the replacement heel captivator enough, because when Finley clipped it with a rear hoof while walking in western IN, it broke away from the boot shell. In this mishap, one of the pulley buttons (which fastens the boot shell to the heel captivator) was lost. I managed to make the boot functional anyway by fastening the cable lace under the screw as a temporary fix.

update 3: In Grinnell, IA, I purchased additional pulley buttons and a set of rear hoof boots for the first time! Since all the back roads in Iowa are gravel, as opposed to the pavement we had been on up to that point. I did not tighten these rear boots well enough on our first outing.

When Finley tried to step onto a creek embankment that was not solid enough and sunk in mud down to his hocks, one of the boots wound up backwards and upside down, with his hoof actively stepping on it. Despite this, it remained integrally unscathed!

$239.33

=$457.70

specs: 2″, 4.5″ foot bed depth, 5″foot bed width, lightweight, nylon

notes: These are one of the most popular endurance stirrups on the market. For my novice butt, they are harder for me to keep at speed than other stirrups, with their wide foot bed but shallow cage.

update: adjusting my stirrup length to just the right hole has made them much easier to keep. They are comfy for long distance, I never suffer foot pain, and it’s relieving to know in a fall, my feet can’t get caught in the stirrups. They have grown on me! While we rarely trot, in Iowa is when I realized I now could without threatening to lose my stirrups ever.

Finley the hippopotamus has totally crushed them multiple times rolling with the saddle on (grr) and they haven’t broken.

specs: 15ft polypropylene yacht rope, brass plate bolt snap, 5/8″ in thick, leather popper

notes: Both my lead rope and reins. I took the bolt snap off, apparently. No complaints.

notes: It’s important to save weight and space while traveling.

I also have an innate desire to be as minimalist as possible. I knew I wanted to try and get away with having one brush, not a curry and a soft bristle, so I gave this one a whirl. It’s worked well, and is easy to decontaminate.

specs: stainless steel, 12 x 0.6 in

notes: Commercial tethering stakes are expensive and heavy. I bought this as a potential alternate.

Ideally, it should be a few inches longer. It’s not as reliable as tying my tether rope around the base of a tree/post/etc. It is light weight enough to be worth throwing in my tent pole sack for the off occasion it needs to be used, anyhow. I attached a carabineer and an o ring to it to ensure the top swivels.

update: I lost my original stake in a field near Hoagland, IN. I purchased an identical replacement. I then lost the identical replacement in a cornfield near Chebanese, IL, prompting another purchase. Hopefully the last.

notes: I appreciate the adjustable strap in the back. This has a nice glossy look, but I wish it were equipped with a removable visor and MIPS technology.

update: Virginia Tech released their much-awaited equestrian helmet ratings. Their #2nd highest rated helmet, and only one of two to gain 5 Stars, is the $60 TuffRider Carbon Fiber helmet. If I were to purchase another helmet, I would go with that one. (As you will see on the list, most equestrian helmets are criminally overpriced compared to cycling helmets.) The MIPS brand expresses some words of caution about the study, however.

specs: suede leather-and-mesh, rubber sole, size 9

notes: I previously bought these trail runners over the winter and had them shipped to Grinnell, IA, by my grandmother. Good stuff!

specs: Up to 110lb measurement capacity, the deviation no more than 0.1lb, compact and lightweight (only 90 g)

notes: It’s critical with long riding that your packs are dead even on either side.
Up to this point, I’ve been guesstimating. This nifty little thing will ensure total accuracy, I hope. Jury is still out. Picked up in Huntington, IN.

update: This is a good tool, in theory; however, in practice it fails to perform, jumping in between digits. I have not taken it out of my saddle bags since Illinois, I think.

I may try another brand in the future, if I feel inclined, or see if I can get this one to function appropriately.

specs: neoprene, 5 oz

notes: I have terrible posture, potentially scoliosis, some slight curvature, and it is hard to correct by myself after an hour or two of riding. This brace helps alleviate the strain, though after a few weeks of using it, it may not be as reliable at reminding me to sit straight. I picked it up in Ashland, OH.

update: by mid Illinois, I began using this back brace less frequently and, by Iowa, not at all.

I believe my posture improved enough that I no longer thought to use it. However, I would still like to try another in the future.

main outfit

• reflective vest
  • I wrote “PASS WIDE AND SLOW” in black sharpie on the back of my first vest
• button down shirt (thrift shopped)
• bra (only god knows when I first got this thing)
• underwear (new)
• leggings (thrift shopped)
• cargo shorts (thrift shopped)
• darn tough wool socks (gifted)
• Schwinn half finger gloves (new)
• red bandana (found on roadside in PA)

winter additions

• REI Stormhenge 850 down/rain jacket (discounted)
• off brand polyester sweat shirt (gifted in WV on walk)
• Patagonia light down jacket (gifted in CO on walk)
• under armor gore tex undershirt (thrift shopped)
• Outdoor Research hat (new)
• 2 pairs of gloves, smart wool and off brand ski gloves (new)
• hand warmers
• thick smart wool socks (new)
• long johns (gifted in IL)
• snow/rain pants (gifted in NE)
• 2 balaclavas, mountain hardwear and off brand (new)

Tent

• Big Agnes Copper Spur UL1 tent (second hand, left over from cycling trip)
  • This thing is being held together with two splints and a pound of duct tape, and the zipper on the door is bust; its liable to collapse any night

Sleeping bag

• Hyke and Byke 0 degree Eolus sleeping bag (gifted in UT, left over from walking trip)

Miscellaneous

• brush
• sawyer mini water filter (left over from walking trip)
• cygolite 200 hot shot tail light 
• zip ties
• toothpaste/brush
• sunscreen
• zip lock bags
• trash bags
• paracord
• lighter
• tampons
• toilet paper/napkins
• spare energizer lithium AAA batteries (a set of four lasts me 2 weeks)
• deodorant
• first aid kit
• hair ties
• Iphone
• two cords (constantly being broken and re-bought)
• wall charger
• battery pack (one lost in eastern OH)
• duct tape
• microfiber towel
• journal

Rations

• 2 smartwater bottles
• a gallon sized zip lock bag of food that is varying levels of full

update 1: As of western OH, I am not losing weight as I should on the road. Seriously, it’s bad. So I have forgone carrying food while I am on the east coast, because I have no self control and am finding it unnecessary to

update 2: As of Stanton, NE, I have stopped carrying water on me. As with food, this is a temporary measure.

Finley’s paperwork

• coggins
• vaccination record
• proof of ownership
• health certificate

Finley has had four vet/health checks

• 1st with Stephanie Benner before our departure in PA (coggins, two vaccines, health cert., localized illness, general exam)
• 2nd at Claremont Vet Hospital in Ashland, OH (rain rot, general exam)
• 3rd at Kesson Vet Clinic in Delphos, OH (rain rot, general exam)
• 4th at Iowa Equine in Huxley, IA (core vaccines, health cert., general exam)
• 5th is forthcoming, before our departure from NE

specs: 15 in seat, fiberglass covered wood tree, 7/8th rigging, round skirt, nylon fenders, “2 ralide stirrups, ~18 lbs, 4in cantle

notes: When Finley first got rain rot, he needed to be saddle-less for weeks to heal. I knew I wanted a better fitting, and higher quality, saddle in any case-this one being “good enough to start,” so I resold it and carried on walking, with Finley bareback, that way I didn’t have to postpone traveling altogether. Resold.

NO Loss

specs: 1.5 gel infused memory foam, cut to the size of a saddle pad ~32 x 32

notes: I read on the Long Riders Guild website that Filipe Leite, who has ridden 16,000+ miles across the three Americas, recommended foam as a saddle pad.

I then found this article by another long rider who specified 1.5 inch memory foam.  I tried this at the onset of my journey, but it ended up ripping too easily, within a few uses, rendering it unusable. I also question its cushioning capabilities with how easily it compresses.

But my foray with foam may not be over … the door there is still open, and it has a draw …

Loss

specs: 6×2 in reflective patches

notes: With so many unknown variables in New Jersey, the most densely populated state in America, I decided the safest thing to do was to eliminate the one I knew he would struggle with most: touch, from strangers. I set a very strict no petting policy when we began, while he became more acclimated to domestic life, and I stand by that call.

I glued these patches onto my front and rear saddle bags. By eastern PA, just 2-3 weeks into our journey, they became largely unnecessary, and were beginning to come unglued due to my shoddy workmanship. I ditched them entirely by the end of PA.

update: if I could sew them onto my bags, I would add them again. I’m not comfortable with strangers approaching Finley when he’s unattended; these could be nice to ward people off, especially since they can be taken on & off with ease, so I could have them visible only when I’m in stores.

Loss

specs: leather body, real sheep fleece booties, no pinch biothane stirrup leathers, 15 in seat, ~20lbs?

notes: Orthoflex saddles are known for having two flexible panels on their underside rather than a solid tree to conform more closely to a horses build. The design was originally patented by a long rider themselves. I was optimistic about this saddle, but it didn’t end up being a good fit for Finley.

It was well crafted, lightweight with many tie off points but it was also difficult to carry my saddle bags properly on it-they would end up sitting too far forward or back.

When I reached the silver stirrup tack shop in central PA, I asked them to check its fit, so I could know what was wrong with it, and even they struggled to give me a clear answer (though they also admitted to being a bit unfamiliar with the orthoflex design).

Ultimately, it was decided that the angle of the panels, even with their flexible nature, likely weren’t quite right for Finley’s withers. Resold.

NO Loss

specs: cotton, brass snap, 3/4th x 22 ft., white

notes: This rope was advertised as 30ft. I measured it and got 22 ft. When I refuted the seller’s claim, they refunded me.

I still carried this as my primary picket line until central PA, when it became too raggedy to be worth continuing on with. It has a loose, undesirable weave that contributed to its poor look after a few weeks.

NO Loss

specs: gold beta biothane, horse sized, no neoprene padding, white stitching, brass hardware

notes: I choice this bridle because it was the cheapest beta biothane one I could find. Beta biothane is known for being easier to maintain than leather, and stronger, with a greater breaking point.

Endurance riders rave highly about the stuff. I also liked that it could function as a halter, and that it had “bit hangers,” which means the bit can easily be clipped on and off.

This feature is wonderful for a long rider who needs to stop and graze their mount every hour.
However, I once left this on overnight, and by morning, Finley had a massive bald spot above his brow where he had rubbed his haltered head against a tree.

From that point forward, it became clear I could never leave it on overnight, rendering it near useless as a halter. It’s also clunky, and doesn’t fold up neatly when packed, so I ditched it with a host when I decided to begin riding solely in my rope halter in western PA.

Loss

specs: cotton, brass snap, 3/4th x 25 ft., 3 lbs, navy blue

notes: I got this 25ft lunge line to replace my last one in central PA. It has a great weave and general feel, and served me well until central OH. I ultimately replaced it when I found out that Outfitters Supply Company sells a  5/8th diameter rope in their picketing kits.

It made me realize that Finley was totally ready for a thinner rope (when you first begin picketing, it’s recommended that you use a thicker rope, like this 3/4th inch one, or even greater!)

Immediately after this revelation, I found a 50 ft, 5/8th rope that sealed the deal.

specs: 100% new zealand wool, 1/4th thick, 5+lbs,  36″ x 34″

notes: I got this blanket at the Silver Stirrup in central PA at the same time I got my Impact Gel pad, as I wanted the additional padding it would provide (1/4th of an inch) as well as the 100% pure New Zealand wool against Finley’s flank.

Within a few days, it became clear this would not work, as it would slip out the back of his saddle. I then switched to using it on TOP of the Impact Gel, solely to maintain the extra padding, before throwing it away entirely in Van Wert, OH.

NO Loss

specs: 3/4th in thick, 32″ L x 30″ W. Wool blend with gel bladder and wear leather. Cutout at both the withers to allow for free range of motion, and at the billet to fit for rigging

notes: For a while, the verdict was out on this pad.

I was curious to see how it held up over time, and whether the gel would overheat in summer, or freeze in winter. It didn’t shift and Finley seemed comfortable with it on.

However, it ultimately did not provide the support I am looking for. It’s hard to decipher why, exactly. After our hiatus in Ashland, OH, within a few days of traveling he formed small bumps around his withers. This later turned out to be rain rot resurfacing, which brought on many questions.

Was the rain rot resurfacing inevitable, an isolated coincidence?

OR was his pad not properly disinfected enough and continued to carry bacteria to cause it?

OR were the bumps from undue, excessive pressure that then morphed into rain rot, as the rain rot has been shown to attack areas of weakness in the past?

It’s impossible to know, but it disillusioned me to this pad, so I went with my gut and left it behind.

Contributing factors:

3/4th of an inch is not enough padding by itself.

The resurgence of rain rot uncovered a new quarter sized bald patch on Finley’s right wither. Because of the gel insert in this pad, a hole cannot not be cut into it to allow his bald spot to heal while continuing to travel. The wool mix is too abrasive and would rub it raw if left covered, as has happened in the past.

NO Loss

notes: These boots were gifted by my grandmother. Thank you, Marmee!! They are a popular model.

Every other equestrian I meet has a pair, or knows someone who does. The waterproof feature is wonderful, and they are comfortable to walk in, but I have a sneaking concern about their longevity.

1st update: The heel is not necessary with my caged stirrups, and I fear the leather is digging into my toes, causing them to sore. Originally, I chalked this up to my body needing to adjust to life on the road-blisters are part of that transition!-but now, 600 miles in, my toes are continuing to suffer.

They’re being rubbed raw, on and off, which is odd.  It happens often enough for me to threaten to get rid of them, but rarely enough that I don’t follow through on that threat.

Really, most of the time they’re fine. Maybe a square toe would have prevented the problem. The tread has held up remarkably well after 600 miles. My next pair of shoes will likely be merrell trail runners.

2nd update: from central OH onward, I had no trouble with blisters or soring. I imagine this was due to the leather being fully “broken in” at that point. They served me well, but became too worn out to continue with by central Iowa. This is totally normal and expected! Even the best trail runners rarely last more than one thousand miles.

Interestingly, rather than the treads being worn to nubs, which is what would happen with my trail runners on my walk across America, leaving holes in the bottom of them, the main body of the boot is beginning to split apart from the rubber base instead.  (Pictures forthcoming.)

3rd update: I shipped this pair, which served me well, home at Grinnell, IA.

LOSS

regular wear

• yellow reflective vest (new)
• off brand polyester sweatshirt (gifted in WV)
• long-sleeved undershirt (thrift shopped) 
• 2 t-shirts (thrift shopped) 
• cargo pants (thrift shopped)
• cargo shorts (thrift shopped) 
• leggings (thrift shopped)
• 2 pairs of underwear (new)
• bra (only god knows where and when this came from)
• sunhat (new) 
• 4 pairs of socks (of various origin and brand) 
• 4 pairs of shoes
  1. off brand Target pair (DE-MD)
  2. Merrells (WV-KS)
  3. old tennis shoes (KS-CO)
  4. New Balance (CO-CA)

winter additions

• REI Co-Op 650 down jacket (new)
• Patagonia nano puff jacket (gifted in CO)
• Mountain Hardwear windbreaker (gifted in NV)
• Mountain Hardwear dome perignon hat (new, bought in UT)
• two pairs of gloves (new, bought in UT)
• two pairs of wool socks (gifted in CO, UT)
• wool leggings (new, bought in UT)
• balaclava (gifted in CO)

• backpack
• headlamp
• whistle/compass combo
• bike alarm
• bike lock
• Nekteck 21W Solar Charger (never used, rotted in the back of my stroller)
• Sawyer Mini water filter
• iphone 6
• wall charger/cords
• insect repellent
• mini bike pump
• tube repair patch kit
• first aid kit
• trowel
• hair brush
• spray bottle (in the summer)
• stove, pot, fuel (in the winter)
• duct tape
• sun screen
• ziplock bags
• stuff sacks
• 2-3 smartwater bottles
• 2 gallon jugs (during long stretches)
• pen & paper
• rain tarp
• lighter
• bungees
• toothbrush/paste
• deodorant
• menstrual cup
• hair ties
• paracord
• spare batteries
• military emergency survival blanket (gifted in CO)
• weather radio (gifted in KS) 
• cooling towel (new, bought in KS, left in CO)

• reflective vest
• long-sleeved undershirt
• 2 t-shirts
• cargo pants
• cargo shorts
• leggings
• 3 pairs of underwear
• bra
• sunhat
• balaclava 
• 2 pairs of socks
• moms old hand-me-down sneakers
• rain jacket
• flip flops
• face masks

Bike gear

• spare shimano break cable set
• tire repair kit
• two water bottle holders
• trash compactor bags
• phone holder
• mini toolkit (lots of allen wrenches, a screw driver, …)
• rock n roll extreme lube

Personal gear

• 3 smartwater bottles
• sunscreen
• hairbrush
• portable WiFi hotspot (courtesy of my college)
• spare battery pack
• sawyer mini water filter
• paracord
• iphone 6 w/ cords
• energizer lithium AAA batteries
• hair ties
• spoon
• menstrual cup
• deodorant
• lighter
• microfiber towel
• ziplock bags
• first aid kid
• mini shampoo
• toothbrush/paste
• stove, pot, fuel