One cool ride
1-Forerunner 201: GPS navigational system marks and stores up to 100 waypoints, downloadable to PC. Also measures speed and distance. Runs on two AAA batteries; desktop rechargeable. Waterproof. With wrist strap. $160.70. www.garmin.com
2-Tipperary Sportage: Helmet (American Society for Testing and Materials/Safety Equipment Institute approved) features expanded polystyrene liner and air vents to keep the rider cool. In three sizes and three colors. $59.95. (888) 313-8842, www.phoenixperformance.com
3-E-Z Ride Stirrups: Foam foot pad from EasyCare eases pressure on the rider’s feet. Top bar deadens shock transmitted from the horse. Cage keeps foot from getting caught during a fall. Aluminum, leather or nylon (shown). $75 a pair. (800) 248-8225, www.sportack.com
4-Easyboot: Buckle-on “spare tire” from EasyCare protects the hoof in the event of a thrown shoe and on rocky, slippery or hard ground. Includes pull strap to help the rider wrestle it onto the hoof. Eight sizes in red or black. $39.95 each. (800) 248-8225, www.sportack.com
5-Cross-Functional Saddle: Flexible-panel, fully adjustable saddle supports riders working on the flat, jumping and coaxing their horses through endurance events. Knee rolls, calf block (optional) can be repositioned or removed. Eleven models priced from $2,795 to $3,120. (888) 771-4402, www.reactorpanel.com
6-V Max Enduro-C: Monitors horse’s heart rate and time spent in its target heart-rate zone. Ten-hour stopwatch, dual heart-rate/clock readout, high-low heart-rate alarm. Includes transmitter, electrodes, long and short leads, gel. $160. (800) 655-8629, www.vmaxept.com
7-Precise-Temp: Onboard unit troubleshoots metabolic problems by digitally sampling horse’s surface temperature to assess differential readings over predetermined baseline. Includes sensor probe, long wire, clock and memory recall. Waterproof case and strap. $28.50. (866) 378-4476, www.equineperformanceproducts.com
8-The Beak: Salamander’s 4-inch-deep lightweight visor provides shade and a safer alternative to a helmet’s unyielding plastic visor. Poly-cloth sandwiches foam. In six colors. $17. (888) 420-4327, www.longridersgear.com
9-Deluxe Breastplate: Zilco International’s tapered, padded, waffled material disperses pressure across the chest and shoulders of hard-working horses. In nine colors. $95. (888) 420-4327, www.longridersgear.com
10-Stowaway Pommel and Cantle Packs: Multiple zippered compartments for trail map, snacks, bug spray, etc.; water bottle holders, foam-padded bottom panels for English or Western saddles. Hook-and-loop strapping ensures no-bounce fit. In seven colors. $50. (800) 248-8225, www.sportack.com
11-Side-Stripe Tights: Padded seat absorbs bumps. Pre-washed cotton or nylon Spandex plus suede knee patches. Stripe optional. Adult and children’s sizes in many color combos. $46.95. (619) 691-0242, www.justforhorsin-round.com
12-Myler Combination Bit: Distributes pressure over horse’s poll (between ears), nose, chin and mouth for gentle control and communication. In seven mouthpiece and three shank styles. $114.95. (888) 486-5528, www.toklat.com
13-MS Endurance Bridle: Zilco International’s bridle and halter clips together at browband with solid brass hardware. In nine colors. $80. (888) 420-4327, www.longridersgear.com
14-Sea Sponge and Bag: Poly-mesh bag holds sea sponge on a long string to dunk in a stream and cool horse on the fly. In 10 colors. $20. (661) 513-9269, www.trail-rite.com
15-Extra-Heel Soft Bar Pads: Designed by farrier Bob Shirley of Bonsall, Calif., the flexible, shock-absorbing pad merges with a partial horseshoe to protect heels and soles. In three colors, pleasure and racing styles. $13 a pair. Saddle Creek Farm & Supply, (800) 995- 8858
