Endurance: Packing for Vet Check and AHA Endurance Champ Nicole Wertz for September 9, 2025 by Arabian Horse Association

 In this endurance episode Karen guides you through what to pack and not pack for a vet check.  2025 AHA Endurance Championship winner Nicole Wertz tells us all about her amazing ride to the Championship and we learn about the new  Garmin Blaze Equine HRM.  Listen in....

HORSES IN THE MORNING Episode 3771 – Show Notes and Links:

Hosts: Glenn the Geek and Karen ChatonTitle Sponsor: The Arabian Horse AssociationGuest: Nicole Wertz, 2025 AHA Endurance Championship winner Link: Garmin Blaze Equine HRMSupport for this podcast provided by: Sentinel Horse Feeds The Distance Depot, Chewy, and Listeners Like You

Time Stamps:

06:00 - Karen Overslept

14:14 - Endurance Tip

18:00 - Garmin Blaze Equine HRM

27:40 - Nicole Wertz

Endurance Tip:  Packing ahead for a vet check, in camp or away:

Crew Bag Setup: Use a labeled duffel/ready made crewbag or wheeled cart for quick access. 

Horse Essentials: Pack pre-bagged feed/supplements in nested buckets or feed pans for fast feeding, plus extra especially if coming through the same vet check more than once. Include lightweight blankets or sheets for weather. Pack a flake of hay, and a brush or sponge if you like to clean your horse during the vet check.

Rider Gear: Pack layers if there is a chance of weather changes, water, snacks/lunch, and a battery pack for recharging phones/GPS. Bug spray, sunscreen. For 75- or 100-mile rides, add glow sticks and a headlamp.

Pro Tips: Practice setup at home for efficiency. During the vet check, use pre-organized gear to feed/hydrate. Tailor to your horse and ride conditions. Also try to keep the crewbag light enough so the volunteers can easily lift it and move it around if it is going to an away vet check. If staying in camp you can use a cart or wagon to bring your items closer to the vet check area. This also helps if you need to pull tack.