Get your horse vetted early. After the vet check, your time is your own until the ride briefing. Take the map that was given to you when you registered and mark down any information from the ride briefing that you think will help you on the ride. Mark any danger points on the ride such as bogs and soft spots, and places where you can water your horse. After the vet check, make sure your horse has plenty of food and water the night before the ride.
Many riders provide free choice hay.
THE RIDE B e tacked up early and warm up your horse for 15 to 30 minutes before the start time. Depending on the time of year, it can be very cold, requiring a slow warm up. Walk your horse for five to ten minutes. Then do some slow trotting, then go back to walking and settle in for the start. The start of some endurance rides can be quite scary the first time out.