This August, Rachel Roman is competing in the Mongol Derby.  Her Riding Habit has profiled a few other Mongol race riders and if you follow them, you realize how hard they train for this extreme race.  Rachel shares the five items she currently reaches for the most as she equips herself to ride.  You can also learn more about Rachel and the Mongol Derby by checking out her website, https://www.rachelmongolderby.com/ . It includes information about The Nature Conservancy’s program in Mongolia, the non-profit she is trying to raise funds for through her participation in the Mongol Derby.  Joining her in the photographs below is her horse, Moose.  Moose is a 7yo OTTB she has been leasing since the fall.  They focus on dressage, but right now he is helping her prepare for the race!  The photos of Rachel and Moose are by the amazing SWAE Photography- http://swaephotography.com/

SSG 4200 HYBRID Gloves:
I am on my third pair of these gloves. Not because they don’t hold up well but because I wear them that much! Any of my riding attire needs to also double as barn work attire. As soon as I get to the barn I put on my gloves for stall cleaning, grooming, and any other random chores that need to get done. I like these gloves because they are thin which allows me to undo latches and fasten buckles without having to take them off. I wear them during the winter and summer. I just ordered a fresh pair to use in the upcoming Mongol Derby the picture is my old pair that I just retired.

My “oh shit strap”
I inherited this strap when I purchased my first real “dressage horse” Rohan, fondly called Roo in the barn. He came with two bridals and an amazing Hulsebos saddle (the brand I have used for dressage saddles ever since!). This strap was on the saddle and at the time I thought nothing of it. I soon learned why it was on the saddle 😊. Roo was a fantastic schoolmaster and taught me a great deal. If you asked him correctly he would obey, and if you were anything but clear in your aids hold on! I have kept this strap on any saddle ever since and I have now attached it to my Derby saddle for the race.

Patagonia Women's Capilene
I have owned this Patagonia shirt for 10 years now and it has taken me through many adventures. It is lightweight and a great base layer on colder days but also a great outer layer in the summer to protect you from the sun. Over the last few years it has slowly morphed into my favorite riding shirt. I confess I spend most of my clothing budget on riding attire and over the years I have gotten many really wonderful riding shirts but I always find my self unconsciously reaching for this shirt when I am packing up clothes to take to the barn. I will be taking this shirt to the race with me as well, hoping it will bring me some luck!

Ariat Skyline Mid Gore-Tex

When I was searching for footwear for the Derby I knew I was probably going to end up with something Ariat. Most of my riding boots have always been Ariats both jodphur boots and tall boots.  I have also owned a few pair of Ariat cowboy boots and recommend them to anyone! For the race, I needed a pair of comfortable boots that could hold up for hours and hours in the saddle but also had enough support for the occasional hiking or running down a steed that may have just bucked me off. I have weak ankles and felt that it was important to have something with a high cut. These boots have been fantastic! I have been cleaning stalls in them, riding in them, hiking in them and even taking them for runs on the beach. I highly recommend them as an all around stable shoe. I did find out that Ariat does not technically classify them as riding boots after I reached out to them regarding what half chaps would fit over top of them. I ended up going old school and getting Velcro half chaps that were wide enough to fit over the ankle but also fit the rest of my leg.

Trauma Void Lynx Helmet
Ever since a pretty nasty fall when I was younger and a serious concussion I have taken my helmets very seriously. For the race I knew that I needed something light and breathable but it was also important for me to have something with lots of protection. My first stop was the Tipperary helmets, but for whatever reason the shape would not fit my head. So I then looked at the Trauma Void helmets because I knew with the MIPS system they were rated some of the safest on the market. The helmet is light and breathable and what I really like is that it has a dial on the back to adjust the fit. Great for people with odd shaped oval heads like myself!