Robin Hanbury-Tennyson
About the rider: This British Long Rider, along with his wife, Louella, have many significant equestrian journeys to their credit - the first land crossing of South America at its widest point, rides in France, Spain, and New Zealand, riding the length of the Great Wall of China, and most recently, being the first modern riders to travel the length of Albania. Hanbury-Tennyson has authored eight books.
His in-saddle outerwear: "On our earlier rides, we used to wear capes, both lightweight and heavier Army ones, which worked well, but one's legs got wet," Hanbury-Tennyson says. "There's a picture of us setting off to ride along the Great Wall of China in pouring rain!"
"For New Zealand, we were given splendid riding macs by the British manufacturer Barbour, which had straps for our legs," he continues. "The leg straps on the long Barbour riding coats go round the calf and stop the sides of the coat flapping as you ride. Very useful.
"But everyone in New Zealand thought we would have been much better off with their local brand, Driza-Bone, from their pronunciation of 'dry as a bone.' Driza-Bone [coats] also have the leg strap. My son got one when he was in New Zealand and swears by it, as do all New Zealand stockmen. A bit heavy, but very waterproof.
"More recently, in Albania, we carried very lightweight waterproof tops and over-trousers in little stuff bags, which are easy to tie to the saddle and don't get in the way. Reasonably waterproof, but not much good against the cold, which it often was in Albania's mountains. They are called Regatta Great Outdoors. Waterproof, breathable fabric. Taped seams. They come in all prices, but we just had the lightest, cheapest, smallest."
Ian Robinson
About the rider: In 2002, after the death of his spiritual advisor, New Zealand Long Rider Ian Robinson vowed to deliver his ashes to Mount Kailas, Tibet's most sacred mountain. Fighting cold, exhaustion, and runaway horses, he camped in high mountains with wolves, dealing with the elements, and altitude sickness.
"I looked up, there was the mountain's stunning north face, white with snow," Robinson says. "To see it at last, after 3,500 kilometers and nearly six months alone on horseback, was staggering, and I burst into tears. I threw my arms around my horse's neck and hugged him. The poor animal probably thought I'd gone mad."
Robinson rode alone across Mongolia, then Tibet, and has recently completed a journey through the Wakhan Corridor of Afghanistan. He's authored six books, including Gantsara, Alone Across Mongolia and You Must Die Once.
His in-saddle outerwear: "I can recommend an Australian company called R.M. Williams," Robinson offers. "From what I know, they started out making clothing for Australian Outback stockmen - the founder was one himself, I believe. I have used their oilskin coats on all of my journeys, and find them excellent and very hard-wearing.
"The one I wore across Tibet for six months, wearing it daily in rugged conditions, is still in pretty good repair," he continues. "They are made of a canvas-type material, I think, and treated with oil, which makes them waterproof. They can also be re-oiled.
I also use R.M. Williams' wide-brim stockmen's hats. I still use the one I had in Mongolia in 1992! They pretty much make any kind of riding or outdoor wear.
"In cold conditions, I use thermal underwear from a New Zealand company called Ice Breaker. They use 100 percent pure Merino sheep's wool, specially treated to make it soft. Their products absorb sweat and can be worn for months on end without stinking! They are hard-wearing, as well; they are used by Antarctic sailors and mountaineers down here.
"On top of that, I usually end up wearing whatever the locals wrap themselves in, such as sheepskin cloaks.
Tom Moates (www.tommoates.com) is an international equestrian journalist and author who writes from a solar-powered farm in the Virginia mountains.
