As a rider

Most riders feel that it is good to have vendors supplying products at a ride.

We love to shop around on the day before the ride. We can usually find something that either is a new product or something that matches our horse's outfit in size or color. Or it gives us a chance to stock up on electrolytes or supplements or some other supply without having to have it delivered, or make a special trip.

Endurance products are not typically available at average tack shops so we as riders get used to shopping via online or though a catalog. We don't get much of a chance to actually, touch, feel and hold a product. So having endurance vendors at an endurance ride is a really nice treat.

One time I was competing and broke a breast collar right before the lunch break. I remember running over to the vendor and asking for a breast collar. Not only did they have my horse's size and color, they told me to not bother with paying them until I got my ride finished. I'll never forget that! I would have had to either find someone with an extra breast collar or had to pull from the ride if the vendor hadn't been able to get me out of the jam.

As a vendor

As a vendor we should always call ahead to the ride manager to make sure they have room and a spot saved for us. Also it is nice to find out what sort of rider count that ride typically has. Most vendors like to be in a nice exposed place so as to catch the eye of the riders -- near the sign-up booth is ideal. This way riders usually have their checkbooks with them and do not have to bother to run back to their trailer to get money before shopping.

Setting up takes hours and it's not fun to break it all down and move to another location after we've found out we're in the wrong place.

As for being charged to vend at a ride, I don't believe it is really fair these days. Fuel costs make it almost impossible to justify even being a mobile vendor. As long as it doesn't cost the ride manager a loss of money to lose a parking space or area from a paying rider then charging doesn't seem to be necessary. But, of course, every ride and situation is a little different, especially given some of the places that host and sponsor our ride camps.

Usually riders check with me in advance to know if I'm going to a ride, and often ride managers get in touch to see if I'm coming, too. I know that if riders know I'm on location, they will find me. As a vendor I try to give a donation to the ride or sometimes I give out coupons for a discount for the riders attending that ride. That's how I give back.

I make sure I'm self-contained so I don't add to the confusion or usage of the ride facilities. I do like to know ahead of time if there will be a charge or anything special the ride manager needs of me before arriving on site.

As a ride manager

Ride managers are very busy a few days before their ride is to start. Most ride managers have a number of things to think about and to remember with entry changes, trail marking, general layout of the base camp and coordinating volunteers. Ride managers do not like last minute surprises. When a vendor comes in they are usually one of the first vehicles or rigs to arrive in base camp. Ride managers can make things easier by either posting where the vendor area is or, better yet, posting the area for each vendor space. This way it is out of mind and should be able to take care of itself, right? Not always!

When vendors start being what I call "needy" then I find that I just want them to go away. I don't have time to look for a power source for them, or make sure they aren't getting in each other's way, or that they have now parked in the vetting area, etc.

Posting area signs works for both the ride managers and the vendors. What ride managers don't always know is that the vendor area can create a carnival effect in the base camp­ -- if it's done right. So making a vendor area is fun for your riders too.

I once had a vendor demand a meal ticket in front of about 50 riders. I don't think ride managers should responsible for feeding vendors (although it is nice when they do). If anything, it should be the other way around. A nice "thank you" candy bar would be nice about five hours into a ride! We as ride managers don't eat during a ride -- that takes up too much time and you have to have your mouth not full of food to talk, which you seem to be doing for 72 hours straight!

As someone who has been, and continues to be, a rider and a ride manager as well as a vendor, I think we can sum up the ideal relationship pretty simply: "Keep it simple, keep it to yourself, and keep it out of the ride's way" and everyone will have a great weekend!

Tammy Robinson is a Pacific Southwest Region rider, a vendor (owner of Trail-Rite Products) and a ride manager (Git-R-Done rides).