How to Plan a Camping Trip with Your Horse
Posted: Saturday, August 21, 2010
by The Old Gray Mare
www.DressYourHorse.com
Camping with your horse is even better than trail riding
Preparation for your trip entails careful organization and some attention to detail. If you are an avid trail rider already, then a camping trip that includes your horse is amazing. ! OK, so it's more work, but you will both enjoy it provided you do a bit of planning . . .
Of course, you should never go without firm reservations that define dates and participants of your trip. As you firm up your final destination plans, secure trail maps for horse riders, inquire about campsites and know as much as you can about accommodations. Compile a list of veterinarians and farriers at your destination to cover any emergencies. Yes, and one more thing to plan into the trip don't go alone; bring a good friend, family members; leave a good itinerary with one or more people who are going along on your camping trip.
You can expect different levels of campsites with little or no conveniences (from "bare bones" to improved) in Parks. Assume the more improved areas get crowded so get to your location early.
Since you may be on the road for a number of hours or even overnight, make sure to research available directories geared specifically to the traveling rider and horse. If you do not usually travel far away or out of state with your horse, consider an in-state destination that can accommodate your horse.
Now that you have thoroughly researched and planned the travel and destination, focus on rig preparation. Make very certain that all mechanical aspects of vehicle and trailer have been serviced and are as safe as necessary. Be sure your vehicle is equipped with emergency flares and necessary tools to change tires.
It's vacation time and your planning and trip organization is well underway. So ask yourself these very important questions: Does my horse load and travel well; is he calm or does he get worked up; does he preoccupy himself by munching on hay; does he balance himself; how does he react to different circumstances and strange places? Making a practice run with a nervous horse to a nearby trail is a good idea it's a kind of "practice run." If he's a seasoned traveler to shows or trails, then he's ready whenever you are.
Well, that's the basics now concentrate on what your horse will need for the trip.
Tack: Bridle/Headstall, Noseband, Breast Collar or Martingale Leather, bit and hardware should be in sound condition, clean and familiar to your horse. Now is not the time to introduce a new bridle and/or bit. However, even if you normally do not use a martingale/breast plate on your horse, these are good accessories on an extended trail ride. Likewise, you may be riding hills and rough trails so even a crupper could be a useful addition to your accessories list for this trip. Since you are planning ahead, you can responsibly introduce your horse to equipment ahead of time.
Saddle Bring the saddle that is most comfortable for you AND your horse. Be sure it is clean and in great condition; also check straps and accessories for soundness. Bring the cinch/girth that is comfortable for your horse and make sure it is in top condition as well. Include a clean saddle pad/blanket for your horse's comfort.
Leg Boots or Splint Boots Include a set of protective boots to protect your horse's legs from injuries. You will encounter rocks, sticks, brush and water, not to mention the terrain.
Horse Sheets Your horse will be more comfortable if you protect him against flies with a fly protective sheet or, in case of rain, with a rain sheet. Use a dress sheet or a light stable sheet to guard against cool winds.
Horse Cooler Bring a cooler to provide cozy warmth for possible chills after the ride. If you return from the trails and your horse is even slightly warm, wrap him, then blow him out. Never just tie him up.
Cleaning, Grooming Items Take extra time to put together your horse's grooming kit, and all basic cleaning and grooming tools. Your list should include several brushes including stiff and soft body brushes, curries, polo wraps, hoof picks, sweat blade, fly spray, towel, wipes.
First Aid Kit Be sure you do not leave on this trip without a Horse First Aid Kit. Consider this as a must have necessity for this trip. You can assemble one yourself or purchase a professionally-prepared Equine First Aid Kit. It is The Old Gray Mare preference to use a professional Kit to which you can add specific items for your horse and because you do not want to leave anything to chance.
Ideally, you have now made a detailed list of all the horse items you need for this vacation. It is probably a great idea to build several categories including:
- campsite and trail information that details directions, etc.
- horse items such as riding gear, grooming equipment, first aid
- horse feed such as water, grain, hay and treats
- horse clothing such as sheets, coolers, leg protection, tail wraps
- rider clothing and, of course,
- your food and other necessary items
Water This is an important requirement and The Old Gray Mare suggests you focus on it in some detail. Bring along no less than 5 or 10 gallons of barn water, more if you have the containers and space. If you break down or stop to rest during trucking, you will be able to keep your horse hydrated. Extra water makes it easier to transition your horse to the new location's water. If he is not a big drinker, try adding a teaspoon or two of table salt to his grain to encourage increased drinking. Pinch his skin to check hydration level - at the pinch, the elevated skin should remain in a little peak for about 30 seconds. (Hint: The best place to check your horse's hydration is mid-neck level.)
Grain Carefully measure out his regular grain portions. Bring several days' extra grain portions in case of unexpected delay. Give only the grain that he is used to and plan no changes during the trip. A convenient way of bringing grain is to package each meal portion in large freezer zippered bags, and stack them in a convenient box. Always prevent accidental access to feed by the horse if somehow he gets loose.
Hay Load ample roughage supply for the trip. Be responsible at the campsite and do not leave mounds of hay lying around. Dispose of any unused hay along with the manure.
Sanitary Maintenance Treat the campsite as you would your home. Do not leave soiled bedding, manure or other refuse; clean up daily and it will not be a major chore when it is time to pack up and leave.
Presumably you are not a novice camper and have some idea about food and drinks for yourself and your fellow travelers. A good rule of thumb for this trip is to bring ample food, water, munchies pack as you would for any other camping trip. Include plenty of bottled water for the humans, too.
Pack clothing adequate for the season. Expect day/night temperature fluctuations; vary clothing items accordingly. Bring along appropriate cold or hot days' wear based on your comfort level and that of your traveling companions. Layer the clothing you wear.
The Old Gray Mare discusses only the basics in this article add necessities based on your needs, that of your horse and your geographical location (i.e., clothing, blankets, etc.). The secret to successfully planning this vacation is to make THE CHECKLIST. Write it down. Refine it. Add to it. Then tweak it. Finally, pare it down to the final list with its different parts. If you did your homework, you have everything planned and organized.
So load up the horse and get going.
As Roy Rogers might say, "Happy trails to you!"
This article is written by The Old Gray Mare of www.DressYourHorse.com, www.TShirtsbyLily.com, www.FantasyKritters.com and www.Amway.com/healthandhomebyheidi
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Top-level comments on this article: (6 total)Not being a horsewoman I started to read this and imagine taking a long weekend horseback riding. By the time I got done I remembered WHY I grew out of wanting a horse at a young age... too darn much work! hehe A wonderful post none the less.GraceYour comment is right on. You've got to commit to work when you own a horse, that's for sure. But there are ways, you know. If you have a terrific boarding stable as an option, you get to have a horse really well taken care of and enjoy him too. Going on a camping trip, of course, would be a lot of work yet the rewards of the open spaces and enjoying the ride - and you know all the good stuff - would be worth all the effort. I happen to be one that was "bit by the bug" and never outgrew it. I love horses and will for the rest of my life, I'm sure. It is a calling, I think. It's been worth it for me in many, many ways. Grace you're another true sport to read and comment. Thanks so much! Heidi
I haven't yet learned to ride properly, but it's on my list, as is doing riding trails. The camping sounds wonderful.Hi Jennifer. Thanks for reading my horse bit and finding the time to comment too. Love it and appreciate it - lots!One thing I learned from my own riding experience (unfortunately I'm not doing any lately) is that it is excellent exercise from posture to muscle control and, for kids, you can add discipline, attention to detail and much more good stuff. Hope you do some riding if you can. Funny we're talking about this because I signed on to add another article - this one is about safety for a kid when learning to ride. It's the same for adults - get your own helmet and boots. Have fun, Heidi
Your article seems to cover everything there is for camping with horses, although I'm not a camper or a rider so I'm not really sure. If I were going camping I would feel secure in using your list.Linda, Thank you for that vote of confidence. It seems like you could always tweak most any list or get really picky about it but this one covers the real important stuff. Packing up for a horse is not at all unlike packing up for the kids - there's a lot to bring along.Thanks for reading and I appreciate the comment.
We have huffed and puffed on some hikes where I wish we'd been doing something besides walking however, you are talking to a girl who likes horses best when I am on the other side of the fence with a camera... you wrote an informative and interesting article here for those who have and know horses and camping.Thanks, Marijo. Being on the camera end is a wonderful thing, especially now with the digital and video. Everything is so rewarding. I understand perfectly the huffing and puffing because that's what I do when I walk or hike. When you go riding, it's the horse (poor thing) that does all of the work - at least most of it. I appreciate the read and thank you for the comment. Heidi
I've always thought horses were beautiful. Reading your article makes me want to ride off into the sunset. But, (and this won't surprise anyone), horses scare me a liitle. I should say the thoughts of falling off one and being permanently injured scares me. But I do love to watch others ride! Very informative article, one I'm sure Dianne L. will enjoy too!Hi Brianna. So glad to hear from you. Thanks for the read and comment. They are beautiful and they can be scary. Most horses are calm and wonderful. With a little knowledge and aware handling, they are docile, ultra obedient and one heck of a good companion. Why, you can tell them anything and they'll never even tell your secrets. Falling off is never pleasant and is always a possibility but thankfully not overly common in most instances. I love to ride others as well. Am always happy to see someone enjoying the wholesomeness of horse/rider relationship. Glad you stopped. HeidiHey Brianna - how's everything? Thanks for reading. Guess falling off is a possibility but if you've learned basics and you are mounted on a suitable horse, you should be just fine. There's always the possibility that something happens; it's life though. I have fallen by taking a misstep or tripping. Riding off into the sunset is a wonderful thing. Picture yourself on your warm, faithful companion horse friend as you enjoy the moment, you're walking along in peace and quiet, your horse is unstressed, you are unstressed, the birds are singing, and nature's beauty is all around you as you go over a knoll into the stand of pines just as the sun is starting to set in all its magnificent glory.
Hi OGM.I love trail riding but never thought about a camping trip with a horse. I'm not sure that I would ever go to all that trouble. I don't even do much camping without a horse. The woman who owns the horse I ride has done some horse-comapnioned camping in the past, but doesn't really do it anymore because it is so much trouble. Although she did joke about riding her horse from home to Flagstaff for the show recently (about 90 miles one way) it would have taken several days. She thought it might calm down her horse (exhaust her mostly :)) enough to get a decent score in the show. Well she trailered her up there and did okay in the show anyway.So, this was an extremely complete look at camping with a horse. I can't imagine that you have left anything out. If someone was of a mind to do it, they would do well to use your article as their "bible."DianneThank you Dianne. Kind words and most appreciated! Yes, camping involves not only getting the humans packed and ready but the addition of a horse puts a whole different slant on the planning. It is, however, a rewarding experience - even more fun and wholesome than just hiking. I say more fun because there is the thrill of riding you good horse friend and feeling his strength, surefootedness and companionship. Most horses love walking through the forests, provided they are protected against deer flies and the like. When my fancy show horse was done with show season, we'd pull his shoes and tail set off and let him be a horse for the cooler months. I belonged to a trail riding club - I'll give them a plug here: The Reddington Rock Riding Club of Stafford, CT - and we'd go on our monthly trail rides. He would not sometimes strut the trails because he was full of himself, yet he enjoyed himself and never put an ear back. I swear he'd jump into the trailer to go. Much different behavior for him than going to a horse show. This horse was wise in ways you'd never think because he could tell what was on the agenda and he had behaviors accordingly. But, alas, I digress ... again ... just such fun remembering. Thanks Dianne. Love it when you comment.
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