How to Train Pack Horses

Pack horses are very useful, but a correctly trained pack horse is hard to find. Horses trained for packing are generally used only for packing, but you can train almost any horse to be a pack animal.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Make sure the horse you are training is accustomed to wearing a halter and saddle. Starting with a horse trained for riding is easier than starting with an untrained horse and takes much less time.
2. Find a pack saddle that fits your horse. Good saddle fit is essential to the health and training of the horse. A saddle that fits improperly can damage the horse's back and cause pain. This can make any horse uncomfortable and uncooperative.
3. Add weight to the pack saddle a little at a time. Walk the horse around while he is carrying the weight so he knows what it feels like to move under the weight. Packing more than 170 lbs. is not recommended for any horse.
4. Desensitize your horse to things that make noise or flop around. Hang things like pots and pans, ropes, clothing and other camping gear from the pack saddle. Allow the horse to walk and trot around so he can hear and feel things banging on the pack saddle. This helps the horse get used to the sounds and feel of a full pack.
5. Teach your horse to stand tied for long periods of time. When packing on a camping trip, your horse must stand all night safely and quietly. Prepare him for this by training him with hobbles. Use leather hobbles on his front legs in an enclosed area to let him get used to them. He may still be able to walk but is limited to how fast he can go. Also teach him to stand tied to a line or tree by tying him up for long periods of time.
6. Lead your pack horse while riding a different horse. Let him get used to traveling closely with different horses. Some horses enjoy following others, but some would rather take the lead. A pack horse must learn to stay behind and close to the horse you are riding.