Comments on: How to Camp With Your Horse

on 5/13/2007 Bounce Dryer Sheets: they work wonderfully at keeping the flys and bugs away if you stick one in your back pocket or tie it onto your saddle. Plus it leaves a nice scent for the riders behind you!

on 8/13/2006 Put a bell on your horse's halter. If they escape it is easier to find them, and you can also tell if there is a problem with their picket line or high line when the bell starts clattering. On the throat latch is the best location, there the bell won't ring as much when he goes to scratch put his head down. Also reflectors are a good idea both for late riding, traffic riding, and for having on the halter when camping.

on 11/22/2005 For two or three day (or longer) on-trail trips be sure to bring extra lead ropes, halters, (things break) and some basic horse first aid gear. Diapers, some antibiotics and some Vet Wrap will work wonders. Also, consider getting some really basic farrier training and tools if you're out often for long trips in rough terrain. Be prepared for camping too, it does your horse no good if you're not well enough to take care of them. Pack out salts and grain, and make sure your horse is getting all the necessary nutrients.

Bandannas, fishing wire, extra leather straps, and duct tape are all great things to have around. If your horse is used to trails, but still jumpy, consider carrying lavender oil. It's great for both people and horses, and has a very nice calming effect.
Dynamite's Relax has the same effect.
Keep a close eye on your horse; cuts and scraps are easy to get on rocky mountain trails. Watch for any strange changes in behavior, overheating, dehydration, getting too cold, colic; it's important to make sure your horse stays healthy. Never tie your horse up too long on a high line, they will get tangled; make sure they know how to stand on one too, not all horses can manage this, and if you have to tie them to a tree pick a live one at least half a foot in diameter. Your horse can and will knock smaller ones down. Watch for roots too, a horse can throw a shoe pawing at the ground.

Make sure and sleep where you can hear your horse, some of them are genius's in hiding and if you've never had them tied up for a long amount of time it's possible they will untie themselves to grab a snack. Be aware of them getting tangled in their ropes and caught on branches as well. Don't let your horse keep you up all night long pawing either, no reason for them to do this but impatience and annoyance, they need their rest as well. Make sure, especially if you're riding in an area with a warm climate, that you allow your horse to rest (preferably in the shade) if their nostrils start flaring, and watch for dehydration, let them drink at any streams you come to.

If you get caught out after dark you can either trust your horses night vision (which is usually pretty decent, but some horses are night blind) or tie a glow-stick to their breast collar. If you use a green glow stick (and green flashlight) it will preserve their night vision and you won't spook them. The main thing is to be aware of your horse and your surroundings. Common sense and experience will get you the rest of the way through if you know your horse (and it's care) well enough.

on 11/22/2005 Use quick release ties when line tying. The new adjustable stall ties work great. Stay away from the bungee type.

on 11/22/2005 This test is on each horse. You must carry a current up-to-date coggins at all times when traveling, and in some places when riding on the grounds.

on 11/22/2005 Before you go horse camping you need to make sure your horse is in shape for the type of trail riding you will be doing. Taking an out of shape horse will only get you a hurt or a sick horse.