CAMPING WITH YOUR HORSE How to make sure your camping trip goes smoothly... Traveling by horseback has become increasingly popular over the recent years. So if you can find the time in your busy schedules to escape into nature, make sure that you and your horse have everything you need for a safe, comfortable and relaxing trip. Here are some top tips for anyone looking to take their horse on a camping adventure. Know your horse’s limit Weight limit, that is! Carrying the live weight of a rider is incredibly different than carrying dead weight of your belongings. To ensure your horse isn’t carrying more than he should, it’s important to know the ratio of weight he can carry. Your saddle, yourself, and your gear should be limited to 250 pounds per horse, but if you’re looking at strictly dead weight, your horse should only be packed with 175 pounds at the most. Ensure your horse is comfortable Mentally! Is your horse an old pro when it comes to trails and packing, or is this your first attempt? 10
It’s important to know what your horse is comfortable with before throwing them into this extreme situation. Before embarking on a camping adventure away from home, consider doing a trial run at a trail near your barn.
you’re camping, but some items to include are: Sleeping bags Tent Pots, pans, and utensils Rain gear
This is also a good opportunity to determine if you’ve missed anything on your list to bring during the real thing. If your horse passes this test, it still wouldn’t hurt to go on your camping adventure with a seasoned horse who has camped before for your safety and the safety of your horse as well.
Hay/Feed Fly spray Canteens First aid kids for horses and humans Fire starter Knife
Get the balance right
Mobile phone in case of emergencies
Utilise a scale to accurately weigh and balance packs both at the start of your trip and during your trip as items from your pack are used and weight is shifted.
Torch
It’s important to be aware of the distribution of items on your horses back, and if you’re set on packing heaving, it’s worth looking into a secondary horse to divide up the weight.
Duct tape
Wondering what to pack? Your list will of course depend on the weather and the location in which
VOLUME 6 | ISSUE 7 2020
Rope Brushes and hoof pick Extra halter and lead rope Toilet paper Food with minimal waste Remember, anything you bring with you, you’ll be bringing back out with you, so bringing food with minimal waste (or at least waste that won’t be too heavy or take up too much space in your pack), is important.
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