u
PRE-TRIP PLANNING Part of your riding safety routine
should include preparing a Trip Plan before you leave. The trip plan contains all pertinent details of your ride: the time/date of depar- ture and expected return, the specifi c route you’ll be taking, emergency contact informa- tion and a list of exactly who will be going with you. This trip plan should be left with a friend or relative at home or in your vehicle. ß Acquire trail map(s), and talk to other riders that know the area ß Select a trail appropriate for the expec- tations of your group ß Select trail diffi culty and length that is safest for the least experienced horse and rider ß Select trails that avoid high mountain areas during afternoon lightning storm seasons ß Contact the trail owner or manager for current trail conditions and any restric- tions ß If you are hiring/leasing horses or guides, check references and reputa- tions ß Precondition both yourself and your horse for the challenges of the trip ß Check the condition of your vehicle, hitch, lights, brakes and trailer ß Let a responsible person know your trip plans, i.e. places and dates
v
PREPARE YOUR HORSE AND RIDING GEAR BEFORE LEAVING
ß Schedule instruction from an experienced trail-riding instructor, if necessary
ß Condition your horse for water crossings, trail hazards, trip length and altitude
ß Practice trailer loading and unloading before the trip to the trailhead ß Check with your veterinarian and farrier for health and shoeing needs ß Make sure you carry all required certifi cates of health, Coggins testing and brand inspections
ß Identify equine pecking orders and personality traits that others should know about
ß Precondition your horse to ropes, dogs, llamas, mountain bikes, mo- tors, wildlife, etc.
ß Train your horse (and yourself) to mount from either side when in steep country
ß Train your horse to handle fl y wipes and spray bottles ß Train your horse to eat from a nosebag ß Use a saddle that fi ts both you and the horse ß Label tack with horse/and or rider’s ID ß Saddle should be clean, and free of protruding nails or extreme wear ß Select a sturdy bridle with browband and cheekstrap to avoid being pulled off
ß Select bit or other device appropriate for the horse’s level of training and comfort
ß Use split reins to avoid horse and rider hanging up in tree branches ß Rig saddle with a breast collar attached to “D” rings for mountain rid- ing
ß Consider adding a crupper or britching for a horse with poor withers or a round body
ß Pads should be clean, in good condition and of a style and thickness to fi t the saddle and protect the horse’s back
ß Use a fl at nylon strap halter or a combination halter/bridle and at least a 10-foot lead rope
w
FOOD AND WATER FOR YOU AND YOUR HORSE
It is important to bring the right kind of food and
water so that you can keep your energy levels up and remain well hydrated. Staying hydrated is key to a safe and pleasant riding experience (see sidebar). Never pass up an opportunity to refi ll empty bottles or your canteen with potable water, particularly in the summer. Staying hydrated will not only keep you cool but will keep your body performing at peak power and effi ciency. If you are unable to carry enough water for yourself, be sure to bring along a way to fi lter water for yourself. Dehydration exacerbates symptoms of altitude
sickness and diminishes appetite further, so if you feel the start of a headache, try warding it off
with a carb-loaded beverage like a sports drink. Your horse will be able to drink from natural water
sources and will greatly enjoy being able to graze on grass and fl ora. Do not let your horse graze on something if you don’t know what it is. You may also wish to pack in
some additional feed for your horse in the form of hay cubes or grain. Be sure to check regulations regarding the use of certifi ed weed-free feed for your horse. As far as food goes for you, eat whatever tastes the best
and will be something you will want to eat regularly. Experts recommend eating high-carb foods, which are helpful in replac- ing depleted muscle glycogen stores, preventing protein from being catabolized or burned as energy, and they require less oxygen for metabolism.
Some suggestions:
ß Breakfasts: granola or energy bars, Pop tarts, oatmeal, bagels, hot sweet rice, couscous, Grapenuts, Raisin Bran, hot cocoa, tea and cider
ß Lunches: crackers (Wheat Thins, Ritz, Cheezits), cookies, bagels or rolls, jerky, sausages, cheese sticks, nuts, candy bars, dried fruits, fl avored juice drink mixes, fruit leather, fi g bars, hard candy, trail mix
ß Dinners: cocoa, cider, soups, hot Jello, and teas as the fi rst course; rice, pasta, vegetables; stuffi ng, or mashed potatoes; pudding or mousse for desserts
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