“Although horses aren’t necessarily averse to water, many have qualms about stepping in it. On the trail a stream crossing can present a challenge because it’s hard for a horse to determine the depth of the water. It can appear as if they are about to step into an endless dark hole.
MY APPY HAS NEVER BEEN A FAN OF WATER, and creek crossings aren’t really his “style.” One day I asked him to walk down a small bank and cross a creek. Halfway down, he stops, turns, and runs up the
bank...SIDEWAYS! What should I have done?
—Very Truly, Wet Many horses have qualms about stepping in
water. Unfortunately trails from the front country to the backcountry feature water in every form, from tiny puddles to rushing creeks, and large rivers that cross the trail. T e diff erence between staying dry or get ing a dunking can be slight. What would you do if faced with an unruly horse and water ahead?
1. Follow the river to the nearest bridge and cross there.
2. Use your crop to “persuade” your mount to cross.
3. Wait till the river dries and cross then. 4. Turn around and try again another day.
T e word “desert” notwithstanding, Oregon is
home to lots of water bodies that these backcoun- try horsemen have to contend with. Compare your responses to how these experienced Back Country Horsemen answered.
1. Follow the river to the nearest bridge and cross there. For some of us this may be a valid option. For others you could be in for a very long detour.
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