Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've recently discovered I'm going camping sometime in mid - late December. (This is all assuming the weather is good!) I was wondering if anyone thinks it's a bad idea to bring a horse or two. There are fantastic trails out there, but no boarding facilities or anything. There would be a cabin for the people but they didn't make them big enough to bring my horses in! And the beds aren't big enough either! Can you believe it?
Well anyway, what should I do? I know plenty of people take their horses camping, but what do you do with them? Tie them? Or if the option is available, stick them in the trailer overnight? What's the best approach? The trip would only be for 2 or 3 days (1 or 2 nights).
So what do you need for camping trips like this? I know of course the grain... but should I bring a feed bag or a bucket? What should I do for water? How much rope should they have when tied? Should I bring blankets? What do I do in case it suddenly, unpredictably starts raining or snowing?
I wish they just made cabins big enough for horseys... and horse sized beds would be cool. Heehee.
Thanks much!

There are alot of variables to your situation. I am assuming you can drive to the cabins? If so, be sure to bring buckets. Make sure you have a good supply of water nearby. Dehydration in winter can be deadly. Horses aren't as inclined to drink as much because of the cold, so water should be a priority. If it isn't water they normaly drink, they may not drink it. Also, when I go winter camping with my horses and mules, I make sure to have good fiberous hay available, such as grass. This can help them stay warm. Also, make sure you don't sweat them, or if you do, that they dry thouroughly to prevent being chilled. Bring blankets for them if the weather is iffy.
As for containing your horses overnight, there are several options. If I can, I tie panels to the sides of my trailer and set up pens when I get there. Another option is a portable electric fencer and fiberglass posts. (make sure your horses know and respect an electric fence first!) The method I always use if panels are not an option is a high-line. This is only for animals who tie well and are not inclined to be playful on the lead.
Pick two stout trees a distance apart and tie a strong rope between them, above the horses heads is better, but you can tie lower if the animals tie well. If you put a climbers clip(cant remember the name of them now...) on the rope, then tie the lead to the clip just long enough for their nose to reach the ground in the middle, they can have alittle more room to move. Make sure to put a block near the trees on the rope so the horse cannot wrap itself around it. I will attatch a picture I have already posted which has my mule tied on a high-line. You can't see it all that well, but good enough I hope.
Also, any time you leave home with your horses, have a thorough first-aid kit available. Make sure banamine is in it, that is a miracle drug sometimes. Also, a calming agent, like becalm, or ace is a must too, in certain situations, you might need it.
Last but not least, have a back up plan. Always give yourself another option if things don't go as planned.
Oh, one more thing, attatch an ID to your horses halters, or braid a tag in their mane. Can't tell you how many horses that might save if they get lost.
whew, out of breath now!
Sammi Jo

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Downtime Training
Sammi Jo Stohler
Training all equines of all ages!
visit www.equidreams.info for more information!