Horseback List

[coyote13]

I'm going on my first pack-in trip Idaho#17 last week of Sept.
Looking for some input on what kind of gear to take in I sort of have an idea but being limited to 75lbs and my first horseback trip I thought I'd ask someone with more experence.

Thanks in advance Jon

 

[alwayzbhuntin]

Plan your trip in detail. Forest rangers are an excellent source of information and you can get maps from them for a couple of bucks. Trails Illustrated puts out great maps and they are kept fairly current. Let people know (including the rangers) where you are going and when you expect to be there. I had a near death experience near Wolf Creek Pass in 1998 and only because we were overdue at our check point was I able to get out and to the hospital.
Beginners at packing should start with panniers instead of manties. Manties require knowledge of tying knots and manties are more difficult to load on the pack saddle. Having pack gear come loose on narrow trails in steep terrain can be very dangerous to beginners.
Take Medical kits for you and your pack animals. It is very easy to get an infection from small cuts and punctures. Antibiotics come in handy in the Wilderness when your small cut or puncture becomes infected. Penicillin for horses/mules can be purchased at any good tack/hardware store along with the syringes. I also take colic medicine.
Pack Scales are a necessity in balancing the load/pannier on each side of the pack animal. If a load is 3-5 pounds heavy on one side it will eventually cause the pack saddle to slip to one side causing a wreck. Pack scales have a tab that automatically marks exact weight. When weighing, don't jerk up on the scales but gradually raise the pannier/manty off the ground to insure an accurate weight. Weigh the pannier/manty twice to insure accuracy.
Triple Saddle Bags are recommended if you are short on pack animals. I suggest you purchase very large triple saddle bags for your riding horses to prevent overloading pack animals or leaving required items at home. You can fill these triple saddle bags with lightweight items. Ensure that you don't put hard items on the side of the saddle bag that touches the horse. These hard objects will bounce up and down on the trail and cause pain and possible injury to your horse.
The general rule is 20% of the horse?s weight including the pack saddle. It is more difficult for a pack horse to carry dead weight than a rider who helps balance the load and leans forward or back in the saddle.
Get a large ripstop fly and put everything you intend to take with you on top of it. Separate out into a couple of piles what will be on your pack animal and what will go with you on your animal. Now figure out what you need to take versus what you HAVE to take.
Each person's necessary list is different, so there really is no set "list" of stuff. Just play it smart with what you need to take with you.
Are you going solo or are there others? How many animals are you taking???
All of these factor in many things, and I hope some of this helps out, but if you need more info, I will be glad to help you out.

 

[Bambistew]

Is this a DIY hunt or is it outfitted and they provide tent/camping gear?

How many pack horses? How many guys? How long? There are a lot of questions that need to be answered.

I'm assuming that its outfitted since you're limited to 75#. You only bring your gear which would include sleeping bag, cloths and hunting stuff is this correct? If so I can't imagine that you'll have 75# of crap, unless you think you need 2 pairs of boots, 4 changes of cloths, a -40 sleeping bag, and every gadget you can think of... We pack in camp for 2-4 guys, the entire camp including 12x14 wall tent stove and all the necessary camping gear takes up one horse, food and some hunting/personal gear will be a second horse and depending on how many guys the third horse will typically just by personal stuff.

Take only the things you 'need' and leave the luxory things at home. Pretty much what I take on a back packing trip is what goes with me on a horse trip.

Good luck and have fun planning.

 

[1332tfh]

LAST EDITED ON Jun-08-06 AT 02:18PM (MST)[p]Here is a brief list we use to make sure we havent forgot something. I can post the camp and hunting gear lists also if you are interested.

HORSE AND DOG EQUIPMENT
saddles
bridles (1 extra)
halters (1 extra)
hobbles
curry comb
brush
lead ropes
High line, prusics biners
dog food
tree straps
rope
picket stakes
bells and belts
Oats
pellets
saw
saddle bags
hoof pick
bug dope
feed bags
1st aid kit(scarlet oil furox tape pads vet wrap )
scarlet oil
furox
tape
pads
vet wrap
antibiotic and syringes
betadine
duct tape
rompun (tranquilizer)
first aid book for horses( copy pages)
moleskin
banamine




scales
water buckets
dog leash
pack saddle
raft straps
spurs
face masks
tie down

 

[triggerhappy]

If you do not ride regular start going to a stable and spend sometime in the saddle or you will pay.

Also, go to a tack store and buy a saddle pad and have the clerk help you. Some may laugh at you but if your not used to riding for long periods it will help your hunt by saving your butt.

 

[Gator]

Just thought you mught want to get the best Cold Weather underwear thats Underamour Wear afew items in that don't count on your limit, GOOD Boots The BEST SOCKS you can buy. Is just a couple of things to add to your list.

 

[coyote13]

Thanks for the info so far guys,when I get my list together I'll post it for everyones input. I guess Ishould have been more specific about my hunt I'm going guided on horses into the northern end of #17 in ID. Thanks again and sorry to those who took all the time with info on gear and packing

 

[Lien2]

Like triggeerhappy said, find someone, somewhere, to ride a lot before your trip. If you are not used to riding, your @ss, inner thighs, and inside of your knees will be raw after about 5 miles depending on the terrain.

Good luck!

Lien2

 

[buffalo]

One thing I always tell people that don't ride much is when your legs start to hurt, get off and walk right then. If you wait you will just hurt a lot more. You only have to walk 50 to 100 yards. As someone else said, get a wool saddle pad to sit on. You might get laughed at but you won't be near as sore. You don't go to a ball game or Nascar race and sit on a hard bench with out a pad with out hurting and the same goes with saddles. But a little bit of walking helps a lot.

 

[1332tfh]

one little tip worth noting.....wear a pair of long underwear when you ride, it is amazing the difference it will make in your backside at the end of the trip. (the slicker the material the better.)

 

[coyote13home]

Thanks for the info guys.Does anyone use RiversWest stuff I'm thinking about getting the new LAW stuff with the vents my outfitter says raingear is a important as my gun because at that time of year if its not raining or snowing the dew is very heavy all of his references that are repeat customers said that they wore rain pants everyday

 

[2_Point]

Call me one of those guys who will laugh at you if you try to put on a "Pad". hahahaha Cowboy up as they say.

Go out and buy a cheap used saddle and make a stand. Then sit in the SOB while you watch an hour long hunting show. It will help you get accustomed to a short ride. Then you can sell it after you are done. And the slick thermals are good advice to stop chaffing because of your loose hunting pants. (and the cowboys won't laugh at your "pad". ahahahhaha) (Wranglers are tight because they stop chaffing of your legs while riding)

Here is a list for you-
- Gun
- 2 boxes of bullets (one always stays at camp)
- hat
- ear band
- 2 pairs of pants (plus the one you wear)
- 1.5 pairs of socks for each day
- 1 pair of underwear for each day +1
- 2 pairs of thermals (including the slicks to ride into camp)
- Rain coat and rain pants (packable like the ones at SportsWarehouse $25 ea)
- gloves
- light wieght hiking shoes (I hunt WY in late sept and love the light boots if the weather is decent which it usually is)
- 1 longsleve shirt for every 2 days
- 1 short sleeve for every 3 days
- Light weight jacket
- sweat shirt
- fleece jacket
- knife (you HAVE to help gut/cape or they will think you need a "Pad" hahahhahaha)
- flashlite
- emergency kit (matches, small first aid kit- everything in a 3"x5"x3")
- TYLENOL PMs
- Camera (one you don't mind loosing)
- a $20, $50, and 3 $100 bills. (allows you tip accordingly or not at all)
- Always sleep in the same clothes until the last day and use those to leave in.
- a packet of tissues
- a belt (they can be handy)
- A change of clothes at the car.
- If they don't provide it- light wieght-20 sleeping bag, small pillow (not known as a pad), Toilet paper.

I am sure I left off something, but that gives you an idea. I have guided a few hunters and I can tell you to go the extra mile. Don't wait for them to do everything. Help out, work hard and they should help you even more. The guide the outfitts the area I hunt in WY never leaves camp before light and is always back to camp before dark. I would demand more if I was in his camp. Most of all, get in shape. It would be better to out hike you guide rather than not make the next ridge where the elk are.

OK, if you are over 50 then you might get away with the "Pad", but that is up to you. hahahahhaha

That info is worth what you are paying for it.

 

[alwayzbhuntin]

All great advice from these guys, and if you do anything, do as some have said and get used to riding and sitting in that saddle before you go..2point has a great idea of buying a cheap one and sitting in it at home. Also get around as much stock as you can between now and then and learn the basics...and do skip the pad....just a suggestion..unless you are over 50 like 2point said...but learn how to do basic stuff and help out like mentioned, don't be afraid to ask questions either, the more you help them, the more they will want to help you...

 

[ELKabong]

Ditto on all the sage advise... butt I see one thing has bin left out...
Keep half an eye-ball on ole' Gentle Ben, or Plodder, or... whichever nag they put ya on at all times, so's ya don't end up a sufferer of BFET.






(blunt-force equine tramma) ;<}

 

[coyote13home]

Thanks for the advice guys. I really like the saddle and slick underwear ideas. I think I'll pass on the pad idea because although it would help I think the abuse would be worse than the pain. I've been taking riding lessons 1hr 2x a week, I'm power walking 4.5mph for 1hr 2x a day 5 days a week on a treadmill @ 15% incline(cant run due to old shin injury)also using a steper for 1hr a day 5 days a week. Also I've been on other guided hunts and it defenitatly is appreciated when you help out when ever you can as long you are not in the way .Thanks again for the info , keep it coming as it is truely appreciated and helpfull

PS Does anyone have any ideas on how to build a stand for the saddle idea I was thinking maybe a couple of saw horses would work?

 

[Califelkslayer]

If you're riding 2 hours a week, I think thats all you are gonna need. I usually ride about 1.5 hours a night, 4 days a week getting my horses in shape each year with a couple of 5-6 hour rides just before the season. I do know that one of my horses has a harsh trot and if I hadn't ridden him for a while and rode him for a long time I would get sore. I'm 46 and this does it for me.

Getting a little sore for the rest of the day isn't that big a deal, getting stoveup is what you're trying to avoid. Your cardio workout will help you also since you are using most of the same muscles. Good Luck!

 

[eelgrass]

I went on my first horseback hunt last fall. I'm over 50 and didn't have a saddle pad. The only thing that got sore was the insides of my knees. I'm pretty short legged though. Be sure you adjust the sturip(sp) length. This is very important! You need to be able to take the weight off your butt when going over rough ground, or if your horse starts trotting or running!

Like Gator mentioned, UnderArmour!! At least get the bottoms. They fit snug and are slick to prevent rubbing. Plus they're comfortable and warm.

I bought a pair of insulated bib coveralls, waterproof. Priceless! Great for early morning riding and you can shed them when it warms up.

A good flashlight! You'll be up before daylight and still up after dark, rumaging around camp. Extra batteries. Cold weather eats batteries.

Also, as mentioned, try to help out around camp. Horses are a lot of work! Pay attention the first day or two and you'll be able to figure out what you can do to help. The guide probably doesn't expect you to do much, but if everybody works together as a team it makes for a lot more enjoyable hunt!

Have a good time and a great hunt!

Steve

 

[Califelkslayer]

good head lamp is more important than a flashlight. Both hands are free. One chore I wouldn't help with is saddling the horses. You can carry tack (saddles, blankets, briddle, etc)to where they are being saddled but DON'T help. 2 years ago my partner kept wanting to help to speed things up and I would check things out before we mounted. Looking things over in the dark the last morning I missed a twisted cinch. He complained the horse was acting weird and skittish. The leather had worn a hole through the hide on his ribs. Some things just aren't worth rushing.

 

[2_Point]

Cali- Very good point. Don't ever do anything with the stock unless they tell you to do it. Nothing. And good point on the head lamp.

One other thing to take:
-Your TAG. Don't forget that and it will only use up about 1oz.

 

[BlastNCast]

I personally think if your riding 2x a week you should be fine. I am not a big fan of sitting on a saddle in your living room. I don't think it will help much but please post pics I am dying to see your setup. But if your hard up to try it you can find portable folding saddle racks for $20. Here is the website to give you an idea of what they look like. http://www.doversaddlery.com/produc...ALOG_CODE=1X844&EID=X1844001&bhcd2=1150100003
Most of your Tack stores will have something similar.
Also "its not practice that makes perfect but perfect practice that makes perfect". What I mean is don't just get use to the saddle, people who get really sore put all their weight on their knees, you need to learn to squeeze with your thighs in the saddle. That is key to not getting really sore. There are also lifts you cando in the weightroom to strengthen these areas. Just some Ideas....

 

[YukonDall]

GOOD ADVICE, I HELPED MY GUIDE DO EVERYTHING IN THE YUKON, IT REALLY HELPED... AS HE BUSTED HIS BUTT FOR ME. YD.

 

[coyote13home]

Thanks guys, The place where I'm doing my riding also said dont help with saddling unles asked to because would each horses needs, they also suggested a big 30'' to 36'' rubber ball to practice on because you have use your thighs to hold on with.
I will post my list later to let you guy give me more advice.
Thanks again and keep it coming

 

[eelgrass]

Califelkslayer.....a headlamp would be much better than a flashlight. Hands free! I stand corrected!

My outfitter didn't want help with the horses. He even fed them himself. I did help fill the nose bags, split kindling, packed water, and did dishes (don't tell my wife!) I also told my share of the lies around the campfire (very important)

Steve

 

[buffalo]

You might ask your outfitter about rifle scabbards. What kind he has, and if your scope is 50mm his might not fit your rifle. If he uses cordura scabbards I would buy your own good leather one. If you have back packing type gear you can easy get buy with less that 50lbs. I pack in on horse back a lot with 30 lbs of gear for a 3 day trip and that includes a tent.

 

[duckslayer]

One quick bit of advice any time you get off your horse take your rifle out of the scabbard and carry it. I can't tell you how many first timers make this mistake and wonder why their Rifle isn't shooting straight. Horses like to rub on anything including your rifle.