Pre-trip Planning
Acquire trail map(s), and talk to other riders that know the area
Select trail appropriate for the expectations of your group
Select trail difficulty and length that is safest for the least experienced horse and rider
Select trails that avoid high mountain areas during afternoon lightning storm seasons
Contact trail owner or manager for current trail conditions and any restrictions
If you are hiring/leasing horses or guides, check references and reputations
Precondition both yourself and your stock for the challenges of the trip
For SAFETY SAKE, check condition of your vehicle, hitch, lights, brakes and trailer
Let a responsible person know your trip plans, i.e. places and dates
Preparing Stock
Select an animal that has good withers, legs, feet and attitude for the trail environment
Schedule instruction from an experienced trail-riding instructor, if necessary
Condition your stock for water crossings, trail hazards, trip length and altitude
Be able to catch your horse quickly or have it corralled the night before your trip
Practice trailer loading and unloading before the trip to the trailhead
Check with your veterinarian and ferrier for animal health and shoeing needs
Make sure you carry all certificates of heath, Coggins testing and brand inspections
Identify stock pecking orders and personality traits that others should know about
Precondition stock to ropes, dogs, llamas, mountain bikes, motors, wildlife and etc.
Train stock (and yourself) to mount from either side when in steep country
Train stock to handle fly wipes and spray bottles
Train stock to eat from a nosebag
Saddles and Tack
Use a saddle that fits both you and the horse. Label tack with horse/and or rider’s ID.
Saddle should be clean, well oiled, and free of protruding nails and wear.
Adjust stirrup length to allow three fingers under seat when standing in saddle
Select a sturdy bridle with brow band and cheek strap to avoid being pulled off
Select bit appropriate for the horse’s level of training and comfort
Use split reins to avoid both horse and rider hanging-up branches, arms and legs
A double-rigged saddle should be cinched in the ¾ position to avoid chaffing
Assure the rear cinch is attached to the front cinch and touching horses stomach
Saddle should be rigged with breast collar attached to “D” rings for mountain riding
Consider adding a crupper or britchin for a horse with poor withers or round body
Pads should be of a style and thickness to fit the saddle and protect the horses back
Use a flat nylon strap halter and at least a 10 ft. lead rope
Saddle Equipment and Accessories
Saddlebags should be as small as possible, balanced and not overfilled
Saddle strings, 3 ft. long, should be available to secure a coat and/or rain gear
Equine first aid kit
Horseshoe and nails or replacement boot
Hoof pick, brushes, curry comb and leather punch
Repair kit with extra leather thongs, Chicago screws, etc.
Water, bucket, sponge, sweat scraper
Personal Gear
Western hat or safety helmet
Riding boots with smooth soles
Safety strap or “stampede string” for hat
Day jacket or vest
Leather riding gloves and gloves for the weather
Rain slicker, rain cover for hat
Chaps or chinks (optional)
Long sleeve shirt
Handkerchief or scarf (silk)
Trousers, denim
Spurs (optional)
Multipurpose knife
Flashlight
Dark glasses
Sun lotion
Lip balm
First aid kit
Insect repellent
Canteen
Toilet paper
Used with permission from
Steve Deitemeyer, CF, Wildland Resources
3724 Union Court
Wheat Ridge CO 303-456-0799
Back Country Horsemen of America
PO Box 1367
Graham WA 98338-1367
1-888-893-5161
FAX 360-832-2471
Acquire trail map(s), and talk to other riders that know the area
Select trail appropriate for the expectations of your group
Select trail difficulty and length that is safest for the least experienced horse and rider
Select trails that avoid high mountain areas during afternoon lightning storm seasons
Contact trail owner or manager for current trail conditions and any restrictions
If you are hiring/leasing horses or guides, check references and reputations
Precondition both yourself and your stock for the challenges of the trip
For SAFETY SAKE, check condition of your vehicle, hitch, lights, brakes and trailer
Let a responsible person know your trip plans, i.e. places and dates
Preparing Stock
Select an animal that has good withers, legs, feet and attitude for the trail environment
Schedule instruction from an experienced trail-riding instructor, if necessary
Condition your stock for water crossings, trail hazards, trip length and altitude
Be able to catch your horse quickly or have it corralled the night before your trip
Practice trailer loading and unloading before the trip to the trailhead
Check with your veterinarian and ferrier for animal health and shoeing needs
Make sure you carry all certificates of heath, Coggins testing and brand inspections
Identify stock pecking orders and personality traits that others should know about
Precondition stock to ropes, dogs, llamas, mountain bikes, motors, wildlife and etc.
Train stock (and yourself) to mount from either side when in steep country
Train stock to handle fly wipes and spray bottles
Train stock to eat from a nosebag
Saddles and Tack
Use a saddle that fits both you and the horse. Label tack with horse/and or rider’s ID.
Saddle should be clean, well oiled, and free of protruding nails and wear.
Adjust stirrup length to allow three fingers under seat when standing in saddle
Select a sturdy bridle with brow band and cheek strap to avoid being pulled off
Select bit appropriate for the horse’s level of training and comfort
Use split reins to avoid both horse and rider hanging-up branches, arms and legs
A double-rigged saddle should be cinched in the ¾ position to avoid chaffing
Assure the rear cinch is attached to the front cinch and touching horses stomach
Saddle should be rigged with breast collar attached to “D” rings for mountain riding
Consider adding a crupper or britchin for a horse with poor withers or round body
Pads should be of a style and thickness to fit the saddle and protect the horses back
Use a flat nylon strap halter and at least a 10 ft. lead rope
Saddle Equipment and Accessories
Saddlebags should be as small as possible, balanced and not overfilled
Saddle strings, 3 ft. long, should be available to secure a coat and/or rain gear
Equine first aid kit
Horseshoe and nails or replacement boot
Hoof pick, brushes, curry comb and leather punch
Repair kit with extra leather thongs, Chicago screws, etc.
Water, bucket, sponge, sweat scraper
Personal Gear
Western hat or safety helmet
Riding boots with smooth soles
Safety strap or “stampede string” for hat
Day jacket or vest
Leather riding gloves and gloves for the weather
Rain slicker, rain cover for hat
Chaps or chinks (optional)
Long sleeve shirt
Handkerchief or scarf (silk)
Trousers, denim
Spurs (optional)
Multipurpose knife
Flashlight
Dark glasses
Sun lotion
Lip balm
First aid kit
Insect repellent
Canteen
Toilet paper
Used with permission from
Steve Deitemeyer, CF, Wildland Resources
3724 Union Court
Wheat Ridge CO 303-456-0799
Back Country Horsemen of America
PO Box 1367
Graham WA 98338-1367
1-888-893-5161
FAX 360-832-2471
© 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 Back country Horsemen of America Inc.
