REGULAR FEATURE TRAIL SAVVY by Robert Eversole PHOTOS COURTESY OF ROBERT EVERSOLE Front Country Horse Camping G What to Know Before You Go ood horse camping is easy. Great horse camping requires a little more preparation. Let’s discuss how to get the most out of your adventures — from what to look for in a campground, safe trailering to camp, and even why love letters are an important part of every camping trip! Planning for a Horse Camping Adventure in the Front Country (or anywhere!) First, do your homework. What type of adventure are you up for? In any camping environment, all you need is food, water, and shelter for horses and humans. Three things. That’s it. How complicated you make fulfill-ing those needs is up to you. You can keep it simple by heading to a fully equipped resort or you can decide to rule the wilderness. There’s a world of difference between set-ting up camp at a guest ranch with reserved stalls and parking complete with water and electric hookups for your truck and trailer versus an outing that requires you to ride deep into a wilderness area with everything you need for survival on the back of your horse. Types of horse camps include: • Guest ranch, resort, or B&B – “glamp-ing” with all the bells and whistles • Established campgrounds – corrals are common, usually have restroom facilities, sometimes even shower houses such as at state parks, etc. • Primitive camp – dispersed camping USFS/BLM areas • Wilderness camping – packing in (we’ll visit that topic another time) The amount of preparation depends on the type of camp you plan on visiting. Guest ranches take care of everything from cor-rals to dining facilities. Dispersed camping in a national forest means you’ll need to be proficient with not only horse containment but with water, shelter, and everything else you’ll need. It’s best to start slow and work up to more involved adventures. With every trip, keep notes on what you forgot and what you brought but didn’t need. With each trip, you’ll become more organized and find out what little things helped you feel more comfortable in camp and on the trail. Using a printable checklist helps. After you’ve decided what type of adven-ture you want, now is the time to start ask-ing questions. • What amenities are available? (Corrals, restrooms, showers, water) • What is parking like? (Will my rig fit?) • How are the trails? (Miles, difficulty, type) • Are reservations required? (Where do I make them?) • Best times to visit? • What are the rules and restrictions for the area? (Coggins test, brand inspec-tion, health certificates, weed-free feed) If certified weed-free feed is required, ask for a list of where to buy it. • Are portable corrals allowed? • Are dogs allowed ? • Fire and bear restrictions? • Is it a multi-use area? Who will I meet on the trails and in camp? • Driving distance and quality of the roads? How long will it take to get there, and can my truck and trailer make it? Once you’ve settled on your destination, it’s time to start making sure that you and your horses are ready for the trip. It’s all good as long as nothing goes wrong. Are you preparing? Or you just surviving? www.nwhorsesource.com Robert Eversole, “the trail meister,” owns www.TrailMeister.com, the largest database of horse riding and camping areas in the U.S. with free trail and trailhead information, trail maps, and much more to help horse enthusiasts experience the joys of trail riding. Robert is a registered riding instructor with PATH International, a mounted search and rescue team member, and a U.S. Marine who has served on the board of the Backcountry Horsemen of Washington (BCHW). He is enjoying his new career helping fellow trail riders stay found and safe on the trail. When not on the trail, The Trail Meister resides near Spokane, WA and teaches land navigation to a wide variety of out-door groups across the nation. For North America’s largest horse trail and camping directory, trail tips, and more, visit www.TrailMeister.com . PHOTO: KATHY TUGWELL 14 May 2021 The Northwest Horse Source
The Northwest Horse Source NWHS 0521 Issue: Page 14
