Robert Eversole

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 outdoor groups across the nation. For North America’s largest horse trail and camping directory, trail tips, and more, visit www.TrailMeister.com.

The Essential Halter – The Big Three: Flat, Round, and Special Purpose

January 15, 2021January 1, 2021 by Robert Eversole

Photos by Robert Eversole

[sayit]If you have a horse or a mule, you own a halter. It may be plain, fancy, or have special uses, but you have one (or several) of these pieces of tack laying around. Let’s take a peek at some of the different types of halters and discuss how and …

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Tips for Backcountry Horse Camping – It Pays to Be Prepared When Exploring New Areas

December 1, 2020 by Robert Eversole

“Hand grazing is relaxing for everyone.” Photo by Robert Eversole

Riding and camping in the backcountry are the ultimate ways to experience the wilderness. Knowing what to expect in the backcountry helps you decide what to bring. Good preparation helps if your plans unexpectedly change. After all, you can’t jump in your car to solve a rainy-day tent failure or …

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Bear Canisters: Everything You Need to Know – Prevent Potential Harm — to Yourself and to Bears

November 2, 2020November 1, 2020 by Robert Eversole

Photo by Robert Eversole

I think we can all agree keeping bears out of our camps is a good idea. But what about using bear canisters? What are the best practices? When it comes to horse camping, there’s no shortage of preferences. You can argue backcountry versus campground, the best season to camp, or the …

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Water Crossing Training – Prepare with Planning, Patience, and Practice

October 1, 2020 by Robert Eversole

Photos from Robert Eversole

Dihydrogen monoxide is colorless, odorless, tasteless, and kills uncounted thousands every year. My mule Cocoa knows this and has consistently refused to get anywhere near the stuff. Unfortunately, her job description requires her to frequently cross bodies of the substance. Dihydrogen (H2) monoxide (O) is of course water, and water …

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Bork Saddlery Hardware – Ancient Technique and Years of Labor Perfecting Metal Saddle Parts

September 1, 2020September 1, 2020 by Robert Eversole

“It gives you a good feeling,” says Herb Bork when describing seeing his creations in use. Photo by Robert Eversole

Mountains of bronze dust stand as testament to years spent crafting saddle hardware. A mound of black sand silently waits to help form yet more bits and bobs that will go into untold saddles across the world. Herb Bork has been melting and casting bronze for well over 40 years …

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In Praise of Ponying – An Essential Skill for Every Trail Rider and Trail Horse

August 5, 2020August 4, 2020 by Robert Eversole

Photo by Robert Eversole

Are you able to lead another horse from your horse? Is your equine able to be led by another horse? These are skills you and your horse should be able to do. Ponying is not just a talent for packers but an essential skill for every trail rider. Put simply, …

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The Most Important Item in Every Living Quarters Horse Trailer – Beware of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

August 5, 2020June 30, 2020 by Robert Eversole

Photo by Robert Eversole

Fabulous weather is here, and camping, rodeos, and fairs are on the agenda. All of these activities come with their share of challenges. One often-overlooked hazard associated with camping in a horse trailer or camper is carbon monoxide poisoning. A few years ago, I built and outfitted my own do-it-yourself …

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The Misunderstood Mule – Four Common Myths About Mules

August 5, 2020June 4, 2020 by Robert Eversole

Photo by Robert Eversole

A few years ago, I had the opportunity to camp and ride with two of the most enthusiastic mule ambassadors I’ve ever met — Joe and Jenny from the North Idaho Saddle Mule Club. We rode and camped throughout central Oregon for two weeks, stopping at four different equine camps …

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The Essential Knife – Every Horseman Needs Fast Access to this Common Tool

December 8, 2020June 3, 2020 by Robert Eversole

Photo by Robert Eversole

I’m a big believer in every horseman having a sharp, easily accessible knife on them when they’re around stock. The knife is not just to cut baling twine, slice bacon, or whittle with when you’re bored. It can save lives—maybe yours. Knives are one of the ten essentials every rider …

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A Guide to Responsible Trail Use

August 5, 2020April 30, 2020 by Robert Eversole

If you’re new to trail riding, it’s easy to think it’s just a hillier extension of the arena. Not quite. Trail riding offers an escape to beautiful, wild places — but also brings with it a responsibility to keep those places pristine and to respect the experiences of other visitors. Here …

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Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

Thank you for supporting the businesses that support The Northwest Horse Source

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