I often park my animals without tying them. Asking them to stay in one place isn’t too much to ask, so it’s one of the first skills I train. Here’s how I teach my equines to “whoa” without being tied. Standing Still Whether it’s stepping away from your horse … Read More
2021 was quite a year! We had a few excellent rides with the mules, attended a very worthwhile clinic, and started on an epic pack trip, which ended with me heading to the ER in a helicopter. I spent July through November writing a book because I couldn’t walk, ride, … Read More
We talk to great lengths about how to provide emergency care for our horses and mules in case a ride becomes “eventful”. But we all too often neglect the human component of safety and first aid in trail riding and camping with horses. Our human bodies are just as prone … Read More
This is Blue. She’s one of the newest members of the TrailMeister herd. Over the years, horse and mule packing has developed to the point where it is a combination of art and science. Most packers take pride in their animals and in their ability to pack them in a … Read More
Trees happen, and they occasionally fall. It’s better to have a saw than have to turn around. Most often you can step over or ride around fallen limbs and downed trunks. Just as often it’s not safe to do so. When windfall blocks the trail not only is it sometimes … Read More
Outside an emergency room entrance, an unfamiliar town stretches ahead. I’m unsteady and wobbly on new crutches and wearing a hospital issued suit of sweatpants, a t-shirt, and a single anti-slip sock. A flimsy plastic bag held all my belongings, a vial of narcotics, and $150 in cash. No wallet, … Read More
Communicating with the folks back home while you’re camping seems like the last thing that you would want to do. After all, we’ve left technology behind to embrace the wilderness. There’s no better feeling than being off-grid, disconnected from the outside world. However, there are exceptions to this; you may … Read More
From cave paintings to ancient manuscripts to all the 21st century options, people have created and used maps as essential tools to explain and navigate their way through the world. With their longitudes, latitudes, and myriad lines crisscrossing miles of ground encompassing mountains, valleys, and more, maps have guided the … Read More
Before you head out on a riding or camping adventure you need to do your horse trailer’s yearly safety checks and service. If you aren’t mechanically savvy (or just not inclined to do the job yourself) a qualified professional can do all the work for you. Just make sure they … Read More
Good 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! … Read More
