One of the things I found most intimidating when I first decided to become more self-reliant in backcountry riding and packing was navigation.
How to plan, safely get to where I want to go, explore, find my way back and have a way to call for help if needed.
The majority of miles Tay Martin and I put in during our July pack trip was off the beaten path. We adventured safely thanks to GPS.
Over the past couple of years I’ve asked all my backcountry loving friends – some several times, I have patient friends – what apps and devices they used, liked and suggested. I researched, downloaded and familiarized myself with different apps, even biting the bullet and paying for a subscription.
I also finally decided on a handheld device with two-way satellite communication because I’ve seen it save a life. It was a bovine life but all the same, that longhorn cow and her owner were sure glad the grouchy lady didn’t die in the pothole she’d slid into.
And yes, we did manage to do that trip with the entire Wild Horse Outreach & Advocacy Ambassador Mustang herd and both of the Shepherds. It was a whole lot of work, fun, excitement (mostly the good kind) and oh so worth it.
All of these photos exist thanks to various apps and devices that got 2 humans, 4 horses and 2 dogs into the backcountry and back to civilization safely. Living and exploring in the wilderness with a herd of Mustangs for a few days was a wonderful experience.
The horses are hobble trained, although for the most part the young horses followed and grazed loose on our rides. Echo was the designated pack horse for this trip. Since we packed in and set up camp the first day and did day rides from there, she was mostly free to wander and graze.
Many thanks to Phoebe Chambers who encouraged me years ago to “identify your followers” and turn them loose when traveling with multiple horses.
Observing their individual personalities and preferences and practicing in a safe setting allowed us to give Griffin (Devil’s Garden/Modoc National Forest) and Echo (Twin Peaks) the opportunity to be loose during the day while we rode or hobbled Lacy (Divide Basin) and Tiny (Salt Wells).
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