Earlier this week I went on a somewhat unplanned solo 13.5mi backcountry day ride.
Unplanned in the sense that a friend who was going to ride Tiny couldn’t make it, leaving me to decide whether to stay home or still go.
Fall, especially fall color season, in Colorado is fleeting. In a way it’s the highlight of our year.
The skies are at their bluest blue, the days comfortably warm, and a cool breeze keeps (wo)man and beast(s) from overheating and biting insects at bay.
The aspens and undergrowth are wearing their most colorful garments and the last few wildflowers are hanging on. A thin vail of snow contrasts the still green grass, making it hard to believe that winter is so near and yet another summer past.
I decided to ride anyway, loaded up the horses, dogs and our gear, drove 2h to the trailhead and had an incredible day venturing into the – somewhat – unknown as I hadn’t ever made it all the way to the lake before driving home again at night.
I felt good about going after researching the trail, downloading the map on 3 different apps, letting someone know where I was going, where I would park, and when I was expected back.
For a day ride I pack extra layers, rain coat, gloves and silk scarf, hand and toe warmers, a first aid kit for me and another for the animals, a two way satellite communication device with SOS button, headlamp a whistle and a Lifestraw, plenty of water, enough food to spend a night out there if need be, an emergency blanket, a multi-tool, my phone and two power banks to keep important electronics going for several days.
I carry a small but mighty hand saw on my riding horse, hobbles, halter and lead rope for each horse, a spare set of hobbles and lightweight leashes for the dogs. Everything that shouldn’t get wet is in dry bags.
I typically know what the wildlife situation is where I ride. That makes a difference for what to do to prevent a potentially dangerous encounter.
The 5 of us had a lovely day riding to and relaxing at a high mountain lake. The dogs and I wandered to a waterfall while the hobbled Wild Horse Outreach & Advocacy Ambassador Mustangs grazed.
We hardly saw a soul all day, nobody once we were more than 4 miles in. Everyone was friendly and looked longingly at Tiny’s empty saddle. Lacy, who’s been known to dislike strange shapes along the trail, never missed a beat and seemed to enjoy the views as much as I did.
I hope this helps you prepare for and feel good about venturing into the backcountry on horseback! Questions? Ask away!
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