In every issue of Horse & Rider you'll find articles on training by the country's leading experts, the latest on equine health care from top veterinarians, trail riding tips from savvy back country riders, and much more!
Nearly a decade ago, Megan Carter and her then-12-year-old Arabian gelding, Amigo, prepared for a long trek from Juneau, Alaska, to the Eastern Seaboard. The climate and culture of upstate New York was a stark contrast of her native Alaska, but provided a once-in-a-lifetime career opportunity. But after 10 years, it was time for Carter and Amigo to return home. “I answered the call of the eagles and decided it was time to follow my heart and return home to be with my family and friends,” she says. In less than six weeks, Carter orchestrated a 4,000-mile relocation for herself and the now 22-year-old Amigo. Her eight-day trip crossed 12 states, the Continental Divide, and the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers, and traveled through international waters. Travel by land culminated in…
It’s common for international-level show horses to travel by ferry or plane, but most horse owners move their horses by truck and trailer. Horse owners living in Alaska are familiar with the unique requirements for traveling by ferry as that’s often the only viable option for getting to shows or other events. The Alaska Marine Highways system provides specific guidelines for livestock traveling on the ferry. For example, shavings and straw are prohibited. No more than five bales of hay can be carried by a single truck/trailer combination. These essentials are flammable. Sand, dirt, cat litter, or wood pellets can be used. Depending on the mode of transport, water may not be readily available. “Even though the ferry has water spigots on deck, the reservation people will tell you they…
For awe-inspiring backcountry rides, plan now for a summer adventure in McCrystal Creek country, a treasure for trail riders in northern New Mexico’s stunning Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the southernmost subrange of the Rocky Mountains. On these mountain slopes, Carson National Forest offers equestrian adventurers 330 miles of trails on 1.5 million acres, 86,000 of which are a designated wilderness accessed only by trail riders and hikers. Elevation ranges from 6,000 feet to 13,161 feet atop Wheeler Peak, the highest point in New Mexico. Black bears, mountain lions, bobcats, elk, mule deer, antelope, bighorn sheep, eagles, hawks, and wild turkeys populate the area, as well as smaller mammals and songbirds. The area’s equestrian camp, McCrystal Campground, sits at 8,100 feet elevation in the heart of the national forest’s 100,000-acre Valle…
PLAN WISELY. Summer and fall are the best seasons for riding McCrystal Creek country. Summer temperatures may rise to a comfortable 80 degrees, but drop to 40 degrees at night. Fall brings cooler weather and autumn colors. CONDITION YOUR HORSE. All camping and riding is done at or above an elevation of 8,100 feet. Condition your horse in the months leading up to your trip; upon arrival, give him at least 24 hours to adjust to the altitude. SCHEDULE THE FARRIER. About two weeks before you leave home, get new shoes for your horse so, if your horse throws a shoe, you won’t have to drive the long gravel road from McCrystal Campground back to the nearest town in search of a farrier. Also, bring a set of hoof boots…
We’ve all stared into our horse trailers, dismayed by messy tack rooms, dirty compartments, filthy floors, and maintenance issues. It’s easy to close the doors and walk away, thinking, “I’ll tackle it later.” But for the sake of your investment, not to mention your horses’ comfort and your own peace of mind the next time you use the trailer, you’re best off to keep it clean, organized, and maintained as you go. Luckily for you, others who haul horses have discovered great ways to care for their trailers, and are willing to share their secrets. So roll up your sleeves, and let’s get started. Make Cleaning a Habit Advice from: R.J. King, manager of Simons Show Horses, Aubrey, Texas. 1 Clean out all the shavings after every show and clean…
