On camping

I’m afraid one of the biggest turn offs for folks avoiding back country horse trips is camping. Not everyone likes to rough it. First, let me say, there is nothing wrong with that. Then, that said, let’s take a look at back country camping, and see if I can’t start to change your mind…

We do rough it. When it’s just my husband, my son and myself out for a family pack trip for a few nights, we’ll throw our sleeping bags onto of the horse blankets and string up the tarp that was used to cover the packs above us if there’s a chance or rain (or snow… yes, we’ve been under that tarp in snow storms). We cook over the open fire, sit on a stump of wood, listen to our horses shifting and snorting beside us all night long… and love it.

I know this way is not for everyone. In fact, I’m not sure I know anyone else who enjoys things this rough. We certainly never expect our guests to rough it this much. At the very least, we’ll give them a tent to sleep in and proper camping pads to sleep on. And three course dinners prepared on our two burner camp stove while kicking back in a Crazy Creek chair watching the sun set over the high mountains…

More often than not, back country horse camping involves sleeping on cots in wall tents, and gourmet dining in a mess tent at a table with chairs… It’s not as rustic as you might imagine. It all depends on your choices, what you are comfortable with, what your needs are. There is no right or wrong. It is all individual preference. There are so many options, but which ever way works for you and your needs, bottom line is you'll be out there, riding, enjoying the high country, and yes, camping...

I keep going back to this idyllic picture of what camping in the back country feels like, which is this unparalleled, peaceful, serene, healing experience. It’s not just an incredible horse fix, it’s a nature fix, a personal fix, a life fix! Let’s see if I can paint the picture for you: You arrive at camp in the late afternoon after a thrilling day on the trail seeing the most magnificent country you have never been able to see before, and no other persons besides the folks in your group, because you’re so far away from the “convenient” rides and locations. Your horse knew the trail, was sure footed and well mannered, a good mountain horse. Now he’s being unsaddled, watered and let out to graze. You’re free to unwind, take a solitary walk by the creek, or go sit on the hillside and watch the setting sun while sipping at something special and listening to the incomparable silence. Later, full from the wonderful dinner and content after the good stories shared around the campfire, you turn in, and sleep a most well deserved and peaceful sleep. The following morning, you wake up to the smell of coffee on the fire, grab a steaming cup, and kick back on that hillside to quietly watch the cow and calf elk make their way across the meadow. And after a good hot and hearty breakfast, you saddle up and spend the day doing what you love best… riding!

If you talk to anyone who’s spent time out there, or if you’ve done it yourself, this isn’t too far off, is it? It is truly an extraordinary experience.

If this sounds interesting, start by considering your options – do you want a trip with just your family or friends, or do you want a professional outfitter to guide you? And if you’re considering an outfitter, again there are so many options – which one will fit your needs - from rough to luxury; 2 or 10 hours a day in the saddle, and other personal choices should be considered.

If you want to try it yourself – do! Learn the tricks of the trade. It’s not Rocket Science, believe me. If I can do it, anyone can. Coming up, I’ll do my best to share what I can to hopefully help you feel ready to give it a try. But do try. And yes, make mistakes. You'll learn from them.

Start small, simple, closer to home. Perhaps “car camp” first – camping out of your trailer and setting up a portable corral by your trailer. Then move on from there as you feel more comfortable, and as your horses learn the ropes. Yes, they too get used to camping, and learn to love it as well.

Consider what works for you, and maybe try one step further. One step at a time. Before you know it, I’ll be seeing you in the back country!