Breaking Rules, Tack, and Everything Else: My DIY Horseback Hunting Chronicle

[yycyak]

TRIP – OCT/24
####

Edit: Usual "I don't know what I'm doing. I'm not an expert. Probably don't do what I do." etc.

It was a busy week this last week, so was only able to get the horses out for a trip on Friday. I know, I know:

But this time out I had things planned a little differently. My intention was this trip was a training trip, not a hunt. My goal: We were doing a water crossing, without drama. And if it took 4 hours to figure it out, well, it took 4 hours. And I'd hunt with whatever time was left in the day.

Armed with the Rokslide Collective’s tips on how to pony, plus a summarized version of @missjordan 's post written on a sticky note, I got the horses loaded into the trailer, and off we went.

Sticky Note, for reference later

Friday was the season opener for everything local here, and it was a zoo out there. Every trailhead and public land approach had trucks galore there. But that was okay – Training trip, remember.

After an hour or so of driving, got to the trailhead where I had issues with the water crossing before. (6x trucks parked at that trailhead too.) Got the horses unloaded and tacked up without issue. Time to mount up.

And of course, here I run into my usual How-To-Mount-While-Ponying issue. But this time I came prepared. I got the mare set up at the 2-o’clock position, with the lead rope over the saddle horn. Got the gelding’s reins in my left hand, lightly grab saddle horn, mount, bam. No issues. Start walking, let lead rope slide out around saddle horn, done. Dragon slain.

The entourage and I make it down to the river bottom. I have the idea that I’ll cross the same way I did last time: walk on foot across a bunch of riffle sections, get to one 10ft-across, knee-deep section, mount, and cross. Worked last time without an issue, so shouldn’t be an issue this time, right?

Wrong. Gelding says no way.

NEXT

So here’s where a guy might get a bit frustrated or rattled, but I had my trusty sticky note. (I also had suspected I'd be dealing with refusals after how the other week went.)

Side-note: I do this exercise a lot with my horses, with the end goal of getting them to calmly walk over a noisy blue tarp, or post, or other scary things. You basically plant yourself about 5ft off a fence, and send your horse between you and the fence. Key part: you don’t move your feet, ever. Your horse needs to go calmly between you and the fence, without crowding your space.

For those of you in the horse world, I realize there’s a ton of different names for this exercise that the various “Guru’s” out there use. For those of you not in the horse world, here’s 2x videos that show how it’s done. (Go youtube whomever you want to learn from - It's all the same stuff anyway.)

So between this and my sticky note, I had a game plan.

Now I wasn’t going to get too grumpy here. The gelding is a young 5, and lived his life on a flat-land hutterite colony. Mountains and rivers are maybe not quite on his thing (yet.) But, he's also crossed rivers and creeks before, and knows he won't die. I mean we walked this exact same one last week without him dying, so he knows what's up.

Long story short, I plant my feet about 5ft away from the river, and start sending him back and forth between me and the river. At first he dodges the water, but slowly his feet get closer to the river. I move to 4ft. Now his feet hit the water. Initially he does the WTF thing, but gets through it.

We repeat this a bunch until he figures out if he stops in the water (about 1ft deep), he gets to chill a bit. He eventually drops his head, has a drink, and chills out.

The rest of this part is anticlimactic. We do this exercise in three different spots on the riverbank, and eventually he is doing 8ft circles around me on the lead rope, in water, out of water, in water, out of water.

NEXT

At some point though you have to stop doing groundwork, and get riding. So, same drill as before: Mare at 2 o’clock, lead rope around saddle horn, mount, done. Almost look like I know what I’m doing. (Laughs in insecurity.)

No cheating at the short 10ft section - We head over to the full-on main crossing part of the river 90ft+ or something. We get to about 2ft away from the water, and refusal. He won’t go forward. Turns away to the left – I turn him right. Turns right – I turn him left. Don’t like the water – Too bad, we are facing it.

The spinning and turning stop. Now, it’s just the gelding planting his feet, and not doing anything.

No surprise here, and in anticipation of this exact thing I had done the old “Phone A Friend” trick. In this case the friend was an outfitter out of the Yukon, and she gave me some cowboy tricks that have worked for her critters in the past.

** So this part I suppose isn’t politically correct, but it’s here so that people can learn. I wish I’d known it earlier, and sure would have been grateful to have this info posted somewhere. But also, don’t be an idiot – Know your limitations, know your horses. This stuff can get you into a bad place quick if you use it the wrong way. Peter Parker, Uncle Ben, "Great Power, Great Responsibility" etc. Be safe out there, and know the difference between genuine fear response vs being stubborn. **

NEXT

I don’t like split reins, because I’m mostly an uncoordinated fool with them. I always wind up with a messed up bridge and reins way too long. But, for stuff like this, a set of heavy leather split reins can be used as a sort-of over-under, for when horses are being bratty and/or stubborn, and decide they don't want to move forward. So for this trip, I ran my DIY 3/4" leather 8ft split reins that are ugly as sin, but mostly work.

You need a horse to go forward when they don’t want to? Take your split-reins in your right hand, and do a quick left-right-left-right thrash with them over your horse’s bum. Not being abusive, or mean, or anything emotional (If you’re emotional doing this, you’re doing it wrong, and you're going to have a wreck probably.) It’s a quick “Hey, I’m onto your game here horse. You’ve been asked, now you’re being told.” I can’t really explain how to do this in an internet post – It's done by feel.

Key point: As soon as your horse goes forward just the tiniest bit, STOP. Again, you’re not being a jerk or "Teaching a lesson" or anything like that. You're doing the Pressure-Release thing. Forward movement = Instant release of pressure.

(Side comment: why not spurs? Turns out if you use spurs poorly, you’re more likely to get a rearing pony. Bad news bears when you're on a riverbank full of large rocks.)

NEXT

So here we go. Smoochie noise, then slight leg pressure. Nothing. Heavy leg pressure. Nothing. Okay, time to try it. Smoochie noise, leg pressure, then Split reins + butt smacks = Gelding going "Holy hell what was that!" and I get a big movement forward. All pressure off. Gelding's front legs are in the water now. Progress.

Ok, try again. Smooch, nothing. Leg pressure, nothing. Pick up split reins = Small step forward. Drop reins, all pressure off. Okay, more progress. He's made the connection between not moving forward and split rein tails. (Note I said "Pick up reins." Literally just picked the tails up with my right hand. Nothing else was needed.)

This song and dance repeats until we are about 7ft into the river, at which point the gelding drops his head, sticks his nose in the water for a bit, blows out, and starts putting one foot in front of the other. I give him a loose rein, and he finds his way across without issue. Huge win, and I'm feeling pretty good at this point.

NEXT

We get across the river (lots of praise once we get there) and the gelding isn't stopping - He goes straight up the bank, carrying my chunky carcass up the hill with him. We get to the top, and take a break. Lots of pets and praise. I look at my watch: killed 1.5hours doing this. Oh well. Still have the rest of the day. Off we go.

This stage of the day was mostly uneventful. We crossed a meadow, and started heading up the valley along an old game trail. I got off and walked a few times just to give the gelding a break. I also take time to pick up and play with the split reins, showing that they aren't a whip/thing to be scared of. Eventually we get to a decent spot up deep in the valley bottom where I can glass things and look for sheep.

I tie the horses up to some scrub poplar, and give them some oats. They stand around eating, while I sit on top of one of my junker panniers and look at rocks for two hours.

***

Part 2 next (ran out of characters)

 

[yycyak]

Part 2 cont'd.


NEXT

It’s time to head home. (No sheep today, but did glass up a hunter-orange hat walking around a different ridgeline.) Same routine: Pack everything up, tighten cinches, get the mare at the 2-o’clock position, mount, done. Start walking home.

At this stage I was expecting the gelding to start walking out, and ripping the mare’s face off again. I was expecting to have to do the one-rein stop thing that Jordan had commented on (Note to self: You can do a one-rein stop thing in a non-emergency. Who knew.) I start with a verbal “Easy”, and then check-check the reins firmly. Gelding slows for a while, then speeds up again. “Easy” + firm and deliberate check-check. Gelding slows, and stays slowed. Hmm… Not sure what’s with that, but I’ll take it.

We ride out of the valley at an easy pace, with no issues.

DIY Split Reins

NEXT

We get to the top of the river bank, and I walk the horses down to the bottom. (The bank is steep, rocky, and just mostly crap.) Get to the bottom, and the gelding is facing the river, and about 2ft away from it. I get the ponies organized, and mount up. Give the gelding a bit of leg pressure.

He walks into the river without hesitating. I give him his head, and he finds his way across the river without any problem. Mare trails behind doing her thing. I have no idea what happened here, but I'm buzzing with a good feeling as we splash steadily across to the far bank.

We ride all the way back to the truck with no issues.

NEXT

Okay, all packed up and get ready to head for home. But, I have to get the horses on the trailer.

Mare loads no problem, like always.

I go to load the gelding: Get him facing the trailer, we walk about 7 steps up to it, I step up into the trailer, and he freezes about 3ft from the door. Same refusal deal as last time, but again have a game plan for this.

I get out, and stand outside the trailer by the latch. I get set up as if I was doing the “send” exercise over a tarp. Feet planted, left arm up-and-out, and I’m about to pressure with my right arm when the gelding just walks right on the trailer…

Hmm, okay. That was nifty, but I also don’t know wtf just happened. Maybe me walking into the trailer is something that he doesn’t like?

Either way, ponies loaded with no drama, and I finish tying him off.

Double-check all the trailer hookups are good, and we head for home. No sheep, but it was a good day.

***

What Worked

• Everything. It was a weird day, and I'm grateful. Every now and then you get a win, so enjoy them when they happen.
• Long lead ropes – Good for lunging on the trail, if needed.
• Mounting with pack horse at 2 o’clock. (Huge thanks to all the commenters who posted on how to do this properly.)
• Split reins. Good for cowboy stuff. (Again: Know what you’re doing. You can get into a rodeo quick this way.)

What Didn’t Work

• Ultralight tripod. You have horses – Bring a good, solid tripod. (Still getting used to how much weight you can bring when you have horses vs a backpack.) This tripod worked, but was hard to hold steady when set up tall like this. Usually with this tripod I'm on my butt on a sitting pad, with no tripod legs extended.

 

[missjordan]

I’m dead with the sticky note. Spit my coffee out, that made my morning


You did it!! Good job you should be really proud of what you accomplished today. Only up from here.


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[yycyak]

Well your earlier post was 100% accurate. My two takeaways from it:

(1) You never know who anyone is on the internet. For all you (and others) know I literally just bought 2x horses, and went into the woods. That's maybe not quite what I did, but again, you never know who you're talking to or their experience level.

(2) As a guy who didn't quite buy 2x horses and go into the woods, but still has a long way to go, your post drove home that ponies aren't puppies. Love and head scratches don't always get things done, and a horse doing wrong thing = hard work for horse, solves a lot of things. Act accordingly.

I've got a trained hunting dog at home, and it's starting to register that what works for dogs is very different than what works with horses. Dogs generally have an innate desire to please people. Horses generally don't (Or at least that's been my experience to date.) If I verbally scold my dog, she's visibly devastated. If I verbally scold the horses, they are indifferent.

I needed to be in a different headspace, and I've found sticky notes in strategic places are a good way to keep your head in the game.

I’m dead with the sticky note. Spit my coffee out, that made my morning


You did it!! Good job you should be really proud of what you accomplished today. Only up from here.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[pbroski]

That's some real progress right there! I admire your determination. It looks like you're well on your way to having some real adventures with those horses. Just curious if you're set up for some overnighters out on the trail? Do you have a plan for how to keep the horses fed and watered out there?

 

[missjordan]

Well your earlier post was 100% accurate. My two takeaways from it:

(1) You never know who anyone is on the internet. For all you (and others) know I literally just bought 2x horses, and went into the woods. That's maybe not quite what I did, but again, you never know who you're talking to or their experience level.

(2) As a guy who didn't quite buy 2x horses and go into the woods, but still has a long way to go, your post drove home that ponies aren't puppies. Love and head scratches don't always get things done, and a horse doing wrong thing = hard work for horse, solves a lot of things. Act accordingly.

I've got a trained hunting dog at home, and it's starting to register that what works for dogs is very different than what works with horses. Dogs generally have an innate desire to please people. Horses generally don't (Or at least that's been my experience to date.) If I verbally scold my dog, she's visibly devastated. If I verbally scold the horses, they are indifferent.

I needed to be in a different headspace, and I've found sticky notes in strategic places are a good way to keep your head in the game.

I’m glad it was super helpful. It was hard not to be blunt but i could see where things were headed to train wreck status pretty fast. The things you’re struggling with are things all horsemen face and can be fixed by exercises like the videos you posted. Not rare but uncommon will someone come across a horse that you need to try things ‘outside the box’ but they do happen.

Lot of horses can be people pleasing like dogs. It just shows up different than how a dog acts. With horses every single ride your either training or untraining. There’s a delicate balance between the two. But if you always keep a higher standard the majority of the time. One time not having a standard isn’t going ruin their lives. Love and head scratches is great, do it all the time, but so is having standards for how they are going to behave.

One other thing i forgot to mention. So the rope halters on both horses need snugged up. In all your photos the halters are riding on the cartilage part of their nose which is too low. Higher up on the nose is all bone and is a better spot. Especially when you need to work them it won’t bruise them up. If you’re having a hard time getting them to fit you might need to buy “Cob” sized. The mare looks part Arabian and probably will be a cob size in halters and bridles. Just another little tid bit. Your knot looks great. Here a pic of about where the halter should sit. You can even be a tick lower than this too

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[Robster]

So for a trailer tip. Whenever I get to the trailhead, I always get turned around and face out ready to leave when I park. First reason is you never know who might show up and park in a spot making it difficult for you to turn around. Second reason is on the off chance you have some bad luck and can't get the truck started, you can get a jump easy, the truck can be pulled away from the trailer to get towed or put on a flatbed and another truck can back up and hook onto your trailer and pull it out of there for you. I've hit some trailheads that were tight and barely got turned around. Sure happy I did though because when I got back there were hikers parked randomly around the trailhead and it would have been impossible to turn around. Would have been a miserable back up for a few miles. Great following your adventures. Not sure where you are located, but if you're near NW Montana, shoot me a DM and we'll get out and put some miles on them ponies. Wet saddle blankets are always good for a horse.

 

[yycyak]

Technically, yes I'm set up for overnights with the horses.

Practically-speaking, I'm hesitant to try it at this stage of the game. I've done a ton of "Book learnin'", and picked the brains of a bunch of Roksliders about extended trips, and I just don't think I've figured out the logistics in a way that makes me comfortable. (For the horses I mean.)

I've picketed the mare a bit, but she needs work there. She's been hobbled too, but I've never left her overnight with them on. The gelding is new to all of this stuff, and picketing/hobbling him for the first time at not-home seems like a really dumb idea. Same with a highline - I have one, but it would be new to the critters, and while they generally have good temperaments, I don't want to push my luck.

I've heard that guides/outfitters will sometimes just tie the horses to trees overnight, but my understanding is this is a trick used when you're doing a quick and dirty overnight bivy/siwash for sheep: You spot a good bruiser late in the day, and instead of riding back to camp, you untack the horses, let them graze on what you can, then they get tied to random trees while you try and get a few hours sleep, all while listening to their bells for any drama. First light hits in the morning, you go out and try and get your ram. (Then go find water for your ponies asap.)

Then there's the feeding logistics: Some dudes I know run alfalfa cubes soaked in water, but I haven't fed/introduced that to the horses yet, and don't want to cold-turkey start them on that stuff and risk colic. Similarly, while I do give my horses a few lbs of oats on these trips, feeding 10lbs-12lbs of oats per day (like the old British and US cavalry manuals mention) for horses that aren't eating that diet daily/regularly, seems like a huge colic risk too.

So I'm thinking for the rest of this season, I'll mostly hunt out of the truck/horse trailer, using that as a basecamp when needed, and ride loops into the various coulies and drainages. Then spend spring/summer of 2025 getting the critters (and myself) used to the overnight gear and stuff.

Or maybe I'm being too conservative and just overthinking things, I don't know. Certainly would appreciate any feedback or suggestions you (or anyone else) might have on things.

That's some real progress right there! I admire your determination. It looks like you're well on your way to having some real adventures with those horses. Just curious if you're set up for some overnighters out on the trail? Do you have a plan for how to keep the horses fed and watered out there?

 

[pbroski]

Technically, yes I'm set up for overnights with the horses.

Practically-speaking, I'm hesitant to try it at this stage of the game. I've done a ton of "Book learnin'", and picked the brains of a bunch of Roksliders about extended trips, and I just don't think I've figured out the logistics in a way that makes me comfortable. (For the horses I mean.)

I've picketed the mare a bit, but she needs work there. She's been hobbled too, but I've never left her overnight with them on. The gelding is new to all of this stuff, and picketing/hobbling him for the first time at not-home seems like a really dumb idea. Same with a highline - I have one, but it would be new to the critters, and while they generally have good temperaments, I don't want to push my luck.

I've heard that guides/outfitters will sometimes just tie the horses to trees overnight, but my understanding is this is a trick used when you're doing a quick and dirty overnight bivy/siwash for sheep: You spot a good bruiser late in the day, and instead of riding back to camp, you untack the horses, let them graze on what you can, then they get tied to random trees while you try and get a few hours sleep, all while listening to their bells for any drama. First light hits in the morning, you go out and try and get your ram. (Then go find water for your ponies asap.)

Then there's the feeding logistics: Some dudes I know run alfalfa cubes soaked in water, but I haven't fed/introduced that to the horses yet, and don't want to cold-turkey start them on that stuff and risk colic. Similarly, while I do give my horses a few lbs of oats on these trips, feeding 10lbs-12lbs of oats per day (like the old British and US cavalry manuals mention) for horses that aren't eating that diet daily/regularly, seems like a huge colic risk too.

So I'm thinking for the rest of this season, I'll mostly hunt out of the truck/horse trailer, using that as a basecamp when needed, and ride loops into the various coulies and drainages. Then spend spring/summer of 2025 getting the critters (and myself) used to the overnight gear and stuff.

Or maybe I'm being too conservative and just overthinking things, I don't know. Certainly would appreciate any feedback or suggestions you (or anyone else) might have on things.

Unfortunately, ropes are a necessary evil when dealing with horses. Horses can get in trouble quickly and unexpectedly, so they should be monitored, especially at first until they get some experience. Better to be safe than sorry for sure. You seem to know what you're doing, so use your best judgment. I'm sure whatever you decide will work out fine.

I'll explain what I typically do in the backcountry for overnight trips in the areas I hunt. Maybe you will find some of it helpful. This is after having tried pickets, electric fence corals, hobbles, highlines, tying to trees, etc. Bear in mind, my horses are very much hobble trained. I only use 3-leg hobbles because my horses can run like the wind with 2-leg hobbles, so for me they aren't much use.

Early on day 1 the horses are set out to graze for 2 hours to get a good feed, then are watered. I get them saddled and loaded, then head out down the trail. I usually have a pretty good idea of where I'll end up at the end of the day, but the spot has to have good grass and be close to water. The horses are unloaded and unsaddled, then are hobbled, watered, then let out to graze. I keep an eye on them while I set up camp and have something to eat myself. I want to be in the camping spot early enough so the horses will have at least 2 hours of grazing time before dark. I go round them up and bring them back to camp. They usually not too far off. If the trees are tall enough, I'll have a high-line set up with enough space between them so they can't get tangled up. The lead lines are short enough that they can't get a foot over them. If the trees are too short, I just tie them to the biggest trees I can find close to the tent. They each have their own tree. I give them grain, then water them again. I keep the hobbles on in case they break free. That has never happened, so far. I put a bell on 1 horse, then turn in for the night. Sleep is easy with a light tinkle of the bell every once in a while.

Feeding and watering are basically the same for every day afterwards. 1.5 hours morning graze and 2 hours evening. I use a 2.5 gallon hard plastic pail and a 2.5 gallon soft pail to draw water. I have 3 horses, and it's hard work to drawn enough water for them daily, but less of a hassle than leading them to water and making sure they drink. From a pail they drink readily every time, if they're thirsty. If I'm in camp for any reason during the day, I'll also set them out with hobbles. Camp has to be moved periodically because the area get grazed out. Horses are nice to have in the backcountry, but they're hard work and really get in the way of actually hunting. It is what it is. You just have to do what you can to balance it all.

For my area, I don't bother with electric fence or pickets. If I want to tether them, I just tie them low to a clump of willow, or to the base of a small pine tree.

 

[Pony Soldier]

I condition by using the horses for gardeners around the barnyard. Its their job to mow the grass around equipment, trees,etc. occasionally they get wrapped tight and have to be adjusted. It's good training.

Where I play it is usually too steep and rocky for pickets so I bring hay. Another reason why I usually move each day or camp at home. I have ridden better than 35 miles in the last 3 days. I'm resting tomorrow and repairs on equipment.

 

[yycyak]

That's super helpful. Random questions for you:

- You mention grain: What are you feeding/packing in for rations?

- Water: Are you always bringing the water to the horses via bucket? Or do you walk them to water? (I know this is probably scenario-specific, but just want to make sure I'm tracking correctly.)

Unfortunately, ropes are a necessary evil when dealing with horses. Horses can get in trouble quickly and unexpectedly, so they should be monitored, especially at first until they get some experience. Better to be safe than sorry for sure. You seem to know what you're doing, so use your best judgment. I'm sure whatever you decide will work out fine.

I'll explain what I typically do in the backcountry for overnight trips in the areas I hunt. Maybe you will find some of it helpful. This is after having tried pickets, electric fence corals, hobbles, highlines, tying to trees, etc. Bear in mind, my horses are very much hobble trained. I only use 3-leg hobbles because my horses can run like the wind with 2-leg hobbles, so for me they aren't much use.

Early on day 1 the horses are set out to graze for 2 hours to get a good feed, then are watered. I get them saddled and loaded, then head out down the trail. I usually have a pretty good idea of where I'll end up at the end of the day, but the spot has to have good grass and be close to water. The horses are unloaded and unsaddled, then are hobbled, watered, then let out to graze. I keep an eye on them while I set up camp and have something to eat myself. I want to be in the camping spot early enough so the horses will have at least 2 hours of grazing time before dark. I go round them up and bring them back to camp. They usually not too far off. If the trees are tall enough, I'll have a high-line set up with enough space between them so they can't get tangled up. The lead lines are short enough that they can't get a foot over them. If the trees are too short, I just tie them to the biggest trees I can find close to the tent. They each have their own tree. I give them grain, then water them again. I keep the hobbles on in case they break free. That has never happened, so far. I put a bell on 1 horse, then turn in for the night. Sleep is easy with a light tinkle of the bell every once in a while.

Feeding and watering are basically the same for every day afterwards. 1.5 hours morning graze and 2 hours evening. I use a 2.5 gallon hard plastic pail and a 2.5 gallon soft pail to draw water. I have 3 horses, and it's hard work to drawn enough water for them daily, but less of a hassle than leading them to water and making sure they drink. From a pail they drink readily every time, if they're thirsty. If I'm in camp for any reason during the day, I'll also set them out with hobbles. Camp has to be moved periodically because the area get grazed out. Horses are nice to have in the backcountry, but they're hard work and really get in the way of actually hunting. It is what it is. You just have to do what you can to balance it all.

For my area, I don't bother with electric fence or pickets. If I want to tether them, I just tie them low to a clump of willow, or to the base of a small pine tree.

 

[yycyak]

That's covering some ground! What repairs are you making/fixing?

One thing I stole from one of your old posts: Last year I bought myself a strap cutter, a few basic hand tools, and a side of latigo leather. Really easy to make repairs with that stuff laying around in your shop, and I've also completed a few DIY projects like making a headstall, grazing/bell collars, a few sets of reins (as gifts for people who have helped me), and random stuff like replacing the saddle strings on the junker saddle I bought.

It's a bit of a wallet-hit initially for a full side of leather, but you are pretty much set for a looooooooong time in terms of anything tack-related.

I condition by using the horses for gardeners around the barnyard. Its their job to mow the grass around equipment, trees,etc. occasionally they get wrapped tight and have to be adjusted. It's good training.

Where I play it is usually too steep and rocky for pickets so I bring hay. Another reason why I usually move each day or camp at home. I have ridden better than 35 miles in the last 3 days. I'm resting tomorrow and repairs on equipment.

 

[rayporter]

nose bags allow you to feed grain or pellets with little waste

i will sometimes carry in pellets in the nose bags hung on my saddle horn.