Horse riding: Stupid Question

[jahaze]

These are all great tips, thanks to everyone. As I mentioned, I wear cowboy boots everyday and have at least 10-pairs, I also have a full length rain slicker that can tie to my legs. I just don't want to show up looking like some "urban" cowboy, only to be laughed off the mountain. I'm having a hard time focusing on work now, all I can think about it the adventure ahead.


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[jjohnsonElknewbie]

These are all great tips, thanks to everyone. As I mentioned, I wear cowboy boots everyday and have at least 10-pairs, I also have a full length rain slicker that can tie to my legs. I just don't want to show up looking like some "urban" cowboy, only to be laughed off the mountain. I'm having a hard time focusing on work now, all I can think about it the adventure ahead.


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The ones that snicker will be wishing they had rain gear instead of their "breathable water repellent" hunting gear. My brother and I got some side eyes from the head to toe Sitka/First Lite/Kuiu guys when we whipped out our packable ponchos. Those same guys bitched about wet legs and asses at camp the same night.

That poncho saved me on a long sit on the side of the mountain when I experienced every form of precipitation known to man while huddled under an evergreen tree.

 

[WCB]

These are all great tips, thanks to everyone. As I mentioned, I wear cowboy boots everyday and have at least 10-pairs, I also have a full length rain slicker that can tie to my legs. I just don't want to show up looking like some "urban" cowboy, only to be laughed off the mountain. I'm having a hard time focusing on work now, all I can think about it the adventure ahead.


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Trust me...you show up with a decent wide brimmed hat and full length rain coat/slicker you wont look any more silly than head to toe Sitka guy sitting on a horse and you will be more comfortable in weather.

I also wear cowboy boots most days and would never even consider wearing them on a hunting trip.

 

[dr.mooseknuckles]

The vet I worked for in college and who worked on horses said it best.

Horses are thinking one of 2 things: how to commit murder or suicide.

While I don't own, ride or work on them, I have been around horses enough to know to be on your toes. Don't get lulled into being too comfortable in the saddle.

 

[Sadie]

I would get a pair of covered stirrups large enough so as not be tight on the boots I'd be wearing. When I started riding at a very young age my dad would never let me use any thing but cover stirrups and I have preferred them my entire life. If you are going to be riding 20 miles a day you should get in all the saddle time you can. You might find sore muscles you never thought about.

 

[RockAndSage]

I would get a pair of covered stirrups large enough so as not be tight on the boots I'd be wearing. When I started riding at a very young age my dad would never let me use any thing but cover stirrups and I have preferred them my entire life. If you are going to be riding 20 miles a day you should get in all the saddle time you can. You might find sore muscles you never thought about.

I've never ridden with covered stirrups - can you give some more detail on the benefits of them?

 

[Pony Soldier]

In the winter the are warmer. In the summer your boots are limited how far they go forward.

 

[yfarm]

Tapadero

 

[Chase0109]

I've never ridden with covered stirrups - can you give some more detail on the benefits of them?

As a still novice Horseman having horses since 2019. I consider them essential safety gear when hunting. Basically they keep your feet from sliding in and getting locked in the stirrups should an unplanned dismount happen for any reason.

They’re not that expensive and they only take a minute to change out.

 

[jjohnsonElknewbie]

@jahaze this hasn't been mentioned yet, but make sure your outfitter's scabbards will fit your rifle, especially if shooting suppressed. Some of the old school scabbard's for lever guns will leave 1/3 of your scoped rifle sticking out, and this can be awkward and annoying on a long ride. Also, make sure to tape your muzzle every time you put your rifle in the scabbard. All kinds of debris can accumulate in the bottom and can easily enter your muzzle if not protected.

 

[jahaze]

@jahaze this hasn't been mentioned yet, but make sure your outfitter's scabbards will fit your rifle, especially if shooting suppressed. Some of the old school scabbard's for lever guns will leave 1/3 of your scoped rifle sticking out, and this can be awkward and annoying on a long ride. Also, make sure to tape your muzzle every time you put your rifle in the scabbard. All kinds of debris can accumulate in the bottom and can easily enter your muzzle if not protected.

Thanks. They did tell me if I wanted to shoot suppressed, I'd have to take it off to fit in the scabbard. I'm not planning on bring it with me for that reason. I don't want to put it on/take it off every time I need to get off the horse.


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[Tower13]

Not afraid to admit I know nothing about horses, so I'm going to ask a potentially dumb question. I have a guided horseback elk hunt this fall. What kind of boots should I wear in the saddle? For perspective, I've worn cowboy boots everyday for 40+ years, do you recommend I wear those, or just regular old hunting boots?

I know, laugh all you want, but I'd really like to know...


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What do you usually hunt in? That's what I would wear.

 

[RockAndSage]

As a still novice Horseman having horses since 2019. I consider them essential safety gear when hunting. Basically they keep your feet from sliding in and getting locked in the stirrups should an unplanned dismount happen for any reason.

They’re not that expensive and they only take a minute to change out.

Good stuff, thank you.

 

[Marble]

Now you guys are making me scared...maybe I should just walk I already am intimidated by those big beasts. This is my first "once in a lifetime" backcountry adventure, and the excitement is building.


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Most likely you will be riding very broken, easy-to-ride, and handle horses. It's understandable to be nervous. Just try to be relaxed. I've been doing it for 25 years, and it's rare to have a rodeo, but it happens.

You will find that riding the horse may be more enjoyable than the actual hunting. It's awesome.

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[Marble]

Thanks. They did tell me if I wanted to shoot suppressed, I'd have to take it off to fit in the scabbard. I'm not planning on bring it with me for that reason. I don't want to put it on/take it off every time I need to get off the horse.


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One more tip on the gun in the scabbard. Pulling the gun out of the scabbard can sometimes grab the scope cover and pull it off. If you wrap some electrical tape on it, it should stay on there. We do it on all of our guns.

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[Shortschaf]

+1 Cowboy boots are not necessary one bit. Have ridden with sneakers up to muck boots, and if the stirrups are oversized I would just wear whatever I plan to walk in.

You're gonna be pretty sore the first couple days with several hours in a saddle. But it won't hurt to walk. Some great advice here

 

[Billy Goat]

I read the first page, so forgive me if I missed it.


Good walking boots.

I grew up on horses, one I don't know, I'm hesitant.

Someone without experience, I'd load everything I plan on taking on the hunt on the horse, and walk in.

Hopefully tie it off on another so you dont hafta handle it.

99% of the time you will be fine, old grade mare that has been through it all will be kinder to you than your grandmother, but you get the wrong one, and you don't know if its culled team penner or barrel racer versus a show barn trainer.....

 

[JustABritCrazy]

I did a Turnapin Meadow to Cody ride thru the Thorofare a couple of summers ago. Awesome experience. First time more than an hour on a horse, so complete novice. Horse I was given kept trying to swipe mouthfuls of grass so that was a constant struggle as the wrangler said not to allow it. I work as a forester so my boots are all vibrum soles with deep lugs. Only sketchy part that had me leery was coming out Deer Creek Pass. Narrow trail 70% slope with a several hundred foot drop cliff about 100 feet away and the horse tripping over its own feet every ten steps.. My boots are jammed into the stirrup and locked in due to soles. Kept thinking if this horse goes down the mountain, I’m a dead man. That said no way I would have been walking in that country without some type of lugs on my boot soles.

 

[Lowedown]

It's been mentioned but I would like to expound a little. Horses and Mules are animals, and have a mind of thier own. You will most likely be around a group of nags that have seen it all and should be pretty relaxed about life. However, keep in mind they can kick hard enough to break a femur or crush a skull if startled or annoyed.
Talk to them as you move around them on the ground so they know you are there. As you pass behind them you either want to go around 8'+ away, or RIGHT UP AGAINST THIER RUMP. If you go right against them put a hand on their hip or brush an arm against them before you do, and talk to them calmly. Any quality packer should take the time to introduce you to your mount, if not the whole string and give a good safety briefing. Don't be afraid to offer to help with the chores, yes it's his job but he will appreciate the help and you may find enjoyment in being around the critters and feeling useful. Also, they feel your body and mood through the saddle and will feed off of you. Therefore if you are annoyed or nervous and rigid they may get that way as well. If you are calm and relaxed and business as usual they will feed of that as well.
Get a good nose-full of horse hide at some point on their neck, nothing smells like a horse

 

[Pony Soldier]

Many years ago, I had a very calm mare that I loved to ride and was a pleasure to be around. In a hunt along the western mt- Idaho border, I encountered an ugly situation. In a lot of that country it is common for the yellow jackets to build underground nests. It keeps you on your toes early in the season.

I encountered one of the nests on the trail and I swear that mare stood on one leg and swatted at the yellow jacket swarm with the other three and then took off down the trail. Kind of gets your heart pumping.