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When Doubt Creeps in, Listen and Learn I recently wandered across a quote that made me think for a hot minute: “Don’t fight your demons. They’re here to teach you lessons. Sit down with them, have a drink, and learn their names.” It sounded like something you’d find in a …
A Safe Trail Horse Feels Free to Think For generations, the goal of horse training was to get a horse “broke.” Broke to ride, broke to lead, and broke to behave. But what if I told you I disagree with the whole premise? Historically, breaking a horse meant precisely what …
Pack Trips into Wilderness Let Us Experience Dark Night Skies Early August, 2:30 a.m. – Darn, what am I doing wrong? I muttered to myself. Camera controls glowed as I struggled to adjust the settings to capture the view in front of me. The cold made my fingers stiff, and …
Trail Access for Equestrians Depends on the Stewardship of Horse People Flying from clinic to clinic, I spend more time in the air than I’d like to admit. This past weekend, as I settled into my seat and watched the pre-flight safety briefing, a particular phrase caught my attention: “The shared …
An Education in Packing and Precision Ed Haefliger called me in 2009, shortly after I started writing a column on trail riding and camping with horses. I was still finding my footing as a writer and, if I’m honest, I felt a mix of excitement and imposter syndrome—I didn’t even …
Lessons from Hardwoods and Horses Few things ground me like the smell of freshly planed wood or a sun-warmed saddle. Both promise hard work and quiet satisfaction. Each time I smooth a piece of Osage orange or saddle up Ruger for a ride into the high country, I’m reminded about …
Helmet Use Reduces Likelihood of Severe Injury I respect that everyone has their own comfort level and makes their own choices. In many ways, safety is like climbing a ladder—we all choose the rung we’re most comfortable with. For some, that might mean wearing a helmet every time they ride. …
The Logical Next Step from Trail Riding Want to escape civilization but find the idea of venturing into the wilderness with a pack mule too complex? Do tales of horses, high lines, rocky trails, and making a diamond hitch seem anything but your best friend? Are stories of spectacular wrecks …
Trail Horses Need Training for Control and Safety I recently read one of Ty Evans’ reflections on training and the standards we should aim for with our animals. A sentiment he often hears is, “I don’t need any of that fancy stuff; I just want to go down the trail.” …
Slow Down and Breathe for Effective Training Mr. Thomas, my high school band director, was notorious for his temper. He’d hurl his baton at students when they didn’t follow his instructions. I was terrified of him. Despite our rocky relationship, he instilled a few lessons in me that have stuck …
