First pack trip

[PowDuck]

Last September we had our first experience with packing a horse. We all did some reading up on the subject and talking to others then commenced learning from experience. Elk hunting in Colorado Routt NF. REnted a horse from an outfitter. They delivered the horse right on time. Our first pick was a LARGE horse because we thought that would be better. The horse had a cut on his leg from being kicked by another horse in the trailer. Out comes our second choice. A smaller but still large horse that looked good. We packed him as best as we could figure out and took off down the trail.

You did NOT want to be behind this horse. He had a definite GAS problem and probably is one of the major causes of the hole in the ozone layer. he ended up being a really good mount and did all we asked of him and then some. The only time he failed was our fault due to unknowingly overloading him.

We used a high line instead of a picket line so he would have more room to move around at night and during the day while we were out hunting. Grass was pretty plentiful and our camp was beside a stream so water was readily available.

This year when we book the rental we will request the same horse. Several names went through our minds but we all finally settled on Leroy.

Here are some pictures from our adventure with LEROY.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v88/PowDuck/Elk2008/CIMG1099.jpg
At night loading up an elk cow.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v88/PowDuck/Elk2008/CIMG1132.jpg
Packing out another cow two days later.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v88/PowDuck/Elk2008/CIMG1118.jpg
Leroy in all his glory.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v88/PowDuck/Elk2008/CIMG1155.jpg
Here we're getting ready to head home.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v88/PowDuck/Elk2008/CIMG1158.jpg
on the trail toward home

[brushstomper]

Looks like a great trip thanks for sharing!

[coothunter]

Looks like a great trip. What does it cost to rent a horse for a trip like that?

[PowDuck]

Looks like a great trip. What does it cost to rent a horse for a trip like that?

As best I remember it was $350 for the week.
kind of funny .... we could BUY a horse for that at home.

Split between 3 guys it was WELL worth it.

[YellowHorse]

Beautiful area, love the pics.

My hubby's draft horse looks similar to Leroy, she's a little longer in the back, but bigger. Hubby has mentioned about doing something like that with her.

My own horse is probably too small to pack an elk and all the supplies.

[lutherdon]

I'm going on my first pack trip this year in Idaho with my own horses but I keep wondering if I would be better off to find a horse with some draft blood in it of I will be ok taking my 1100 quarter horse.

Any Thoughts

[warren nelson]

Your horse will be fine. Just do some packing on it before hand if you are using saddle panniers so it get use to it. You don't want to find yourself at the trail head trying to get it to stand still while you load it up.
This summer as you change out shoes keep one front and one back to put in your pack along with a small shoeing hammer and a hand full of nails for any shoes that come off.