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Hunting with Horses

by Cindy Wamsley

All hunting trips require a great deal of preparation. Add horses to the mix and you’ve got another element to prepare for. It is important to provide all the basic elements of survival for horses. They need food, water, shelter and the necessary equipment to help them do the job they are asked to perform.

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When planning a supply list for a hunt, a great place to start is by categorizing the basic needs. The type of hunt taking place will determine the type of supplies needed. For instance, whether or not you will hunt from a base camp each day or stay overnight on the mountain will determine much of the supply list. For horses I categorize five main areas; 1) water and food 2) shelter 3) tack 4) First Aid and 5) transportation.

Water and Food

Whether you need to pack water and food or find it where you are will depend on the location of the hunt and availability of food and water sources. Study the maps and mark the water sources; creeks, springs, water holes, rivers, lakes, etc. Then do some preseason scouting with your horse and check to make sure those sources listed on the map are valid sources for water. Remember the seasons, water in the spring may not be there in the fall, so you will want to make sure there is a good source for drinking. Also look for grazing areas to use. The length of the trip will determine how much feed you need to bring. Don’t forget that all feed packed into the national forest must be certified weed free. A good rule of thumb for the amount of feed per day per horse is to figure 1-2% of the body weight depending on the activity level. For example, a 1000 pound horse fed 1% of its body weight = 10 pounds feed per day and 2% = 20 pounds feed per day. If you feed grain or an another supplement besides hay, make sure your horses are accustomed to that feed before leave for the hunt. The actual daily amount of water that most horses need to consume (at a minimum) to maintain body functions and remain properly hydrated is from a half gallon to a gallon per 100 pounds of body weight. This works out to be a minimum of 5 to 10 gallons for a 1,000-pound horse that is not presently doing any work and is living in a temperate climate. If you increase the horse’s workload or the environmental temperatures are elevated, then this will increase the demand for water.

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Shelter

Horses are better acclimated to the elements than we are. They are good at getting out of the weather and using natural geographic features to find shelter. In the event you are going to be in severe weather or out in the open, pack some supplies to construct a temporary shelter. Also, bring a good horse blanket as a back up if needed.

Tack

This category will vary based on personal preference. Each horse may need some specific items based on individual needs. As an owner, you will know what those items are. Saddle horses as well as pack horses will have tack specific to their work responsibility. Check all cinches, straps, buckles, screws, etc., before you go. Replace or repair cracked or dried out leather. Having a cinch strap break under the added weight when packing out your animal is a disaster you can avoid with thorough preparation. Make your horses job easier for him by having the best equipment you can provide. Tack up your horse before the hunt and let them get used to the equipment, in other words break it in. You wouldn’t want to hike 20 miles with bad boots or an ill fitting pack and neither does your horse.

First Aid

Be prepared to handle any horse emergencies that may arise. Your horse is depending on you for it’s survival. Talk to your veterinarian and have him or her help you put together a first aid kit to pack with you. He or she can also give you some basic first aid instruction so you will be prepared to provide medical care for your horse.

Transportation

I categorize transportation into two categories, one for hoof care and the other to get the horse to the trailhead. It is a good idea to talk with your farrier and have him or her show you how to replace a thrown shoe. Bring boots that will replace shoes as an alternative. Transporting your horse to and from your hunting area will usually require trailering. As with any type of trailering you’ll want to make sure the trailer and truck are in good working order. Check the tire pressure, hitches, jacks, lights, doors, windows, dividers, brakes, spare tire, etc. Bring automotive tools just in case you have a break down and need to repair something. Depending on the length of the trip you may need to consider items like feed bags, water and buckets if you need to feed along the way. Do not forget your equine paperwork. This usually requires a brand inspection, health certificate and negative Coggins test. Be sure to check the specific requirements based on the state or states you are hunting.

Here’s a general example of what your checklist might include.

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WATER & FEED

Timothy/Alfalfa Cubes

20 lbs. Per horse per day

Grain or Supplement

(Amount based on what type of grain or supplement you prefer to feed)

10 Gallons Water Per horse per day

Minimum

SHELTER

Horse blanket

Ax

Wyoming Saw

Tarp

Rope

Shovel

TACK

Halter

Lead rope

Bridle w/reins

Breast collar

Saddle

Saddle pad

Crupper strap (for steep country)

Scabbard

Saddle bags

Pack saddle

Pack saddle pad

Panniers or bags

Rope

Scale (to even the load)

Buckets

Hay bag

Grooming brushes

Curry comb

Horse First Aid

Thermometer

Stethoscope

Sharp scissors

Latex gloves

Sterile bangages – such as tefla pads. Nonstick pads.

Leg bandages

Vet wrap

Diapers – for excessive wound bleeding

Adhesive tape

Antibacterial soap

Antibacterial ointment

Gauze

Epsom Salt – used for soaking feet and drawing out abcesses.

Witch Hazel – used for itchy skin.

Phenylbutazone (bute) for pain relief.

Clean bucket

Clean sponge

Clean rags

Hypodermic syringe (without needle) for cleaning wounds

Empty spray bottle for cleaning wounds

Banamine – for colic treatment

Penicillin

Antiseptic/disinfectant such as betadine or peroxide

Nitrofurazone ointment – for minor wounds and burns.

Vetericyn

30 cc syringe

10 cc syringe

18 gauge 1 1/2 inch needles

Fly spray or wipes

Electrolytes

KY Jelly

Duct Tape

Headlamp

Wire cutters

Leatherman

Twitch

TRANSPORTATION

Tree saver straps

Hobbles

Bell and strap

Picket rope & stake

Truck

Horse Trailer

Horse Paperwork

Shoe Kit

Rasp

Hammer

Hoof knife

Hoof pick

Pullers

Clinchers

Horse shoe nails

(2) Horse shoes of each size that your horse wears

This checklist is meant as a framework to get you started. Experience in the field will help you fine tune your checklist. Hunting with horses can be a fun and enjoyable experience. The more preparation you put into yourself and your horses will pay big dividends on the hunt.