Heading to WY for an elk hunt in October. Horses are used everyday in the remote area these guys hunt. They are saying 1-2 hours every morning to get in, then again to get out. I have ridden, but its been a while. I have free access to horses and plan to start putting in time on them. How long would you guys recommend I ride before this hunt? I have no clue.
Horseback hunting
- Thread starter LongCut
- Start date
thundermountain
New member
It isn’t going to hurt to get some saddle time if it’s easily accessible in your situation, but the vast majority of clients don’t and they are just fine 
Go ride those horses! Get your ankles, hips, lower back moving and grooving - you won't be sorry. A couple hours a couple times a week will get your body adjusted just fine. The last thing you want is to wake up one morning on the trip and wish your sore body could have a day off.
I think what's most important is knowing how to properly ride. Especially when in varied terrain. Major points, stay balanced, understand where your feet and legs should be when going up, down and side hills, same with how you sit (lean forward going up - conversely going down. Hand placement and when to be in the horses mouth and when not.
Living in NE Ohio you would benefit from riding in Beaver Creek State Park. Steep, rocky with several 3' plus creek crossings.
Being competent in the saddle not only you saves the riders body discomfort but really helps out the mount.
Living in NE Ohio you would benefit from riding in Beaver Creek State Park. Steep, rocky with several 3' plus creek crossings.
Being competent in the saddle not only you saves the riders body discomfort but really helps out the mount.
If you are not a horse person, any prep will help but nothing will truly prepare you for the long rides and riding horseback each and every day. I've done two big time horseback hunts in AK and wouldn't care to do another, got tossed off a couple times. Biggest thing is to get the stirrup length set correctly so you can stand off the saddle and get some weight off your butt when necessary. You'll feel it pretty good in the knees too, horses bend your knees a little bow legged. About the end of your trip, you'll start getting more comfortable with the horses.
Horses can be dangerous, so be careful. Weird stuff spooks them and there's a rodeo in all of them. Don't be bashful about asking questions and getting suggestions from the guides and wranglers.
Horses can be dangerous, so be careful. Weird stuff spooks them and there's a rodeo in all of them. Don't be bashful about asking questions and getting suggestions from the guides and wranglers.
