I spent about 15 years on a Sheriff's mounted SAR posse in the Sierra, plus many pack trips. Some of the best times of my life!The wife and I spend as much time horseback as possible. This was my first year in probably a decade of using a horse to pack in and out of my bear camp. I had forgotten how much i enjoyed it. Anyone else?
Mules are even better. And smarter….
My Daughter joined a face book group dedicated to Mules and got hers free although an older Mule (Ohsee by name) was quite gentle with the kids and very partial to Alay the older horse, as an example of intelligence one night we had a thunder storm that upset Alay to the point she left the ranch wondering through trees eventually ending up at the neighbors ranch while in contrast the mule came up to the house and started bawling the we had a problem that needed attention. Pretty smart Mule…If I could find a good saddle mule for a reasonable price I’d give one a try. The issues with mules for me are, I don’t know enough about them to make a good purchase, there are a bunch shysters and crooks in the mule world that will be happy to sell you a time bomb, and while mules are definitely superior to horses in rough country I’m not sure that I’m ready to re gear and re tool into mules from horses.
Note:
There are plenty of shysters and crooks in the horse world too but I’ve got enough time and experience with horses to know how to avoid them for the most part.
Lots of old retired rodeo guys out there making a living teaching riding, its not very expensive for a few sessions...TIP: Wear a adult diaper for the first few riding sessions, your behind will thank you...There are places you can pay a nice fee to learn. What I really want is an old timer to show me how.
Nice Looking Horse’ I think the Mules are happy just following the line and chillin out.I agree mules are better in rough country but I would still take a good horse anyday.
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That’s not just in Colorado, the weed free requirement is on any BLM, National Forest nation wide.Here in Co you have to pack Horse Feed.
Horse Feed
You must use certified weed-free hay on BLM and USFS land. For a list of providers, contact the Colorado Department of Agriculture (303-239-4149). Hay is not allowed in any wilderness area so you must substitute with certified weed free alfalfa cubes or pellets. Horses should be fed any of the above for at least 4 days prior to entering BLM or national forests so as to have weed-free manure.
That’s not just in Colorado, the weed free requirement is on any BLM, National Forest nation wide.