Hey guys!
Last fall, I went horse camping in Castle Rocks State Park in Almo, Idaho. I wanted to share some of the trail riding gear that Bamboozal (my senior Morgan gelding) wore on the trip. Here’s a video of Bamboozal at Castle Rocks State Park and near City of Rocks! My mom flew out from Florida to join us, and she rode him for the weekend. Check out some of our trail riding gear below!
First of all, the trip was amazing! We had a great time and got to see a new part of Idaho. Horse camping is one of my favorite equestrian activities. In addition to getting out and seeing new sights from horseback, it gives me a chance to test out new tack and trail riding gear and see what works and what doesn’t.
Testing Out New Trail Riding Gear
A saddle pad or some other piece of gear might seem perfect in the arena, but head out on the trail for a few hours and you could have a variety of unanticipated issues. I like to test gear as much as I can on the trails at home before I head out on a camping trip.
Bamboozal’s Trail Riding Gear in This Video
- Thorowgood GP Compact Saddle
- Half cheek driving bit
- Cavallo Simple Boots (front hooves)
- Cavallo ELBs (Entry Level Boots) (hind hooves)
*Check out my video and read my full review of the Cavallo Simple Boots here.
Human Trial Riding Gear
It’s not just the horses that need to be outfitted for the trail, humans need trail gear too! My mom has the dabrim riding visor on her helmet, which helps to shield the sun. She also has a fanny pack that holds two water bottles. This way, she can stay hydrated and keep all of her essentials on her. I have a tendency to neglect MYSELF on horse camping trips. I’m so focused on taking good care of the horses that sometimes I forget about me! Carrying my water on trail helps.
I couldn’t find the exact fanny pack she has online, but this one is pretty close! Keeping treats, water, snacks for me and my phone/camera in a fanny pack on my body is essential on a long trail ride! I truly believe that fanny packs are one of the most under rated and useful pieces of trail riding gear!
What About Saddle Bags?
Okay, I’m not a HUGE fan of saddle bags. They certainly have their time and place, but don’t put your phone or other ESSENTIAL items in them. If you and your horse get separated, you’ll be in a lot of trouble! Nobody plans to get separated from their horse on the trail, but it DOES happen. Put your sandwiches, snacks and other non-essential items in your saddle bags, but keep your phone and other important stuff you wouldn’t want to be without in the event of an unplanned departure in your fanny pack.
Upcoming Camping Trips
I have a ton of ideas and places I want to go visit in Idaho and all over the West and Pacific North West this summer and fall. As I gear up for these trips, I’ll be testing new trail riding gear and engaging one of my all-time favorite horse-related activities, SHOPPING.
Stay tuned for upcoming blogs, where I will review stuff like the Cavallo ELBs, new bridles and saddle pads! Also, I plan to make videos and blogs for my horse camping checklist, tour of our newly upgraded horse trailer and what I keep in my horse first aid kit!
Until then, Happy Trails!