There is something truly magical about waking up with the sun in a camp full of horses. If you board your horse at a stable, horse camping is an especially incredible experience, because you get to spend 24/7 with your horse. For true horsewomen and horsemen, it isn’t just the riding that’s fulfilling about this lifestyle, it’s everything from feeding and poo-picking to the quiet moments listening to your horse munch hay. Waking up to a sweet nicker from your horse each morning will hold a special place in your heart for your whole life!
If you’ve never taken your horse camping, well, it’s time to plan that bucket-list trip! If you don’t know where to start, I’ve got the perfect guide for you. I’ve been horse camping all over America, and it’s no secret that it’s one of my all-time favorite activities! If you’re on my mailing list, you’ve already got a copy of my FREE Horse Camping Guide-10 Tips to a Stress-Free Trip Ebook. If you haven’t subscribed, what are you waiting for?
In my horse-camping adventures, I’ve learned what works and what doesn’t work. I’ve made mistakes and learned some lessons the hard way, and I’m so excited to share my experience with you.
In the Horse Camping Guide, I go over 10 REALLY important tips to make sure your trip goes off without a hitch. From ulcer prevention and paperwork to containment and trailer-prep, if you’re new to horse camping, you don’t want to miss this guide. Below, you will get a sneak peak from my guide, to see the type of information you’ll find inside.
Sneak Peak of The Horse Camping Guide
Ulcer Prevention on a Horse Camping Trip
If you follow the latest research, you know that horses can start developing ulcers within minutes of being on a trailer. It’s not just show horses that get ulcers, trail horses who travel can also develop ulcers.
Preventing Ulcers
- Access to hay 24/7 via slow feed hay net
- Additional alfalfa supplementation for calcium
- Pro-CMC before trailering
- Reducing stress through training and husbandry
- Limiting use of Bute and other NSAIDS
- Using UlcerGard as a preventative when necessary
To get the Free Ebook, subscribe to my email list.
Hi Ginny,
Can you recommend a target stick for clicker training a horse or do you make your own? I have seen a couple on the internet but worry about how they would hold up with use. I like that fanny pack you recommend and am planing on buying it.
Thanks,
Roxanne
Hi Roxanne,
I use a sponge on a stick, and a friend of mine put an empty water bottle on the end of a wooden dowel and duct taped it on. The best target I’ve seen is the one Shawna Karrasch makes! I got to use one at her Positive Reinforcement clinic. They’re so nice! When my sponge-stick kicks the bucket, I will definitely be upgrading! https://on-target-training.com/products/
-Ginny
That’s great to hear. I just watched your video. I would love to go to her clinic! I ordered her two target sticks, and the fanny pack you recommended. I enjoy your videos, it seems we are on the same path, but I am just beginning the clicker training. We passed our Level 3 Parelli a few years ago. As much as I loved it, still do, I see how it could be improved. I think Clicker training is the missing link to have a more willing partner and not having to up the phases to an uncomfortable level. I also like Alexandra Kurland and have another book about training colts the natural way, (combining +R and aversive) . I have done a LOT of clicker training with my dogs, just never with a horse. I do use a lot of treats when I am with my pony, and I find some of the things I do already in sync with +R. Thanks for your work, love the purse!!!
Awesome Roxanne! I’m sure you will love those targets! I’m so glad you like the videos, and thanks for taking the time to drop me another comment! I have a good friend here in Idaho who has also done a lot of Parelli, but is now getting more into R+. You’re not alone in looking for something more. I think a lot of us can hit a wall with systems that only rely on pressure and release and escalation of pressure, and for some horses, that can just be too much and cause frustration and anxiety. I like Alexandra Kurland too! That book you have sounds great! I think some of my favorite trainers have used both R+ and sensible R-. It doesn’t necessarily have to be one or the other does it?