Re: [pct-l] On the prospects of thruriding

["ECPG" <ceddy@netzero.net>]

Having spent many years on the PCT on horseback, I can tell you it is
nothing like hiking it. In the first place you have responsibility for more
bodies than your own, and need different skills than hiking, and a horse
with a ton of experience already.
Do not try to train as you go. I know many people who have injured or
killed either themselves or their horses by biting off more than they could
chew.
You do have the advantage of knowing the trail, but I guarantee, you will
be stopped dead by any major blowdown, or a sidehill snowbank that you
can't work your way around.
Horses and snow do not mix. They weigh too much , and hand leading both a
pack horse and saddle horse over frozen snow in the early am is one of
life's little rushes, especially where it's steep.
Also, there is simply no way to pack enough calories for a horse for more
than a couple of days, even with a pack horse. The ratio for a 10 day trip
was one horse to carry food for the horses, and everything else you stuck
around you hanging off the saddle. This is why I switched to goats. Any
animal has it's drawbacks, as you have to plan for them as well as
yourself. If you're going to try this, you will need to be able to remove a
shoe, know horse first aid, nutrition, etc, as well as their capabilities
on diferent terrain. 
I was known for my insanity in taking horses places they weren't meant to
go, so speak from experience.
On the other hand, if you're willing to turn around or detour, it's a
blast, and way easier than hikiing.
Carolyn--"Have Goat, Will Travel"

_____________________________________________
NetZero - Defenders of the Free World
Click here for FREE Internet Access and Email
http://www.netzero.net/download/index.html
* From the PCT-L |  Need help? http://www.backcountry.net/faq.html  *

==============================================================================