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Post by idmountaineer on May 25, 2016 6:41:28 GMT -7
Quick question for all you horse/mule men out there. What is your preferred method for securing your critters in camp so they are there the next morning?
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Post by TurkeyCreek on May 25, 2016 9:35:32 GMT -7
Back in the day when I lived in the Rocky Mountains (the marrow of the world!) we usually picketed the stock to graze until just before dark and would then secure them to a highline for the night for security.
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Post by leatherstocking on May 25, 2016 10:21:53 GMT -7
Matt "high and short" anytime they are "secured". As Creek suggested a high line tied between trees, tight enough that they don't slide down the rope and get tangled with other stock. High and short enough that they are able to graze and get tangled up. Under the right circumstances "Big open meadow" a lead mare can be picketed and the other (especially mules) can be turned loosed and usually hobbled. The herd won't want to stray far from the mare.....this doesn't work so well with animals that are not pastured together. However picket line works best with a single leg hobble rather than tying to halter. Biggest issue with picketing at night is that the horse/mule doesn't get rope wrapped around a leg and get rope burn or cut. There are modern ways to avoid this, but in a historical context you're generally better off securing to a high line at night and hobbling when grazing. Night time grazing also works best if your camp maintains a night watch. The last historical night camp I had I took in a team of Percherons. The mare was picketed and the gelding was hobbled. But everyone (except me) took an hour of watch throughout the night. First time in Grizzly country I was able to let my stock graze through the night and not worry about them. Email me for anything horse related I can help with Doug  |
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Post by idmountaineer on Aug 8, 2016 17:27:41 GMT -7
So a quick follow up to this topic. This past weekend we made our first trip with a pack horse. All went well despite the "bronc" my brother-in-law loaned me. I don't have any period tack or even a pack saddle. This Spring I made panniers that fit over my old work saddle. Like I said, not period gear but it's a start. For more pics look at the blog. idmountaineer.blogspot.com/ ![]()  |
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Post by TurkeyCreek on Aug 9, 2016 10:20:47 GMT -7
Thanks for sharing Matt. Heading over to your blog to check out the post. And yours isn't the first saddle to be pressed into doubling as a pack saddle, not by a long shot, especially when it comes to packing out meat. Good job! Max |
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Post by leatherstocking on Aug 10, 2016 21:11:05 GMT -7
Matt
I had crazy little King Ranch cull mare that I would sometimes pack and I would always put her regular saddle on and a set of nylon riding saddle panniers.......seemed like she was more comfortable with a regular riding saddle............so yea, don't worry about it. You and your little family are living the real deal.
Doug
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Post by idmountaineer on Aug 17, 2016 16:21:40 GMT -7
Just to brag some more on my lovely wife, we just found out that in the above picture of her she is carrying two children. One on her back and one on the inside. She's a regular Marie Dorion!
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Post by teakmtn on Aug 17, 2016 17:36:34 GMT -7
Well then, let me have the honor to be the first on here to forward heartfelt CONGRATULATIONS!!! to you and the wife. Prayers for good health to all.
Cheers, Doug T.
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Post by idmountaineer on Aug 17, 2016 20:15:05 GMT -7
thanks Doug, prayers are greatly appreciated.
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Post by TurkeyCreek on Aug 18, 2016 6:46:15 GMT -7
God Bless both of you Matt.
Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,
The fruit of the womb is a reward.
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,
So are the children of one’s youth.
Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them;
They shall not be ashamed,
But shall speak with their enemies in the gate. Psalm 127:3-5
I will keep y'all in my prayers, Max |
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