Comments for Colorado Trail Riders Magazine http://coloradotrailrider.com (equestrians exploring colorado's wilderness) Thu, 01 Apr 2010 02:46:58 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.com/ Comment on Packing: Where do I start? by Chris S. http://coloradotrailrider.com/2008/03/27/packing-where-do-i-start/#comment-241 Chris S. Thu, 01 Apr 2010 02:46:58 +0000 http://coloradotrailriders.wordpress.com/?p=85#comment-241 Natalie, This is a really good question. I rarely tie a horse to anything, not even a trailer or post if I can help it. I use bailing string on the trailer/post and "if" I tie, I tie to that. This way if there is a blow-up, the string breaks, the pressure is released, and all is well. There are very rare exceptions to this, but a couple... Even in the trailer (I use a stock trailer) I ties with bailing string. Each pack saddle has bailing string tied to the back of it and the lead ropes are looped/tied the the string. Same thing, if there is a blow-up or if they get split by a tree, all is well. So I take that same principle to the lead horse as well. As a rule I do not dally a horse to my saddle, especially with a full pack string behind me. I use a standard 12ft lead rope and I'll hold it with my left hand and drape the tag-end over my lap to the right. If I am relaxed (and I usually am), I'll have it loop over my left leg and under my right leg. I also have a knot in the end so that I have a stopping point should I need it. The key to this setup is knowing your horses (very well) and making sure that they are in an order that "they" are comfortable with. When needed, I'll use the tag-end to "guide/direct" them as necessary. There is one exception to this rule; and that is, I have used a single dally wrap when training a horse to cross water. It is "part" of a successful technique that I use, but if I let go of my hands, it slides off effortlessly. But this is a whole nother story. Hope this helps. Natalie,
This is a really good question.

I rarely tie a horse to anything, not even a trailer or post if I can help it. I use bailing string on the trailer/post and “if” I tie, I tie to that. This way if there is a blow-up, the string breaks, the pressure is released, and all is well. There are very rare exceptions to this, but a couple…

Even in the trailer (I use a stock trailer) I ties with bailing string.

Each pack saddle has bailing string tied to the back of it and the lead ropes are looped/tied the the string. Same thing, if there is a blow-up or if they get split by a tree, all is well.

So I take that same principle to the lead horse as well.
As a rule I do not dally a horse to my saddle, especially with a full pack string behind me. I use a standard 12ft lead rope and I’ll hold it with my left hand and drape the tag-end over my lap to the right. If I am relaxed (and I usually am), I’ll have it loop over my left leg and under my right leg. I also have a knot in the end so that I have a stopping point should I need it. The key to this setup is knowing your horses (very well) and making sure that they are in an order that “they” are comfortable with. When needed, I’ll use the tag-end to “guide/direct” them as necessary.

There is one exception to this rule; and that is, I have used a single dally wrap when training a horse to cross water. It is “part” of a successful technique that I use, but if I let go of my hands, it slides off effortlessly. But this is a whole nother story.

Hope this helps.

]]> Comment on Packing: Where do I start? by Natalie http://coloradotrailrider.com/2008/03/27/packing-where-do-i-start/#comment-240 Natalie Thu, 01 Apr 2010 01:34:12 +0000 http://coloradotrailriders.wordpress.com/?p=85#comment-240 I'm getting mixed messages about leading my pack animals in terms of handling the lead rope. I've read a suggestion that the lead of the pack animal be dallied to the saddle horn of the riding horse (seems like a bad idea). I've read a suggestion that the lead animal be led at all times by the rider of the saddle horse, even if it nearly pulls the arm right off the rider (also seems like a bad idea). Would a single, untied, loop around the horn for support with the rider holding the loose end, or both sections of, the lead rope be acceptable? There must be some middle-ground between unsafe and a severed arm... I’m getting mixed messages about leading my pack animals in terms of handling the lead rope. I’ve read a suggestion that the lead of the pack animal be dallied to the saddle horn of the riding horse (seems like a bad idea). I’ve read a suggestion that the lead animal be led at all times by the rider of the saddle horse, even if it nearly pulls the arm right off the rider (also seems like a bad idea). Would a single, untied, loop around the horn for support with the rider holding the loose end, or both sections of, the lead rope be acceptable? There must be some middle-ground between unsafe and a severed arm…

]]> Comment on Working out the kinks… by Margi http://coloradotrailrider.com/2010/03/24/working-out-the-kinks/#comment-239 Margi Mon, 29 Mar 2010 17:05:47 +0000 http://coloradotrailrider.com/?p=611#comment-239 This is Tiffany Sinclair of Jor-Ian Arabians in Peyton, CO. She has been very instrumental in the growth of my horsemanship skills. I purchased my first horse from Tiffany and have worked with her on handling and training my second horse. She is a wonderful, honest, and knowledgeable horse woman. Please check out her stock for your next horse purchase. This is Tiffany Sinclair of Jor-Ian Arabians in Peyton, CO. She has been very instrumental in the growth of my horsemanship skills. I purchased my first horse from Tiffany and have worked with her on handling and training my second horse. She is a wonderful, honest, and knowledgeable horse woman. Please check out her stock for your next horse purchase.

]]> Comment on Working out the kinks… by Tiffany Sinclair http://coloradotrailrider.com/2010/03/24/working-out-the-kinks/#comment-238 Tiffany Sinclair Mon, 29 Mar 2010 17:00:18 +0000 http://coloradotrailrider.com/?p=611#comment-238 Chris the videos are just wonderful! Thank-you so much for all your terrific work! Chris the videos are just wonderful! Thank-you so much for all your terrific work!

]]> Comment on Kebler Pass Road & the West Elk Winderness Area by Chris S. http://coloradotrailrider.com/2010/01/03/crested-butte-kebler-pass/#comment-231 Chris S. Sun, 03 Jan 2010 19:23:00 +0000 http://coloradotrailrider.com/?p=429#comment-231 Very good! Just keep an eye on that group. My hopes is that with our rides, others will post invitations to there rides as well – giving everyone more choices. Very good! Just keep an eye on that group. My hopes is that with our rides, others will post invitations to there rides as well – giving everyone more choices.

]]> Comment on Kebler Pass Road & the West Elk Winderness Area by Bonnie Olson http://coloradotrailrider.com/2010/01/03/crested-butte-kebler-pass/#comment-229 Bonnie Olson Sun, 03 Jan 2010 19:13:56 +0000 http://coloradotrailrider.com/?p=429#comment-229 I joined both Yahoo and Flicker so hopefully when the time comes I can see where you are headed! Thanks for doing what you do! I joined both Yahoo and Flicker so hopefully when the time comes I can see where you are headed! Thanks for doing what you do!

]]> Comment on Kebler Pass Road & the West Elk Winderness Area by Chris S. http://coloradotrailrider.com/2010/01/03/crested-butte-kebler-pass/#comment-228 Chris S. Sun, 03 Jan 2010 17:44:50 +0000 http://coloradotrailrider.com/?p=429#comment-228 Bonnie, This was a tough one in 2009 with the issues with weather it was difficult to “plan” anything and most rides happened within a week or so. So what we have decided to do is to create a place online that all you guys (and us) can post rides that we are going on and are open for others to join. This open discussion just launched two weeks ago, but should help get folks together on the trails. You can find the group here: http://www.flickr.com/groups/ctr Bonnie,

This was a tough one in 2009 with the issues with weather it was difficult to “plan” anything and most rides happened within a week or so.

So what we have decided to do is to create a place online that all you guys (and us) can post rides that we are going on and are open for others to join.

This open discussion just launched two weeks ago, but should help get folks together on the trails.

You can find the group here:
http://www.flickr.com/groups/ctr

]]> Comment on Kebler Pass Road & the West Elk Winderness Area by Bonnie Olson http://coloradotrailrider.com/2010/01/03/crested-butte-kebler-pass/#comment-227 Bonnie Olson Sat, 02 Jan 2010 22:14:28 +0000 http://coloradotrailrider.com/?p=429#comment-227 I looked for some of your rides last year and could find nothing past the Spring Grape Creek ride. Could you let me know when you are meeting for a ride this coming year? I was fortunate to get to ride the West Elks last summer but would love to join your group on some rides! I looked for some of your rides last year and could find nothing past the Spring Grape Creek ride. Could you let me know when you are meeting for a ride this coming year? I was fortunate to get to ride the West Elks last summer but would love to join your group on some rides!

]]> Comment on Muy Grande and Cowboy Frrrrred! by Margi http://coloradotrailrider.com/2009/10/03/muy-grande-and-cowboy-frrrrred/#comment-202 Margi Fri, 11 Dec 2009 07:09:56 +0000 http://coloradotrailriders.wordpress.com/?p=134#comment-202 I always enjoy a good belly laughing story from Fred Mau at Trail Horses of the West. My husband still owns our dearly loved Tennesse Walking Horse, Hank. Thank you, Cowboy Fred for yoru stories and your great horses! I always enjoy a good belly laughing story from Fred Mau at Trail Horses of the West. My husband still owns our dearly loved Tennesse Walking Horse, Hank. Thank you, Cowboy Fred for yoru stories and your great horses!

]]> Comment on Packing: Where do I start? by Chris S. http://coloradotrailrider.com/2008/03/27/packing-where-do-i-start/#comment-203 Chris S. Sat, 03 Oct 2009 15:05:04 +0000 http://coloradotrailriders.wordpress.com/?p=85#comment-203 Any 3/8 Climbers Rope will do - and 100 feet is a good length. You want something that will not streatch too much.Home Depot, Big-R and both have them. Big-R will also carry the Knot Eliminators (Sometimes). However, your best bet is Outfitters Supply (<a href="http://www.outfitterssupply.com" target="_new" rel="nofollow">http://www.outfitterssupply.com</a>) and just purchasing their Highline Kit. <a href="http://www.outfitterssupply.com/Four-Horse-Highline-Kit/productinfo/WPHK100" target="_new" rel="nofollow">http://www.outfitterssupply.com/Four-Horse-Highline-Kit/productinfo/WPHK100</a> Any 3/8 Climbers Rope will do – and 100 feet is a good length. You want something that will not streatch too much.Home Depot, Big-R and both have them. Big-R will also carry the Knot Eliminators (Sometimes).

However, your best bet is Outfitters Supply (http://www.outfitterssupply.com) and just purchasing their Highline Kit.
http://www.outfitterssupply.com/Four-Horse-Highline-Kit/productinfo/WPHK100

]]> Comment on Packing: Where do I start? by D Wolfe http://coloradotrailrider.com/2008/03/27/packing-where-do-i-start/#comment-201 D Wolfe Wed, 30 Sep 2009 17:27:35 +0000 http://coloradotrailriders.wordpress.com/?p=85#comment-201 WHAT KIND OF ROPE DO I NEED FOR THE HIGH LINE AND HOW LONG. ALSO WHERE DO I GET THE KNOT ELIMINATORS AND HOW DO I ATTACH THESE. MY HORSES HAVE USED A HIGHLINE BEFORE BUT I AM NOT FAMILIAR WITH IT. PLEASE EXPLAIN FULLY. THANK YOU. WHAT KIND OF ROPE DO I NEED FOR THE HIGH LINE AND HOW LONG. ALSO WHERE DO I GET THE KNOT ELIMINATORS AND HOW DO I ATTACH THESE. MY HORSES HAVE USED A HIGHLINE BEFORE BUT I AM NOT FAMILIAR WITH IT. PLEASE EXPLAIN FULLY. THANK YOU.

]]> Comment on USAFA Academy Stables by Chris S. http://coloradotrailrider.com/2008/03/02/usafa-academy-stables/#comment-191 Chris S. Thu, 28 May 2009 14:58:28 +0000 http://coloradotrailriders.wordpress.com/?p=20#comment-191 Thank's Rosie, let me know what you find out. Thank’s Rosie, let me know what you find out.

]]> Comment on USAFA Academy Stables by Rosie http://coloradotrailrider.com/2008/03/02/usafa-academy-stables/#comment-190 Rosie Thu, 28 May 2009 13:48:51 +0000 http://coloradotrailriders.wordpress.com/?p=20#comment-190 Chris, the fee went up to $10 for trailer in fee, last summer. Did they change it for this year? I am going there today, will let you know. Chris, the fee went up to $10 for trailer in fee, last summer. Did they change it for this year? I am going there today, will let you know.

]]> Comment on Lower Grape Creek Trail by Mothers Day Ride - Lower Grape Creek « Colorado Trail Riders http://coloradotrailrider.com/2009/08/08/grape-creek-trail/#comment-186 Mothers Day Ride - Lower Grape Creek « Colorado Trail Riders Mon, 04 May 2009 23:19:59 +0000 http://coloradotrailriders.wordpress.com/?p=101#comment-186 [...] will be riding the Lower Grape Creak Trail this Sunday - This is an incredible ride for this time of year. Warm weather, flowing streams [...] [...] will be riding the Lower Grape Creak Trail this Sunday – This is an incredible ride for this time of year. Warm weather, flowing streams [...]

]]> Comment on GPS & Topo Map Workshop by Chris S. http://coloradotrailrider.com/2008/06/18/gps-topo-map-workshop/#comment-153 Chris S. Wed, 25 Jun 2008 18:06:51 +0000 http://coloradotrailriders.wordpress.com/?p=165#comment-153 Yes, there is space available. We look forward to seeing you guys tonight. Yes, there is space available.
We look forward to seeing you guys tonight.

]]> Comment on GPS & Topo Map Workshop by Pam Galchutt http://coloradotrailrider.com/2008/06/18/gps-topo-map-workshop/#comment-152 Pam Galchutt Wed, 25 Jun 2008 17:57:26 +0000 http://coloradotrailriders.wordpress.com/?p=165#comment-152 Hi! Is there any space still available for the GPS workshop this evening? A friend and I are interested in attending if there is. Thanks! Pam Galchutt P.S. What a terrific web site your group has! I look forward to spending some time checking all through it... Hi!
Is there any space still available for the GPS workshop this evening? A friend and I are interested in attending if there is.
Thanks!
Pam Galchutt
P.S. What a terrific web site your group has! I look forward to spending some time checking all through it…

]]> Comment on The Spotted Saddle Horse by Sandy http://coloradotrailrider.com/2008/03/18/the-spotted-saddle-horse/#comment-147 Sandy Fri, 20 Jun 2008 15:24:51 +0000 http://coloradotrailriders.wordpress.com/?p=61#comment-147 Chris, I googled a horse my husband and I used to own and tracked you down through her. I am talking about Scenic Blue Step or "Blue" as we called her. I have been monitoring your website for some time and am delighted to see the pictures of her out on the trail and enjoying a good life. We bought her as a weanling from a neighbor and she got me back in the show ring after about 20 years of not showing. We showed her in longe line and in-hand trail as a yearling and sold her to Joe Branny as a two year old. We heard of his passing and wondered what would become of Blue. Thanks for taking care of her. If you would like any other information about her early days or some baby pictures please let me know. We'd be glad to share. Sandy Fleming Santa Teresa, NM Chris,

I googled a horse my husband and I used to own and tracked you down through her. I am talking about Scenic Blue Step or “Blue” as we called her. I have been monitoring your website for some time and am delighted to see the pictures of her out on the trail and enjoying a good life. We bought her as a weanling from a neighbor and she got me back in the show ring after about 20 years of not showing. We showed her in longe line and in-hand trail as a yearling and sold her to Joe Branny as a two year old. We heard of his passing and wondered what would become of Blue. Thanks for taking care of her. If you would like any other information about her early days or some baby pictures please let me know. We’d be glad to share.

Sandy Fleming
Santa Teresa, NM

]]> Comment on Packing: Where do I start? by Laura Baxter http://coloradotrailrider.com/2008/03/27/packing-where-do-i-start/#comment-131 Laura Baxter Tue, 20 May 2008 15:01:49 +0000 http://coloradotrailriders.wordpress.com/?p=85#comment-131 Great website! Great website!

]]> Comment on Palmer Park BBQ – Saturday May 10th by Jennifer Marino http://coloradotrailrider.com/2008/05/05/palmer-park-bbq-friday-may-10th/#comment-116 Jennifer Marino Tue, 13 May 2008 15:35:28 +0000 http://coloradotrailriders.wordpress.com/?p=110#comment-116 Hi, I am sorry we didn't get a chance to ride on Saturday. I showed up right when you'all were leaving. Please put me on your email list for up incoming rides. The best email address to use is jmarinocolospgs@yahoo.com We have a clinician coming from Gunnison on June 28th to do a clinic in Rye. We will have a barbeque at the lodge after the clinic. Can I post the information on your site? I would truly appreciate it. Hi, I am sorry we didn’t get a chance to ride on Saturday. I showed up right when you’all were leaving. Please put me on your email list for up incoming rides. The best email address to use is jmarinocolospgs@yahoo.com We have a clinician coming from Gunnison on June 28th to do a clinic in Rye. We will have a barbeque at the lodge after the clinic. Can I post the information on your site? I would truly appreciate it.

]]> Comment on The Spotted Saddle Horse by Chris S. http://coloradotrailrider.com/2008/03/18/the-spotted-saddle-horse/#comment-108 Chris S. Mon, 14 Apr 2008 14:47:04 +0000 http://coloradotrailriders.wordpress.com/?p=61#comment-108 Jennifer, I am the one that responded to your email and said that I have 3 Paints (not Spotted or Gaited). I am also the one you meet yesterday at Palmer Park that was "riding" the Black & White Paint. Keith was the one who was on a Walker (not Spotted) who was ponying a Black & White Paint (not Spotted). Rusty is in Pueblo, and I believe he has Paints and I don't believe that they are Spotted. I don't believe that anyone form our core group rides a Spotted Saddle Horse? I hope this clears it up for you. Jennifer,

I am the one that responded to your email and said that I have 3 Paints (not Spotted or Gaited). I am also the one you meet yesterday at Palmer Park that was “riding” the Black & White Paint.

Keith was the one who was on a Walker (not Spotted) who was ponying a Black & White Paint (not Spotted).

Rusty is in Pueblo, and I believe he has Paints and I don’t believe that they are Spotted.

I don’t believe that anyone form our core group rides a Spotted Saddle Horse?

I hope this clears it up for you.

]]> Comment on The Spotted Saddle Horse by Jennifer Marino http://coloradotrailrider.com/2008/03/18/the-spotted-saddle-horse/#comment-107 Jennifer Marino Mon, 14 Apr 2008 13:59:04 +0000 http://coloradotrailriders.wordpress.com/?p=61#comment-107 Now I am confused. I just put two and two together in that you are advertising for the Packing Seminar on your site. I thought I emailed you regarding your horses being Spotted Saddle Horses. It must have been Rusty. He reponded that his horses were paints. Was that you or Rusty? Are your and Brandy's horses Spotted Saddle Horses? The horse I was on yesterday is one. I got him for my husband three years ago and now he got me one from the same farm in Missouri. It is being broke now. The family is bringing her own at the end of May and some of their horses. Where did you say you were going riding over Memorial Day? We may want to join you. Now I am confused. I just put two and two together in that you are advertising for the Packing Seminar on your site. I thought I emailed you regarding your horses being Spotted Saddle Horses. It must have been Rusty. He reponded that his horses were paints. Was that you or Rusty? Are your and Brandy’s horses Spotted Saddle Horses? The horse I was on yesterday is one. I got him for my husband three years ago and now he got me one from the same farm in Missouri. It is being broke now. The family is bringing her own at the end of May and some of their horses. Where did you say you were going riding over Memorial Day? We may want to join you.

]]> Comment on Packing: Where do I start? by RustyG http://coloradotrailrider.com/2008/03/27/packing-where-do-i-start/#comment-96 RustyG Mon, 31 Mar 2008 22:56:13 +0000 http://coloradotrailriders.wordpress.com/?p=85#comment-96 Something to add as well...you are not just training the pack horse but your mount too. Yesterday I had one of my mares out with my gelding carrying the pack. This mare has never bucked or kicked with myself or another rider over the past 3 years I have owned her. Apparently the rope slipped under her tail, she didn't like my gelding following so close, or maybe he bit at her but she went into a bucking fit. This is a good reason not to tie the lead rope of the pack animal. I was able to release my pack animal and get my mount back under control. Now imagine if that would have happened on a narrow mountain trail... Something to add as well…you are not just training the pack horse but your mount too. Yesterday I had one of my mares out with my gelding carrying the pack. This mare has never bucked or kicked with myself or another rider over the past 3 years I have owned her.

Apparently the rope slipped under her tail, she didn’t like my gelding following so close, or maybe he bit at her but she went into a bucking fit. This is a good reason not to tie the lead rope of the pack animal. I was able to release my pack animal and get my mount back under control. Now imagine if that would have happened on a narrow mountain trail…

]]> Comment on Packing: Where do I start? by Debra Howard http://coloradotrailrider.com/2008/03/27/packing-where-do-i-start/#comment-95 Debra Howard Sun, 30 Mar 2008 23:36:18 +0000 http://coloradotrailriders.wordpress.com/?p=85#comment-95 Just wanted to say we cannot wait for this clinic. My husband and I have 5 mules and are learning how to pack. This will be a great opportunity for us to learn more with people we know. Jennifer and Darek Marino are our neighbors, here in Colorado Springs. They are GREAT people. Just wanted to say we cannot wait for this clinic. My husband and I have 5 mules and are learning how to pack. This will be a great opportunity for us to learn more with people we know.
Jennifer and Darek Marino are our neighbors, here in Colorado Springs. They are GREAT people.

]]> Comment on Packing: Where do I start? by Jennifer Marino http://coloradotrailrider.com/2008/03/27/packing-where-do-i-start/#comment-86 Jennifer Marino Thu, 27 Mar 2008 21:33:40 +0000 http://coloradotrailriders.wordpress.com/?p=85#comment-86 Thank you for such an extensive reply. I will start trying these things out. I bought a clipping system at the Rocky Mountain Horse Expo. I can use them for a highline and many other uses. I look forward to learning more. My horses are extremely good trail horses. They are very willing and have great steady tempermants. Hopefully, they will do well. Thank you for such an extensive reply. I will start trying these things out. I bought a clipping system at the Rocky Mountain Horse Expo. I can use them for a highline and many other uses. I look forward to learning more. My horses are extremely good trail horses. They are very willing and have great steady tempermants. Hopefully, they will do well.

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