bug out horse?

[Maverick]

Might also add, if you never had a great deal of experience with horses and looking to get one ask if it is a trail horse or pasture only, I had a friend come visit me from Nebraska bringing his horse, the horse was pasture ridden only, his horse had issues trail riding because of narrow passes, low branches etc... A pasture terrain only horse may give issues if you decide to take this horse in the back country, a pasture only horse getting it's ass slapped by a low branch on a trail may not be good

 

[Gazrok]

Good point. On the property, we do pasture riding, but we try and get them to trails as we can too.

Buying a horse isn't often extremely expensive (unless you're getting some champion or a really thoroughly trained one). Can usually find one around here from free (person just can't afford to keep feeding it) to around $1000 for a trained riding horse. The real expense is in keeping one.

First, if your place isn't equipped for it, you're going to pay for monthly boarding (around $300 a month or so, depending on facilities, can be way more, and that's assuming you are there every day to feed the horse, maybe even clean the stall...). Then, factor in about $150 a month for feed and hay, and about another $50 for a farrier every 6 weeks. Add another $150 or so a year for annual shots. Expect to further spend about $600-$1000 to fully tack out the horse too (saddle, blanket, bit, bridle, winter blanket, lead rope, etc.).

Of course, for SHTF, you may just come upon one whose owner didn't make it, etc., but the above is for pre-SHTF.

Some stables actually rent horses also, either just for a trail ride, or even monthly. In my experience, the horses in these places aren't always treated the best, but it is a chance for folks to get exposure to it without the same level of expense.

 

[jontte]

a stupid question from someone whos never ridden a horse, is it difficult to learn to ride??

 

[Maverick]

providing the new riders attitude is right no, not overly difficult but the horse makes the difference!! I know it may sound funny, but a good horse will teach you how to command it not punish you

 

[jontte]

gotcha I've never tried itbut I know there's a couple of places with horses and that thought came to me why not put them on my maps if shtf occurs, another way to get out 'cause the closest stable is 4 miles away and learning new traits might be useful

 

[Gazrok]

First time I ever went to a stable and rode, zero training or experience, and by the end of the day, I was backing up, galloping, etc. like a natural. I think a lot of it depends on the horse, as Maverick said. I got lucky and had a good one. And the right attitude. Then, there are some horses that even good riders have to be wary of....

 

[jontte]

those are the horses I dredd to meet
have to ask my co-worker who's riding alot, you never know when this experience could be useful

 

[cowgirlofcolor]

While you do have valid points, I will stay with my horses. It's just me and my preference. Not for everyone. Besides, I can't ride a bike.

I'm with you Old_anorak, despite all the very valid points the others made about horses not being an ideal bugout means of transportation. I will do everything in my power to have my horse will remain with me until the end. What i wish i could find are others who want to do dry-run practice bugout weekends, bc I'm fully aware of the importance practice --- this is only multiplied when it comes to tasks with horses. I recently moved to west Houston and the folks I've been around are primarily into (as am i, as well) roping, rodeo and maybe some Trailriders who aren't the least bit interested in prepping for anything other than the next BIG trailride. any suggestions on where i might connect with other riders who would be interested in or already doing, mock bugout senerios with their horses?

 

[nunquam_non_paratus]

The purpose of transportation is simply point A to B. In any shtf situation you can bet that two major obstacles will be rivers and mountains. Bridges will become choke points and any passes will undoubtedly be watched.

The reliability of vehicles after emp is questionable. Fuel breaks down over time and will eventually run out. If a part breaks on an automobile you are sol.

Horses are a great idea. They are amphidious, and can go places most vehicles can't, such as narrow moutain trails. They do not require fuel except that can be provided by nature. And as a good friend of mine pointed out worse case scenario they are edible.

 

[Maverick]

Even in a worse case scenario anyone that eats my horses ought to ask for forgiveness of their maker because it will be their last mortal meal

 

[Mountain trapper]

The purpose of transportation is simply point A to B. In any shtf situation you can bet that two major obstacles will be rivers and mountains. Bridges will become choke points and any passes will undoubtedly be watched.

The reliability of vehicles after emp is questionable. Fuel breaks down over time and will eventually run out. If a part breaks on an automobile you are sol.

Horses are a great idea. They are amphidious, and can go places most vehicles can't, such as narrow moutain trails. They do not require fuel except that can be provided by nature. And as a good friend of mine pointed out worse case scenario they are edible.

I've eaten a lot of horse overseas and loved it. Horses are definitely "dual purpose" critters.

 

[Brent S]

I've ridden a few sad old trail horses on vacations, but have no real world experience with them. I wish I knew someone with some that I could learn from. All I am sure of is on a motorcycle, when you turn left, the bike goes left. On a horse, it has a mind of its own, and may not turn left if it knows you're a novice. I admit too that I'm a little intimidated by an animal that is in the 1200lb range.

 

[Maverick]

I've ridden a few sad old trail horses on vacations, but have no real world experience with them. I wish I knew someone with some that I could learn from. All I am sure of is on a motorcycle, when you turn left, the bike goes left. On a horse, it has a mind of its own, and may not turn left if it knows you're a novice. I admit too that I'm a little intimidated by an animal that is in the 1200lb range.

If you do learn or plan on purchasing get a Morgan, it's the best all around horse, extremely smart, easy to train, if you get one that's already established it will train you oh, and they are very good pick pocket'ers.

edited, I might add my personal horse is what is called a foundation morgan, the other morgans I have are what some call modern morgans (fyi)

 

[Mountain trapper]

If you do learn or plan on purchasing get a Morgan, it's the best all around horse, extremely smart, easy to train, if you get one that's already established it will train you oh, and they are very good pick pocket'ers.

edited, I might add my personal horse is what is called a foundation morgan, the other morgans I have are what some call modern morgans (fyi)

I agree Mav. I've owned a lot of horses over the years and Morgan's were my favorite. The first Morgan's I owned were champion dressage horses. At the time I had no idea what dressage meant. I guess the high prices should have tipped me off. They were a lot of money but I just had to have them. The first time I rode one of them I adjusted myself in the saddle and the horse took off in another direction. That should have been my second hint that these were no ordinary horses. Anyway, once I learned how to ride a dressage horse they turned out to be the best mountain horses I ever owned.

 

[Maverick]

I agree Mav. I've owned a lot of horses over the years and Morgan's were my favorite. The first Morgan's I owned were champion dressage horses. At the time I had no idea what dressage meant. I guess the high prices should have tipped me off. They were a lot of money but I just had to have them. The first time I rode one of them I adjusted myself in the saddle and the horse took off in another direction. That should have been my second hint that these were no ordinary horses. Anyway, once I learned how to ride a dressage horse they turned out to be the best mountain horses I ever owned.

dressage trained horse is impressive and not cheap of a good breed

 

[Brent S]

If you do learn or plan on purchasing get a Morgan, it's the best all around horse, extremely smart, easy to train, if you get one that's already established it will train you oh, and they are very good pick pocket'ers.

edited, I might add my personal horse is what is called a foundation morgan, the other morgans I have are what some call modern morgans (fyi)

I'm on 2.5 acres, but most is planted with grapes, blueberries, fruit trees and gardens. The half acre I have with grass isn't enough to feed a horse here, or keep it on without stripping all the grass. I would enjoy learning about one and riding, but think if I get a large animal it would be a dairy cow. I think it would serve my purpose better here. And if things get bad, Somehow eating a cow seems less offensive than a horse. By the way, can you saddle train a cow?

 

[Maverick]

If you can ride a bull you can ride a cow though not the smartest creatures on earth but can be somewhat trained maybe not to the level of Arctic's dressage trained horse lol

 

[Billy Roper]

We had horses while I was growing up, and if we had the land for it I definitely would get some, for recreation and for SHTF.

 

[Mountain trapper]

I'm on 2.5 acres, but most is planted with grapes, blueberries, fruit trees and gardens. The half acre I have with grass isn't enough to feed a horse here, or keep it on without stripping all the grass. I would enjoy learning about one and riding, but think if I get a large animal it would be a dairy cow. I think it would serve my purpose better here. And if things get bad, Somehow eating a cow seems less offensive than a horse. By the way, can you saddle train a cow?

Where I live it takes about 20 acres to feed 1 cow or 1 horse. People still use cattle (oxen) for work, but I don't know about saddleing one. Although I have seen a guy saddle a moose in Alaska before.

 

[Silent Earth]

Unless they produce a stick shift Right Hand drive horse for the UK I'm afraid they wont be any use to me

 

[Brent S]

If you can ride a bull you can ride a cow though not the smartest creatures on earth but can be somewhat trained maybe not to the level of Arctic's dressage trained horse lol

I guess it's not as cool to ride up on old betsey as it is to be on a good steed.

 

[nunquam_non_paratus]

Even in a worse case scenario anyone that eats my horses ought to ask for forgiveness of their maker because it will be their last mortal meal

Agreed. My refrence was to the rider better to eat my horse than to starve.

 

[Maverick]

Agreed. My refrence was to the rider better to eat my horse than to starve.

Even in the worst case situation (starvation) my horse is still the extension of me no different than my right arm and I certainly wouldn't eat my right arm my horse is not only a animal since our spirit is one, no sir, even in starvation we both die, that's the way it is with me. I also guarantee you, my horse will die trying to get me out of a fix, that kind of loyalty one doesn't kill for self preservation.

 

[Dani]

Hunny rides Charlie around the pasture but the problem is Charlie goes where Charlie wants to and it normally involves food! He really wouldn't make a good 'pack horse. . . . I sure do miss my Jack though.

 

[Joe SA]

Unless they produce a stick shift Right Hand drive horse for the UK I'm afraid they wont be any use to me

Wife says they have no brakes and they think for themselves, makes her real nervous, and she is real apprehensive about the front end, cause its got teeth, i got her as far as to rub the nose of one for a few seconds.

 

[Silent Earth]

There is not one single Horse, Pony, Mule, Ass or Donkey on earth that happening across me would not instantly bite me whilst trying to stand on my toes, NOT ONE, might have something to do with me referring to them as walking dogfood though.

 

[Gazrok]

i already got my tack and just need to build the fence. an for those of you using your horses what are some tips and tricks you have for me lol

I do have some good tips on fencing.

I use wooden posts (about $7 each), and cattle panels (18' and 4' high, for $18). It's inexpensive, and good enough for pretty much any animal (except a really big dog who may get over it). I get the ones with smaller grid at the bottom, for my little dogs. (and to keep out bunnies)

For a cheap gate, some left over 2x4's and you can cut a piece of old cattle panel for it (that may be all bent up, etc. in places). I typically also keep about 3 panels onhand for any kind of repairs.

I also routinely find chain link or grid wire on yard sale and auction sites for cheap, cheap rates. So I stockpile some of that too...for quick fence repairs.

 

[Brent S]

I do have some good tips on fencing.

I use wooden posts (about $7 each), and cattle panels (18' and 4' high, for $18). It's inexpensive, and good enough for pretty much any animal (except a really big dog who may get over it). I get the ones with smaller grid at the bottom, for my little dogs. (and to keep out bunnies)

For a cheap gate, some left over 2x4's and you can cut a piece of old cattle panel for it (that may be all bent up, etc. in places). I typically also keep about 3 panels onhand for any kind of repairs.

I also routinely find chain link or grid wire on yard sale and auction sites for cheap, cheap rates. So I stockpile some of that too...for quick fence repairs.

18 bucks is a great. I haven't seen any near that cheap. Are they galvanized?

 

[Gazrok]

18 bucks is a great. I haven't seen any near that cheap. Are they galvanized?

Guess it's 16' usually. I get it at a local feed store for $18, but even Tractor Supply has it for $21
http://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/feedlot-panel-cattle-16-ft-l-x-50-in-h?cm_vc=-10005

I don't see anything about galvanized, but it seems to have lasted me fine.

 

[Brent S]

Guess it's 16' usually. I get it at a local feed store for $18, but even Tractor Supply has it for $21
http://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/feedlot-panel-cattle-16-ft-l-x-50-in-h?cm_vc=-10005

I don't see anything about galvanized, but it seems to have lasted me fine.

When it cools off I need to do some fence repairs here. That looks like it would be great covered with muscadine grape vines.