POINTERS FOR A PLEASANT BIG RIDE with the Roundup Riders of the Rockies

by Brigadier General “Sage” Kester ROUNDUP RIDERS of the ROCKIES OFFICERS DIRECTORS EMERITUS Dr. Rich Kiely, President Col. Dale Boggie July 15, 2016 Duane Kent, Pres-Elect Jim Carpenter Darrel Wentz, V.P. Don Hachenberger Fellow Riders: Joe O’Dea, Secretary Ben Houston Jeff Keller, Treasurer Bill Keller The author of this booklet is General Wayne Steve Matthews “Sage” Kester, U.S. Air Force Veterinary Corps. DIRECTORS Jim Moore Dr. Marvin Beeman Don O’Connor Sage rode on the Big Ride for 48 years. He was Jim Cage Les Pedicord a fountain of knowledge on Horsemanship and Ken Carpenter Ray Petersburg Horsemastership. No one had more experience Rob Deline Wes Segelke with men and horses on the ride than Sage. George Eidsness Chuck Sylvester This handy reference booklet will help you Jeff Keller Dr. John Young have a safer and more pleasant ride. Duane Kent Rich Kiely DIRECTOR OF Our heartfelt thanks to Sage! Ron Morris OPERATIONS Joe O’Dea Buzz Johnson In addition, our sincere gratitude goes to Dr. Charles Scoggin Dr. Marvin Beeman (a seasoned veteran of 50 Scott Stuart Roundup Rides as of this writing) for his 2016 Bob Taylor revisions to this amazing booklet. Col. Mark Trostel Bruce Wagner Better days, Darrel Wentz Your RRR Board

i ii TABLE OF CONTENTS

Officers & Directors...... i Board Letter...... ii Pointers for a Pleasant Ride...... 1 Rider Competitions ...... 2 Pointers on Your Horse ...... 4 Pointers for the Ride...... 8 Riding, Trail & Camp Manners ...... 10 Horse Tips from Our Veterinarians . . . . 20 Cardinal Rules for Roundup Riders . . 22 Tips for Trail Riders ...... 33 More Trail Riding Tips ...... 36 Summary ...... 39 Old Mont ...... 40 Notes ...... 42

iii POINTERS FOR A PLEASANT RIDE by Brigadier General “Sage” Kester One of the nice things about the annual trek of the Roundup Riders of the Rockies is that it is a ride, a pleasant and enjoyable ride of good horsemen and gentlemen on good horses. This has become a tradition - one that sets the Roundup Riders apart from all others.

The foresight of our founders provided an atmosphere where this tradition could develop and thrive. It also led to the Roundup Riders today having an international reputation as the best mounted, best performing trail riding group of horsemen in America.

We have received invaluable guidelines from the competitions held annually on the trail. Principal ones are the Roundup Rider of the Year and the Colt of the Year events. These have taught us many lessons.

Ahead on these pages is a resume’ of these events and other things that have made, and will make, trail riding more enjoyable for any rider and his companions - and more pleasant for the horse that makes this great outdoor experience possible.

1 RIDER COMPETITIONS

Rick Ricketson “Roundup Rider of the Year” Award L. W. Van Fleet “Colt of the Year” Award.

Eligibility & Conditions Criteria For Judges All riding members on the ride, except Colts and Horsemanship: Ability to ride and manage his former award winners, are automatically in the horse. “Roundup Rider of the Year” competition. Good horsemanship is essential and will All Colts are automatically in the “Colt of the receive the judges’ most critical evaluation. To Year” competition. be in contention, a rider must be adjudicated as among the top horsemen in competition. Any rider who does not complete the entire ride each day is eliminated, unless there is Other Criteria justifiable reason for the absence. Riders who Horsemastership: Ability to care for the horse. do not ride the same horse throughout the ride are eliminated, unless there is just reason for a Horse: Suitability as a trail horse, suitability for change of mounts. rider, physical fitness for the job .

Judging Objective Equipment: Suitability, completeness and The judging objective is to select the horse condition of horse and per­sonal equipment for and rider who best personifies the image that Roundup Rider trail riding. represents the ideal Roundup Rider, combining the qualities of good horsemanship, good Deportment: Riding, trail and camp manners - comradeship and good sportsmanship. good comradeship and good sportsmanship.

2 3 POINTERS ON YOUR HORSE comfortable for you and easy on him. Some things that characterize a horse with a good Manners: The most important asset a trail way of going are: horse can have is good manners. Some things a well-mannered horse will do are: • Good gaits. Types of gaits are less important, however, a good trail horse should have a • Stand quietly for mounting and dismounting. good four-mile-an-hour easy, alert, swinging, flat­-footed walk - a five or six-mile-an-hour • Stand quietly at the halt - mounted or amble, or the typical and comfortable “cow dismounted. horse jog” or slow trot are assets. • Travel quietly in company in front, behind, • He should travel in a straight line. beside, or between horses at any gait. • He should travel comfortably and lightly, and • Remain quiet in confusing turmoil. not pound the ground. • Be easily handled and controlled whether • He should have true, straight forward leg- mounted or dismounted. action at all gaits with no excess or loss of • Submit quietly to grooming, saddling, action or motion. shoeing, leading or other handling. • He should be safe, observant and choose his • Not resent other horses or riders. speed when the going is rough. • Not exhibit timidity or become frightened at • He should safely and comfortably adapt his strange objects. speed to meet the situation, and carry on • Be alert and bold. with a consistent gait and rate of march. • Be responsive to leg, hand, voice, and other aids. • He should not rush up or down hills. Suitability: There are two things to consider: Ways of Going: Your horse’s way of going The first is the suitability of the horse for the is another important factor. It varies with purpose. The horse most suited for parade or breed and type. Most important of all, his rodeo purposes might be entirely unsuited as a way of going on the trail should be safe and trail horse. Second, suitability of horse for rider. 4 5 The horse might be ideal for a trail mount yet Soundness: Working soundness is imperative. because of temperament, personality clashes, or Horses that go sore, or hunt for soft spots in the size, be entirely unsuited for a particular rider. trail, or carry permanent unsoundness such as enlarged tendons, ring bones, and side bones, Conformation: May vary, according to the are a poor risk. On the other hand, horses with type and breed. However, irrespective of breed, blemishes and minor unsoundness such as old the horse should have good conformation as splints, which work sound, are not penalized. portrayed in part as follows: Condition: May vary somewhat with the horse • A general well-balanced and proportioned and rider. Your horse should be in condition to do conformation the task at hand, i.e., make the trip with ease and • A head with quality and an eye that reflects comfort. He need not be finely trained or drawn character and good disposition for an endurance ride. He should not be over- conditioned or under-conditioned. He may or • A neck that is flexible and responsive may not be in high flesh. He should make the trip • A withers and back that will hold a saddle up without tiring or undue loss of weight. The horses hill or down in top condition will finish each day’s march • Shoulders that slope and allow free action. strong, alert, and with the appearance of having many miles still left in them before dark. • Legs that are straight, well spread and well placed • Pasterns that are strong, yet sloping enough to be comfortable • A back and middle that are close-linked and deep enough to carry and stand up under weight • Feet that are strong, straight, and balanced • Action that is true, safe, and not exaggerated • A musculature that denotes power and agility 6 7 POINTERS FOR THE RIDE • Gets a smooth performance at all times, at all gaits, without commotion or fanfare. Horsemanship and Horsemastership are two • The foregoing is more or less over-and-above related, but entirely sepa­rated qualities. the usual requirements associated with good equitation. Horsemanship: Pertains to the rider essentially as a rider. Some men are excellent horsemen Horsemastership: Pertains to the rider more but very poor in Horsemastership. In fact, this in respect to his ability to care for the horse, is frequently the case. Some of the things that not just ride. Some of the things a man good in mark a good horseman are: horsemastership will do are:

• Give full consideration to the welfare and care • A maximum degree of efficient performance of his mount at all times. from his horse with a minimum of effort. • See that equipment is properly adjusted at all • His posture in the saddle: straight upright, times to be safe and comfortable for the mount. relaxed, balanced, resting in the saddle with legs and heels down (weight not on the cantle • Feed and water at appropriate times, including - feet forward). the grazing and watering en route, at convenient opportunities. • Light hands, usually associated with a moderately loose rein and light contact with • Properly cool out his animal at the end of the the horse’s mouth. Hands should be kept low trip including blanketing, bandaging, and cold - raising the hands to stop or direct a horse is packing legs or back when indicated. hard on their mouth and ineffective. • Observe his horse is properly shod. • A quiet but commanding voice, used as an aid. • Ensure that the horse is comfortable at all times. • Dominates his mount in a quiet manner and • Select the going to conserve his strength. exacts precision perfor­mance with effort that • Terminate the ride at a walk, dismount, loosen is hardly perceptible. cinch, and take the weight off the horse’s back • Inspires courage and confidence in his mount gradually if weight has been carried for a long and does not worry him. time. 8 9 RIDING, TRAIL & CAMP MANNERS do not ride up on the heels of the horses in front. This activity without a doubt becomes the • Don’t stop on the trail to water your horse, most important one of all to the judges as etc. and block the trail so riders behind the days wear on. This is understandable, and must stop in a bad spot and have an as it should be, because companionship can accident that you caused. make or break an otherwise pleasant ride. Good manners in camp are no different than • Read and comply with all rules and good manners elsewhere. Good riding and instructions pertaining to the ride. trail manners are not always well understood. They usually distinguish good horsemen and Equipment: Since this is a pleasure ride and are displayed by courtesy and consideration for not a parade, the equipment may or may others manifested by: not be expensive or elaborate. It should be comfortable, complete and in good condition. Not necessarily new. In fact, new equipment • Mounting and dismounting quietly so that frequently is not comfortable. It should be other riders and horses are not disturbed. adjusted and rigged so that weight is properly • Clearing or allowing space for others to mount distributed. All packs, saddlebags, or any or dismount on the trail. other paraphernalia carried on the saddle or • Holding position and moving with the group, horse should be well-adjusted and secure if required to do so, and if changing position so that it rides well and does not annoy the within a group, doing so quietly so that other mount, rider or other contestants. Condition horses are not disturbed. of the equipment usually reflects whether the rider is interested in his equipment and • Yielding to others in close quarters on the trail understands how to care for it. Equipment that and pointing out danger spots to those who is not properly cared for frequently becomes follow. dangerous because of dryness or brittleness • Controlling mounts at all times so that they do which causes weaknesses to develop. These not annoy or injure their neighbors. are not discovered unless the equipment is • Maintaining position in column so that they cleaned and examined periodically. 10 11 Lessons From Past Rides: Use a nylon him high and so that the rope will not slip halter (other types break and cotton ropes down. Also, if possible, tie him to a tree or shrink when wet). A flat nylon web halter is bush that he cannot walk around because satisfactory. However, I prefer the Johnson- usually he will walk around it and wind up the type halter made of round nylon rope. It is tie rope until it is about four inches long and lightweight, convenient to carry on a saddle, then become panicky and break it. If you must and a horse is more responsive to a round rope tie with a bridle, tie with one rein because if he nose band than a flat one. Use an eight-foot tries to break loose, he will, so why have him lead shank tied to the halter, or with a strong break a good bridle or two reins when one will safety snap. (Other type of snaps come open do as well. Do not hobble your horse on any 3R or break easily) Neck ropes without a halter ride. are dangerous for both horse and handler. See that the noseband is plenty large for the horse Don’t use a tie-down on the trail unless you to work his jaws comfortably and adjust the have a bad head tosser. If he stumbles, jumps, throat latch and head piece snugly so that the or falls, his nose instinctively shoots out and halter cannot be easily rubbed off. is automatically snapped back by the short tie-down, thus throwing him further out of On the picket line, tie your horse just long balance. A tie-down is a drowning hazard enough to reach the ground for eating. Long for a horse in water. Carry a pocket knife that shanks mean rope burns. Tie him with a knot will quickly cut a rope if a horse, or man, gets that will neither slip up or down the line or tangled in his gear. come loose, a knot your horse cannot untie but that you can easily undo. If you don’t know Most horses that throw and fight their heads how to tie such a knot, make it a point the first do so because something irritates them. day to find out how from the Head Wrangler Maybe the bridle pinches back of the ear, or or another old hand. Remember, a loose horse the bit is so loose it hangs on his teeth, or is means a kicked horse and the one that breaks so tight it pulls his lips into an uncomfortable his leg may be yours. grin. Sometimes the throat-latch is too tight or the curb strap tight and severe. If his ears point When you tie your horse to a tree or bush, tie forward most of the time on the trail, you can 12 13 bet all is well. If his ears are back most of the cinch forward into the fore flank and make time and he is uneasy or fretting, you can bet cinch sores back of the front legs. something is bothering him. Try to figure out what it is and correct it. If you don’t succeed, Unless your horse is well trained and used to ask some old hand to ride along with you and being ridden with loop reins, you should use see if the two of you can figure it out. You may split reins. If you get thrown, your reins will fall get a much better ride by doing so. to the ground so you can easily retrieve your horse. Also, if you are thrown and your reins are Saddle bags are handy but may chafe your tied together, you may get a foot through the horse’s skin if he is not used to them, if they loop and be dragged. Tree limbs can catch tied are loaded too heavily, or loaded unevenly. If reins and cause a nasty wreck. your horse has a skinned place, or if you think he may need treatment for anything, report If you discover a loose shoe, don’t try and fix it it to your wrangler and he will report it to the yourself. Ask for the farrier. veterinarian, if indicated. Otherwise, it may not be discovered until it’s too late. In riding, adjust your stirrups to the most comfortable length. The longer stirrup is Use a clean, wool saddle blanket folded double usually the more comfortable. Raising or or a thick pad that will readily absorb moisture. lowering them a hole or two during the day Synthetic material will “cook” a horse’s back on may be restful. (Inspect your equipment carefully our type of trail riding. Every time the horse is prior to rodeo contests.) saddled and cinch tightened, see that there are no wrinkles, sticks or thorns in the blanket. Whether you should or should not post at a trot depends on the horse. Some can be A breast harness will help keep your saddle in ridden sitting flat. However, most horses are place in rough country. However, it should be more comfortable to ride if you post at a trot. very loose and attached high in the cinch “D” It is usually easier on the rider and the horse, ring of the saddle – or preferably to a small “D” and most horses prefer that you post - so do ring on the most forward part of the saddle. If whatever is the easier and most comfortable it is short or down on the cinch it will pull the for you.

14 15 Don’t cinch your saddle too tightly–or too When you tie your horse, always check the loosely. Before mounting, you can easily slip ground around for stones, stumps, wire and four fingers (not the thumb) under the cinch other objects upon which he may step or lie from the front (with the direction of the hair). down on and become injured. Remember, it loosens a little after you mount. If you have a very fat or a sheep withered horse, Never tie a horse to a dead tree limb, fence you may have to pull your cinch tighter. A board, or other object that he may break loose. cinch that is either too loose or too tight will A panicked horse on one end of a halter rope make the horse sore. A loose cinch is especially and a dead tree limb or board on the other has dangerous because if a horse stumbles, gets put more than one man in the hospital and bumped or shies, your saddle turns and you ruined many a horse. are on your head under your own or some other rider’s horse. Always check the cinch Carry a saddle slicker. Learn how to handle before you mount. If you wear spurs, and you and use it the safe and easy way. It can be should, learn to properly use them. Proper dangerous otherwise. application of a spur at a crucial moment has prevented many a bad spill. (More on page 28w) If you carry a throw rope, attach it so that it will readily pull loose from your saddle in case it is Water your horse along the trail all he wants, snagged on a tree or you become entangled if you are continuing to ride, but only at in it. prescribed watering spots. Never water him while he is hot and then stop moving. If you We suggest you wear a pair of comfortable water at a rest stop, do so just before leaving, chaps.They will help you stick to your saddle, not when you arrive. At the end of the ride, protect you from the rain, and also prevent you allow your horse to have 8 –10 swallows of from having many a bruised or skinned knee or water (most horses flick their ears with each leg. However, their use is optional. swallow). Never allow him to stop for water and block the trail for other riders. This is not If you are leading a horse for someone on the only inconsiderate but may cause accidents. trail, do not turn him loose. A loose horse is an especially dangerous object.

16 17 When on the trail, always keep up so that fall backward when climbing steep hills. the horse ahead is in view at all times. If you carelessly take the wrong trail, all those behind If you are interested in learning more about follow. horses and riding (and if you weren’t so interested you wouldn’t be here) you will On narrow mountain trails, don’t allow your never have a better opportunity - old hands, horse to stop. They are less apt to step off the new hands, riders with all kinds of experience trail while moving than they are while standing are present, all eager to talk horses, all willing or resting. It is better to have his head turned to relate their experiences and give you their out rather than into the mountain. ideas and advice, yet all of them are reluctant to offer unsolicited advice and help when it If you must turn your horse on a mountain trail, comes to horses and horsemanship. Chances always turn him with his tail to the mountains are that if you approach any of the old hands and his head out over the valley. Turned the with any question you may have, they’ll talk wrong way, he is apt to back over the edge of the an arm off before you are through, especially trail and fall. if you ask them “why” every time they give you an answer. Ride erect in the middle of the saddle–not settled or slumped in the back of it. Keep your So, open up with your questions. Learn more backbone straight. Stooped shoulders and a about this amazing animal–the HORSE. He slouched curved spine today means a sore back was the first species of our present day animal for you tomorrow - your own. kingdom to appear on earth (man was the latest). His earliest ancestors of the pre ice age In bad footing, rocks, bogs and especially uphill, first lived right here on the eastern slope of the stand in your stirrups, grasp the saddle horn and Rockies where today his descendants are the get forward in the saddle thus placing all weight subject of our pleasure. over the horses center of gravity where he can best handle it. Riders who set heavy on the back end of a saddle usually have horses that charge and stumble where the footing is bad and often

18 19 HORSE TIPS FROM OUR RIDE conditioning the horse and during the Ride. VETERINARIANS Also check for loose shoes. (Do not depend upon your wrangler for this. He has 12–14 Your horse should be vaccinated for influenza horses to look after all at once.) Bring a light, and rhinopneumonitis within four weeks prior waterproof horse blanket with your name on it. to the ride. {It is also recommended that he be Your wrangler will blanket for the night. kept immunized against eastern and western equine encephalitis and tetanus.) He should The veterinary “Medicine Wagon” is always be free of any signs of disease. If in doubt, have located near one end of the picket lines. The your veterinarian examine him. He should Boss Wrangler schedules sick call, by picket be shod (four nails on each side of the foot) line, shortly after arrival in camp. If you find within two weeks prior to the ride. He should any problems, either bring or see that your be ridden five to10 miles per day for a least two wrangler presents your horse at the scheduled weeks prior to the ride and be in good physical time. Emergencies will be handled at once. condition. Veterinary services are provided free for the On the trail, at each stop, check for lost or loose benefit of the health and welfare of our horses. shoes and adjust both front and hind cinch. The Ride covers the first $200 in vet bills. Any Veterinarians and farrier always ride at the tail costs over that are the rider’s responsibility. We of the column. If you have any problems with must depend upon you, the rider, to inform us horse or equipment, fall out, dismount and of problems. hold your horse until the veterinarians arrive. Ask a buddy to dismount and stay with you.

When saddling and unsaddling, always examine the back (with the flat of your hand, not with the tip of the fingers) fore flank and breast for warm spots or abrasions caused by ill-fitting equipment. These areas should be washed with cold water after unsaddling while 20 21 CARDINAL RULES FOR On Arrival at First Camp ROUNDUP RIDERS • Register immediately. • Pick up your 3R information packet. • Ride each day unless excused by the doctor. • Locate your tent and Tent Captain. • No gambling–no regrets–a good time had by all. • Mark and place all of your duffel in your tent. • No excessive drinking. • Locate your picket line, horse and horse • Dress in true western attire and tradition. equipment. • Wear your identification badge at all times. • Advise your wrangler of peculiarities or • Use western saddle and horse equipment. special requirements your horse may have. • Do not bring a stallion or stag. • Saddle and take a short shakedown ride as • Never abuse a horse. soon as convenient. • No galloping, ever, except in rodeo or in extenuating circumstances. On the Trail • Keep automobiles out of camp. • Let the designated guide lead the group - do • Be on time for all formations and events. not pass him. • All members and guests must sleep in • Keep back of the rider ahead by at least the camp at all times. In emergencies notify the length of one horse - if the hocks of the horse President or Operations Director. in front can be seen between the ears of your horse, the distance is correct. • Observe the curfew for bar and noise. • Do not fall back and allow a long gap in the • Do not use the Ride or Ride Roster for column, and never lose sight of the rider ahead. business, political, religious or charitable purposes. • Do not leave the column to follow other trails. • Ride single-file against traffic on the left side of auto roads - state laws and your safety require it.

22 23 • Don’t ride more than two abreast in open • If your horse has a problem, notify your country or on roads Wrangler first. He will notify the Boss • Announce your intentions when passing the Wrangler, the veterinarian or a member of horse ahead. the Horse Welfare Committee. • Never stop and block the trail to water your horse, or for any other reason. Suggestions • If you must stop, ask a buddy to join you and • Carry a slicker on your saddle that will protect get well off the trail. from rain. • Water your horse at designated group areas. • Wear chaps for comfort. • If your horse will tolerate, wear spurs for safety. In Camp • Bring a lightweight, waterproof horse blanket • Relax and help the other fellow have a good for your horse. time. • Use a trail halter under the bridle - always • At first morning call (when lights go on) pack use it in tying your horse on the trail or other and stack your cot and duffel pronto, help appropriate circumstances. drop and load your tent and all gear into your assigned truck. • Carry a flask of water on your saddle. • Firecrackers and firearms are forbidden • Bring spare clothing for both wet and cold except trap shoot guns which will be turned weather. over to the Director of Operations the first • Bring a dressy outfit for evening wear in day in camp. camp. • Register in advance for the Rodeo, Horse • Cooperate with photographer. Remove dark Show and Horse of the Year. glasses for photos. • Your horse is your responsibility but allow • Pay due reverence and respect to church and your wrangler to do all feeding and watering Colt Mountain ceremonies. in camp. • Give a hand - and be a hand. 24 25 TIPS FOR TRAIL RIDERS ground with his nose. Never tie so long that he can graze. A front foot over a long shank In 40,000 miles of trail riding that I have done, means an injured horse. Never tie to a dead I have observed and learned many things that tree or limb, fence rail or other object that a contribute to the safety and comfort of both hard pull may break. A loose horse dragging horse and rider. Here are a few that come to mind: a board or other object on the end of a halter shank usually ends in panic and disaster.

The Picket Line Never tie to a wire fence or near objects that When you tie your horse to a picket line leave could cause injury. Expect any horse to pull the halter shank just long enough for his nose back and attempt to break loose at any time, to reach the ground. If tied longer he may get especially when tied in strange places. So be a front foot over the halter shank and suffer prepared for it with a tie he cannot break. injury. Tie with a knot that will not come undone, that a horse cannot untie, that you Watering can untie easily and that will not slide along The danger in watering is allowing a hot or the picket line. Tie far enough away from other tired horse to fill up on water and then stand horses so that kicks can be avoided. at rest. A load of water–especially cold water causes normal gut and bacterial action to slow If there is grass under the line, allow your horse down, or stop, which creates gas, cramps and to eat it off before feeding hay. He prefers grass colic. To avoid this, keep your horse walking and will stomp, soil, ignore and waste hay as on and do not stop for 20 or 30 minutes after long as grass is within reach. watering. A safe rule is, do not water closer than thirty minutes before any rest stop, or Tie Hard & Fast camp. Allow your horse to have 8 -10 swallows When you tie your horse along the trail of water upon arrival at camp. (water tanks for a rest stop, use a stout halter and tie to provided) Generally a horse flicks its ears with something he cannot break or pull loose. Tie each swallow. him high and short so he cannot reach the

26 27 Allow a horse to drink his fill at every Breast Plate opportunity if he is to continue working. If he A breast plate is a must in mountain riding. is thirsty, do not allow him to gulp it all at once The most efficient breast plate for that purpose - allow a gallon or so then pull him out for a is constructed with a short strap that goes few moments. Plan on 16 swallows per gallon. over the top of the neck just in front of the Extremely hot horses should be watered more saddle. A ring or “D” is attached to each end slowly. Pull off and do not block the trail while of the strap. The purpose is to attach a stout watering. adjustable strap on each side (quarter straps) that is attached to small “D” rings on the front Cinch Up of the saddle (or the front cinch quarter rings The most misused bit of equipment on a of the saddle). Adjustable shoulder straps are saddle is the back cinch. Keep it snug so that it also attached to the piece going over the top can serve its purpose - or throw it away. A loose of the neck. These shoulder straps are attached back cinch not only is useless, it is dangerous. to a “D” or ring that is placed just below the Sticks, tree limbs, brush, feet, boots and spurs opening of the chest (where the esophagus, can become tangled in it. Kept snug, it holds a trachea, and major vessels enter or exit the saddle in place and prevents it from working chest. Also attached to the “chest” ring (or “D”) forward - most useful when riding downhill. is an adjustable strap that attaches to the front Always minimize weight hung on saddle. cinch. The purpose of this breast plate is to facilitate movement of the shoulders, allow Always, when you saddle, keep it balanced. a horse to eat, drink, and breathe without First pull the front cinch snug, then the back interference to the vital structures at the base cinch snug. Lead your horse...then pull both of the neck. It should be adjusted so that a fist cinches up for final adjustment. You should can easily be placed under the ring at the “D” be able, with a little force, to slide your fingers below the opening of the chest. under the cinch from the front. Frequently check both cinches. They usually loosen and The adjustment appears to be too loose need adjusting during a ride. A too tight cinch on the standing horse. However, when the can cause several issues for your horse. horse is working, climbing hills, etc. it will

28 29 not be too tight. Allowing the shoulders and If your horse is one that likes to lie down and upper part of their front legs to work freely roll at day’s end, lead him to a soft area in the while still keeping the saddle in place. A too open and allow him to do so before washing, tight adjustment not only interferes with the or wash him again after he rolls. Sore backs function but it is the major cause of cinch sores do not just happen -there always is a cause. under the elbow region. The same is true if the Locate and eliminate the cause and the sore quarter straps are fastened to the latigos or will disappear. cinch rings. What To Wear (Note: Breast plate was developed by G. Marvin For comfort: stretch jeans that have been dry Beeman, D.V.M. from the English Hunting Breast cleaned or laundered at least once, light cotton Plate and has proven to be very effective for 50 long johns if your skin is tender, especially years of riding 3R trails) around the knees, and cowboy boots. If your boot top chafes your leg, tuck your pant legs Sore Backs inside. You should have blunt spurs - if you When you remove the saddle after a hard ride, know how and when to use them - lightweight run the flat of your hand over the horse’s back pliable chaps to help you stick to the saddle and carefully search for sore or unduly warm and for protection from brush and weather, a areas. Do the same when you groom and vest that can be closed if cold, open if hot, a saddle. Thoroughly wash the entire saddle area neck scarf to protect from sunburn, dust and of the back using cold water and sponge or insects, a Western hat large enough to protect brush. Use a scraper to remove excess water. from sun and rain and leather gloves to avoid Evaporation of the water adds to the cooling halter rope burns, snags on tree limbs and of a hot back. Blood circulation in the skin other hand injuries. A wrist watch and compass under a saddle is frequently poor in spots, due are handy. Carry a hat cover, especially if to pressure. When the saddle and pressure is wearing a straw hat (they leak like a sieve, removed, blood rushes to these spots causing especially if they have vent holes). swelling and bumps. A cold wash slows and often prevents this action. It also leaves a fresh clean back less subject to infection and injury. 30 31 When To Blanket MORE TRAIL RIDING TIPS Horse blankets may be used for three purposes on trail rides: to keep a horse warm when it is The last issue discussed a batch of trail riding cold or windy, dry and warm in rain or snow, tips, many of which I’ve picked up the hard way - and to avoid biting insects. Horses turned through bitter experience. Admittedly, it’s getting loose in a pen where they can move about a bit late in the season for recreational trail riding tolerate cold much better than when tied in some areas of our country, but in others, riders to a picket line. If either you or your horse pursue this equine sport year-around. is shivering, or you are uncomfortably cold without a jacket, it is time to blanket. If you’ve given up trail riding for the colder months, maybe the tips that follow will be of help Sweating under a blanket should be avoided. come spring. It is caused by blanketing before a horse has cooled out after work, or a blanket that is too On Your Saddle warm or not needed. Slipping a hand under Four leather strings - rather than the usual two the blanket will indicate if a horse is warm, are recommended on each side of the cantle; dry and comfortable, or hot, wet and sticky. one pair to tie on a jacket, the other pair for a Stuffing hands full of dry hay under a wet rain slicker, so either may be untied without blanket creates a warm air space between disturbing the other. Both rolled tight and tied the horse’s back and his blanket and will add down so they do not protrude. greatly to his comfort if a wet blanket must be used. A light- weight, waterproof blanket is the A set of small, lightweight saddle bags, firmly most effective. attached to the saddle and tied down to both back cinch latigos, are handy. In those bags, carry a large sharp pocket knife, a few leather strings for emergency repairs, a hoof pick, perhaps your lunch and other optional items such as a small plastic water flask, a hat cover and lined rubber gloves for rain protection, a spare used front and hind shoe 32 33 and nails for your horse, an adhesive bandage, Two vital points never to neglect – unless a long comb in cactus country to remove you enjoy walking – are your horse’s back cactus from a horse and you, a camera and and feet. Examine and groom his back well waterproof matches. Regardless of the content each morning and evening; also clean and of the saddlebags, keep the weight balanced examine his feet and shoes twice a day – more between the pair. often if trails are where rocks and bogs are treacherous. Put on new shoes (four nails on Optional on the saddle are a halter, a lasso each side) a week or 10 days before any long rope for pulling a horse or man out of a bog or ride. This allows time for a horse to become other precarious spots, a fencing tool or pliers used to his new shoes and to recover from to cut free a horse that is tangled in wire, open a nail prick or other injury that may happen and close a fence, dislodge a rock caught in a incident to shoeing. shoe and in tightening a loose shoe. A nose bag with a feed of grain in it - tied shut, looped Halter & Shanks over the saddle horn and tied to the saddle - is The nylon trail halters have become more a handy place to carry your own lunch, camera practical and effective to use on the trail. They and other items. The less dead weight carried fit nicely under the bridle and have a shank the better for the horse. Loaded saddle bags 8-9 feet long that is easily tied to the front frequently cause sore backs. left saddle strings for easy release and access. Note: the shank should not be tied to the horn Whatever you carry, tie it on tight and snug so or anything else that prevents the shank from it cannot flap around and annoy or spook your coming loose, i.e. – getting caught on a tree horse in case you gallop or he makes a quick branch, or in a wreck where the rider’s leg gets move. Flapping gear on a saddle causes many hung up in the shank. Also the trail halter can a wreck. be used as a substitute for a broken bridle or when a horse is jigging because of objection to Backs & Feet the pressure of the bit in his mouth. In the rush of the morning to get mounted and the rush of the evening to get to a campfire or bar, grooming often is neglected. 34 35 Tailgaters Danger in Nose Bags Some horses have a habit of walking up too A nose bag can be dangerous. If adjusted close to the horse ahead of him on the trail. too tightly, a horse may inhale some of the One way to break this habit and stay out of the contents. If too loose, it will fall off and an kick danger zone is to have the rider ahead of anxious horse will thrash around to get to him carry a willow stick or switch about four or the grain. If put on backwards, a horse may five feet long to tap him on the nose when he smother. A soft canvas wall may drape over a gets too close. horse’s nose as he starts to inhale and shut off his air. The vent hole side of the bag should be Tailgaters are horses that run up on and often placed in front to avoid this accident. A loose step on the heels of the horse ahead. They horse with a nose bag may drown, or get a are the most common cause for horses to lung full of water if he attempts to drink and become upset and jig on trail rides. One often the bag fills with water. gets trapped on a trail with a thoughtless rider on such a horse immediately behind. A long When using the feed bags while on the trail willow switch in your hand used as described two additional points to utilize: above will lengthen the interval and prevent annoyance and injury to your horse. 1. Tie your horse short and high – he will soon learn to push the bag against something to The rider behind should be advised in advance reach the grain. If tied loose enough to reach if you plan to use the stick. He may choose to the ground that is a real problem. hold his horse back or ride elsewhere. Then, too, if he is an unreceptive big fellow, you may 2. Leave the nose bag on when the horse is decide not to use the stick at all. A simpler finished. They will stand much quieter. solution is to drop out of the column at the first opportunity and then fall in, in front of some Another hazard is to man. What happens if a slowpoke or well mannered horse and rider. horse, as soon as he gets his nose in the bag, jabs his head down to the ground to get a mouthful of grain. While the head is down, the

36 37 man bends over the top of the horse’s head to Finally, mark your name on each item make adjustments. Suddenly, up comes the mentioned above and anything else you head, striking a severe blow right in the man’s carry, including horse and saddle blankets. face. Have a great ride!

Finally, if all horses in camp are given their feed bags at the same time, much commotion and SUMMARY fighting will be avoided. The revised edition of this treatise is the result Tie It On, Or Wear It of several men thinking from the basic “Tie it on, or wear it” is an excellent rule to information put into words by Sage Kester and follow on any trail ride, unless you enjoy then adding to it. Also the advent of newer more looking for lost items. There are two safe places efficient equipment has provided information to where a bridle can be readily found, and places make our horses more comfortable and the riders for several other items: more proficient. This booklet will continue to be updated • Bridle: on the horse’s head over time as new information • Bridle: over the horn and tied to the saddle and experiences with horses warrant. (not on a tree limb or in a pile of saddles) • Spurs: on your boots or buckled together and fastened to your saddle or chaps • Slicker: on the saddle, or on you • Gloves: on your hands, or in your pocket • Pocket knife: in your hand, or in your pocket • Grooming equipment: in your hand, or in your equipment bag

38 39 ABOUT “OLD MONT” All told, Mont completed nearly 100 trail rides in six states and traveled 65,000 miles by truck and trailer in A model trail horse, “Old Mont,” was a 14-year-old, doing so. In trail, rodeo and gymkhana events he won Wyoming ranch horse when Sage Kester found him. a basket full of ribbons and trophies including Verde He was Sage’s number one mount for 20 more years. Vaqueros champion five times and the first all-around champion on the Desert Caballeros ride at age 24. Mont averaged well over 1000 miles on rough He was never eligible to compete in Colorado. mountain trails for the first 12 years then in reserve for eight more years. He made 17 annual Roundup Rider How could he do it? Conformation, disposition and rides–the last one at age 32 for Monte Montana. attitude is the answer. Not a big horse, 15-2 hands, 1150 pounds, faultless in proportion and balance, his conformation was perfect for the purpose.

Alert ears, an eye that expressed trustworthiness and character, a long neck and a marked nod of the head as he walked, pronounced withers that well held a saddle in position, smooth well sloped shoulders, pasterns moderately long but stout and well-sloped to match his shoulder – all of which translates into free flowing action in a soft effortless gait, large round feet each straight and squarely under him and carried straight forward in action. He did not scuff or land hard on his feet and his shoes lasted more miles than most. He was never known to be lame.

Mont’s attitude was one of tolerance, fearlessness and always sure of himself. He readily performed any task asked of him (and he was asked to do many crazy things). He was never one to fret or worry. He always ate, drank, relaxed, rested and laid down to sleep at Sage Kester on “Old Mont” going over any appropriate opportunity. All of which explains the Continential Divide why he lived and worked so well, so long.

40 41 NOTES NOTES

42 43 (Revised 2016)