Interested in riding on the PCT? We've got answers to many
of your questions. If you don't find the info you need here,
check out Additional Equestrian Resources.
Are you a long-distance rider or an aspiring one? Visit this
new
article (March
2004) by Joanne Lennox.
Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions
Regarding Using Horses & Pack Stock on the PCT
1. Is there enough water along the trail and how do I
find it?
Most years there are ample sources of water along the trail.
There are, however, some sections where it's necessary to
travel a short distance off-trail to find water. Refer to
the PCT Guidebooks for more information.
2. How much grass pasture is available?
Not enough to depend upon, and in some areas you're not allowed
to graze your horses or stock. If you'd like to complete the
entire PCT in one season (thru-ride) you'll need 6 pounds
of grain or pellets per animal/per day (2 pounds/3 times per
day). During a thru-ride, a support person(s) is needed to
bring hay, grain and provisions to the riders. It's possible
to complete two-week trips without support.
3. How many miles per day can I expect to travel?
A good pace is 20 miles per day for six days with one day
of rest. Remember, you want to enjoy the trail, not race through
it.
4. How often should the stock be re-shod?
Once a month or every 500 miles, whichever comes first.
5. How many pounds should I pack per animal?
About 150-160 pounds per mule, maybe a little more per horse.
6. What type of first-aid kit should I bring?
First, consider prevention and be sure that your stock are
vaccinated with a "4-Way" (for tetanus, toxoid,
inf1uenza, and sleeping sickness). Next, invest in a good
first-aid kit like the one available from the Backcountry
Horsemen of California, (link to http://www.bchc.com/kernsierra/),
Kern Sierra Unit in Bakersfield, California.
7. Is it a good idea to bring hobbles with me?
Only for short periods of restraint.
8. Should I bring an electric fence?
An electric fence can work out o.k. if stock are trained to
it. Otherwise, it may be wise to tie one animal (preferably
a mare) while the others graze. It's not recommended to leave
stock loose at night in country that's unfamiliar to them
or you. If you do, you many end up spending a lot of time
looking for them in the morning.
9. How much weight should I put on my riding animal?
Given your weight and the weight of the saddle you don't want
to add too much more. Use small saddlebags(6" x 6"
bags are big enough). Keep in mind also that because the weakest
part of the animal's back is at the back of the saddle you
don't want to put any significant weight there - ideally no
more than that of a slicker or jacket.
10. What kind of horse should I use?
Your horse should be at least six years old and well broken.
Be sure your stock are accustomed to crossing bridges, logs,
streams, and rocky areas as these are common during backcountry
travel. Remember, the PCT is not a speed trail and that most
gaited horses like flat roads.
(Bonus Question) Approximately how many people thru-ride
each year?
Not very many, we're still working on finding an answer to
this question. Historically, only a handful of thru-riders
have successfully completed the trail. Section-rides tend
to have a higher success rate.
Additional Equestrian Resources
Special note (posted 07-24-03): There is a new horse corral
at Dutch Meadow in the Sierra. Sources say it's a better place
to stop than Death Canyon because it has fewer mosquitoes.
Below you'll find a list of organizations that can help you
learn more about riding on the PCT and other trails in the
West.
Backcountry Horsemen of America (www.backcountryhorse.com)
Back Country Horsemen of America is a non-profit corporation
made up of state organizations, affiliates and at large members.
They are dedicated to preserving their historical right to
use recreational stock in the backcountry. BCHA, their many
chapters and individual members also do a great deal of volunteer
trail work, on the PCT and access trails. They work closely
with agencies and other trail groups.
One can also reach them via: 1-888-893-5161, FAX 360-832-2471
or write P. O. Box 1367, Graham WA 98338-1367.
Backcountry Horsemen of California (www.bchcalifornia.org)
The Backcountry Horsemen of California is a large and very
active equestrian group. With 20 local chapters, they offer
many recreational activities as well as work to promote and
protect backcountry riding. They also sponsor many public
service volunteer projects, in cooperation with the US Forest
Service and other agencies, as well as the PCTA and other
trail groups.
Backcountry Horsemen of Oregon (www.bcho.org)
The BCHO is a group of Oregon men and women dedicated to the
preservation of the right to the common sense use and enjoyment
of pack and saddle stock in the state's backcountry and wilderness.
Bay Area Equestrian Network (www.bayequest.com)
The BAEN website focuses on equestrian businesses, groups
and activities in Northern California. They offer extensive
resources, links, etc.
Central Cascades assistance
http://groups.msn.com/MikeReidConstruction/highcountrypage1.msnw
Mike and Patti Reid have kindly said they would like to help
any equestrains planning PCT rides in the central Cascades
with resupply and other issues. Email
the Reids
Central Oregon Equestrians
Interested in doing trail maintenance work with fellow equestrians
in central Oregon? The attached
document contains appropriate contact information.
High Desert Trail Riders Back Country Horsemen (http://www.hdtrbch.org/)
This Oregon-based Back Country Horsemen group is involved
in many activities throughout the year including trail maintenance
work and pack clinics.
Oregon Equestrian Trails (www.oregonequestriantrails.org)
Oregon Equestrian Trails is an active equestrian group, with
many recreational activies. They work hard to promote and
protect backcountry riding. They also do a great deal of public
service volunteer work on the PCT and other trails, in cooperation
with the US Forest Service and other agencies, as well as
the PCTA and other trail groups.
Backcountry Horsemen of Washington (www.bchw.org)
The Backcountry Horsemen of Washington is a very active equestrian
group. They offer many recreational activities and work to
promote and protect backcountry riding. They also do a great
deal of public service volunteer work on the PCT and other
trails, in cooperation with the US Forest Service, National
Park Service, other agencies, the PCTA and other groups.
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