Navigating Trails with GPS By Nicole Vaugeois Advances in technology have altered the way we do everything nowadays, including trail riding on horseback. Whereas a few years ago, GPS (short for Global Positioning System) technology was only seen by a few riders, nowadays it is increasingly common.
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ou’ve probably seen people using GPS handheld units, wristwatches or applications on mobile phones. So, for those late adopters who are thinking about starting to use GPS - this article might help you navigate the options available to you.
What can a GPS unit do for horseback riders? Horseback riders commonly use a GPS unit for navigation through various types of terrain. GPS units receive signals from one of 24 satellites orbiting Earth. When units can receive three clear signals, they can quite accurately indicate your location. Of course, knowing one’s location when out on the trail is incredibly helpful for a variety of reasons. These are some of the reasons to use a GPS unit when riding trails. • It can help others locate you if you have an emergency. • It can help you find your way through unfamiliar territory or to correct your course when lost. • It can help you understand how fast your horse travels at different gaits. • It can help you time your rides when in long distance sports
like competitive trail or endurance riding. • It can help you track your mileage. • It can help you create maps of your favourite trails and share them with others. • It can give you more confidence riding trails.
Setting my track log during a CTR on a Garmin handheld. (Photo by Laureen Styles)
Which GPS units are best to use with horses? Riders have the option to purchase a designated GPS handheld unit such as a GARMIN which have been specialized for tracking, or wristwatch units designed more for athletics. Or, nowadays, many mobile phones have downloadable applications that can help you locate your position. I am often asked about which ones are best, but the answer depends on what you plan to do with it. Each option has some pros and cons, so if you are considering using GPS, here are some pros and cons to help you with your decision:
Handheld GPS Units Pros: • Specifically designed for use outdoors and often come with soft ware, topographical maps and valuable antennae to read signals through dense forest or gullies • Numerous products are available on the market including maps, parts, warranty and service
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