USRider® Equestrian Traveler's Companion-Winter 2020

Equestrian Traveler’s

COMPANION

Your Essential Horse-Trailering Resource Winter 2020

Winter-Driving Tips

Natural Remedies

Checklist:

Safe Winter Hauling

Barn Hazards

Winter Getaway: Southern New Mexico

Tight-Space Trailer Loading

An AIM Equine Network Publication

Equestrian Traveler’s COMPANION Winter 2020

Your Essential HorseTrailering Resource

FEATURES 10 Safe Travels Safe Winter Hauling

14 Trailer Like a Pro Part III: Loading in a Tight Space

18 Your Healthy Horse Nature’s Medicine Chest

22 USRider Member Story Port in a Storm

DEPARTMENTS 4 Trip Tips Expert Travel Help

6 Skill Set Winter-Driving Tips

8 Handy Checklist Barn Hazards

24 Road Gear Travel Essentials

26 Winner’s Circle Advantage USRider® Member Benefit Spotlight

28 Getaways Ride the Historic Anza Trail COVER PHOTO BY CLIXPHOTO.COM

USRider General Manager: Bill Riss Editor: René E. Riley Art Director: Abby McDougall Contact USRider: (800) 844-1409 P.O. Box 20634, Boulder, CO 80308 memberservice@usrider.org • www.usrider.org USRider® Equestrian Traveler’s Companion

AIM Equine Network is a division of Active Interest Media. Its stable of award-winning magazines includes EQUUS, Horse&Rider, Practical Horseman, and The Team Roping Journal.

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TripTips TRAVELTIP----------------------------------------------------------

Consider Coconut Mats

PHOTO COURTESY OF DANDY PRODUCTS

For trailering in rainy and wintery conditions, consider placing coconut matting on your trailer’s ramp for traction. Since this matting material is made from coconut husks, it’s reasonably lightweight and easy to handle.

If your trailer has a ramp entry, you know the ramp can become slippery in snowy and rainy conditions. If your horse slips on the ramp, he might injure himself and/or you. Also, he can become fearful of the loading process and balk when you ask him to load the next time.

For traction and horse security, you need ramp mats that offer nonslip footing and will stay in place well.

While there are rubber mats that meet these criteria, you might not be able to find exactly the right kind for your trailer at your local supply store.

You might want to try coconut (coir) matting on your trailer’s ramp. Since this matting material is made from coconut husks, it’s reasonably lightweight and easy to handle—and I don’t think there’s anything better for traction. One company that sells coconut mats for trailer ramps is Dandy Products, Inc. — Jessica Jahiel, PhD (www.horse-sense.org)

HEALTHTIP--------------------------------------------------------

Pack Enough Hay As you pack for equestrian travels, be sure to pack enough hay. You need enough forage to keep your horse’s digestive system working 24 hours per day, says equine-nutrition expert Juliet M. Getty, PhD. Horses are trickle feeders, Dr. Getty notes, designed to graze continuously to keep their digestive systems functioning normally.

A healthy digestive tract is less likely to experience colic, ulcers, or other gastrointestinal problems.

When your horse runs out of hay, he’s hungry, uncomfortable, and possibly in pain due to the digestive acid bathing his empty stomach. To help keep him healthy and comfortable at home and on the road, feed him continuously, so his stomach is never empty.

This rule extends into nighttime hours. Unlike humans, horses are awake and moving at night, and looking for forage. Every evening, feed your horse enough hay so that there’s some left over the following morning.

When you travel, pack enough hay to cover continuous feeding, including night rations. If your horse will be grazing for his forage while you’re on your trip, supplement his diet with certified weedfree feed or pellets.

— Heidi Melocco USRider® Equestrian Traveler’s Companion

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PHOTO BY HEIDI MELOCCO

As you pack for equestrian travels, be sure to pack enough hay. You need enough forage to keep your horse’s digestive system working 24 hours per day.

Winter 2020

SEASONALTIP-----------------------------------------

Reduce Nighttime Glare With days getting shorter, chances are, you’ll need to haul your horse at night at some point. For night-driving safety, make sure all lights on your tow vehicle and trailer are in working order, and take steps to reduce the effects of nighttime glare.

At night, the lights of other vehicles can reduce your visibility, especially in wet weather. Water refracts light, worsening its effects. Here are several things you can do to reduce nighttime glare.

• Schedule an eye exam. Night blindness For night-driving safety, make sure all lights on your tow ve(nyctalopia) affects how well you see at night. hicle and trailer are in working order, and take steps to reduce This condition is actually a symptom of another the effects of nighttime glare. visual impairment, such as nearsightedness, glaucoma, or cataracts. Schedule regular eye examinations by an ophthalmologist or optometrist for evaluation, treatment, and any corrective lenses you might need.

• Clean your windshield. Thoroughly clean your windshield to reduce glare refraction.

• Flip your mirror. Flip the rearview mirror in your tow vehicle from day mode to night mode.

• Look away. Avoid looking directly at oncoming vehicles at night. Instead, look down and a little to the right.

Use your peripheral vision to watch the other vehicles until they pass you and you can resume normal viewing.

USRIDER MEMBERTIP--------------------------------

Don’t Disconnect Your Trailer When you experience a roadside emergency and contact USRider for service, you don’t need to disconnect your trailer from your tow vehicle; you should do so only as a last resort. Each situation is different. We prefer to attempt a repair and avoid towing whenever possible—especially when horses are onboard. (Also, keep your horse inside the PHOTO BY HEIDI MELOCCO trailer. Unloading him roadside can be stressWhen you experience a roadside emergency and contact USRider ful and hazardous.) for service, you don’t need to disconnect your trailer from your tow When towing is the only course, we’ve had vehicle; you should only do so as a last resort. great success towing a truck and trailer in tandem to a place of safety where a repair can be made, and/or other options can be explored.

If necessary, we’ll tow your trailer whether it is empty or loaded with horses. If your trailer can no longer be used to safely transport horses, we’ll help locate Alternative Equine Transportation. Alternative Equine Transportation costs are the responsibility of the Member.

Our primary concern is getting you and your horse off the highway and to a place of safety.

USRider® Equestrian Traveler’s Companion

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------------ SKILLSET------------

Winter-Driving Tips

During inclement weather, double the normal distance between vehicles to allow more stopping room.

Hauling your horse this winter? Don’t leave home without this quick-reference guide to winter driving.

• Invest in snow tires. During winter months, traction tires are recommended. Such tires must have a minimum tread depth of one-eighth-inch, and be labeled “Mud and Snow,” “M+S,” or “All-Season,” or have a mountain/snowflake symbol. See your tire dealer to find out which tires are best for your vehicle.

• Carry chains. Comply with the chain laws in your area, and the area you’ll be driving through.

• Top off the tank. Refuel when your fuel gauge drops below the halfway mark, so you’re not caught in bad weather with an empty tank.

• Check the weather. Before setting out on a trip, check weather reports, and plan accordingly. In many states, you can dial 511 for travel conditions and road closures. Allow extra time for inclement weather. Be aware of changing conditions. Look USRider® Equestrian Traveler’s Companion

ahead, and keep track of the driving conditions in front of you. Actions by other drivers can alert you to problems and give you time to react. Look out for black ice, which is hard to see.

• Use your headlights. Always drive with your headlights on during inclement weather, even if it isn’t dark.

• Turn off cruise control. Avoid using cruise control to help maintain control of your vehicle.

• Watch for snowplows. Take extra precaution around snow-removal equipment. In some cases, the operator’s vision may be reduced. Give operators plenty of room, staying at least 200 feet behind them.

• Go slow. Follow this rule of thumb: “rain, ice, and snow—take it slow.” Slow down even more when approaching curves, ramps, bridges, and interchanges. Avoid abrupt actions, such as quick lane changes, braking, and accelerating. >>

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• Don’t become overconfident. Don’t be susceptible to the false security of four-wheel drive. Fourwheel drive may help you go, but it won’t help you stop.

• Increase distance. During inclement weather, double the normal distance between vehicles to allow more stopping room.

• Brake gently. Stopping on snow or ice without skidding and/or jackknifing takes extra distance.

Use brakes very gently to avoid skidding. If you begin to skid or jackknife, ease up on the brake, and steer into the skid to regain control.

• Control a fishtail. If your trailer starts to fishtail, keep forward motion and tension on the hitch, advise trailering experts Tom and Neva Kittrell Scheve. Don’t apply the brakes on your tow vehicle.

Instead, apply the hand brake on the controller to your trailer in brief spurts. This slows your trailer while keeping your tow vehicle going forward, which should straighten out your rig. You may apply the brakes on your tow vehicle once your trailer is under control.

• Straighten a jackknife. A jackknife occurs when your tow vehicle skids on a slick spot in the road or you must brake hard to avoid a hazard, and your trailer continues to roll forward. Handle a jackknife caused by a trailer skid differently than a trailer

PHOTO BY HEIDI MELOCCO

In winter, weather and driving conditions can change rapidly. Be aware of your environment, and keep track of the driving conditions ahead.

sway, caution the Scheves. Check your rearview mirror. If you see your trailer swinging out of your lane, release the brakes to gain traction. Don’t use the hand brake; the trailer brakes have locked up, causing the skid. Once the wheels grip the road again, your trailer will start to follow your tow vehicle and straighten out.

— Courtesy of USRider Equestrian Motor Plan

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USRider® Equestrian Traveler’s Companion

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Winter 2020

------------HANDYCHECKLIST------------

Barn Hazards

PHOTO BY HEIDI MELOCCO

Take time this winter to find and fix any barn hazards to create a safe environment for your horse with this checklist.

Take time this winter to find and fix any barn hazards to create a safe environment for your horse with this checklist. If you spot a hazard, fix it today!

PHOTO BY HEIDI MELOCCO

If there’s anything protruding or sharp in your horse’s stall, fix or remove it.

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■ Sharp protrusions. If there’s anything sharp in your horse’s stall—such as nails, splinters, or sharp edges on a broken plastic manger—he’s likely to scrape, puncture, or lacerate himself.

His eyes are particularly at risk.

Visually scan stall walls, then run your hands over all surfaces, including feeders, waterers, and buckets. Check the ceiling, too.

Remove splinters, and replace any broken boards. If the sharp object is hard plastic, remove it, replace it, or wrap it in duct tape.

If you find sharp nails, pull them out, or whack them in. >> Winter 2020

PHOTO BY HEIDI MELOCCO

PHOTO BY HEIDI MELOCCO

Store hay away from your horse, preferably in a separate, well-ventilated building.

■ Improper hay storage.

Hay dust interferes with your horse’s breathing and can harm his respiratory system.

Hay is also a major fire hazard. Store hay away from your horse, preferably in a separate, well-ventilated building.

Keep hay on pallets to keep it safe from ground moisture.

Stack bales on their sides, and leave spaces between bales to promote air circulation, which helps keep the bales dry.

■ Unsecured feed. Rodents and birds can contaminate feed with urine and feces, which can make your horse ill. And if your horse gets into the grain, he could colic, suffer laminitis, or both. Keep pellets and grain inside heavy metal containers. Make sure the lids fit tightly. Look for locking lids.

For maximum protection, keep feed in mouse-proof cans inside a horse-proof (closed and locked) feed room.

■ Electrical wiring and cords. An exposed electrical cord can electrocute your

Cover all light bulbs with wire or metal mesh cages.

horse or cause a barn fire. Enclose wiring in PVC conduits.

Use extension cords only when absolutely necessary, and then use only heavy-duty, outdoor models. Be very careful with fans and water heaters, and protect these cords with conduits. Avoid heat lamps, which can start a fire. Don’t overload your circuits.

■ Uncovered stall lights.

If your horse rears in a stall with an unprotected light, he could come down in a shower of glass that you don’t want anywhere near him, his feed, or his bedding. Cover all bulbs with wire or metal mesh cages.

Consider replacing all light bulbs with plastic-coated safety bulbs. Make sure all bulbs are the correct wattage.

■ Cobwebs and dust. The cobwebs that accumulate in barns are dangerous, because they’re flammable, and they trap dust, bits of hay/straw, and bedding particles. Routinely dust and remove cobwebs. A long-handled feather

USRider® Equestrian Traveler’s Companion

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duster is ideal for dusting light fixtures; a light broom is useful for stall grilles, walls, and corners. Pay special attention to light fixtures, outlet covers and switches, and panel boxes.

— Jessica Jahiel, PhD

PHOTO BY HEIDI MELOCCO

An exposed electrical cord can electrocute your horse or cause a barn fire. Enclose all wiring in PVC conduits.

Winter 2020

------------SAFETRAVELS-----------

Safe Winter Hauling Haul your horse all winter long with this expert four-point strategy.

By Rebecca Gimenez, PhD

PHOTO BY CLIXPHOTO.COM

You can haul your horse all year long, even in the dead of winter, as long as you do so safely. Read on for expert winter-hauling tips.

You can haul your horse all year long, even in the dead of winter, as long as you do so safely. Here, I’ll give you a four-point strategy to approach safe winter hauling: (1) prepare for winter driving; (2) keep your horse comfortable; (3) trailer-load safely; and (4) drive carefully.

1. Prepare for Winter Driving

PHOTO BY CLIXPHOTO.COM

Recruit an assistant to help you check all lights on your towing vehicle and trailer. Replace any nonfunctioning lights.

USRider® Equestrian Traveler’s Companion

Recruit an assistant driver. In poor conditions, it’s helpful to have an assistant driver. He or she can watch road conditions, unusual events, and environmental conditions that could create a problem. He or she can also do all navigation, be the ground guide for backing and tight spots, check on the horses from the in-cab camera, and handle any important cellphone calls.

Invest in snow tires. During winter months, traction tires are recommended. Such tires must have at least one-eighth-inch of tread, and be labeled “Mud and Snow,” “M+S,” or “All-Season,” or have a mountain/snowflake symbol. See your tire dealer to find

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>>

out which tires are best for your vehicle.

Carry chains. Comply with the chain laws in your area and the area you’ll be driving through.

Top off the tank. Re-fuel when your fuel gauge drops below the halfway mark.

Check the weather. Check weather reports, and plan accordingly. In many states, you can dial 511 for travel conditions and road closures. Allow extra time for inclement weather. Be aware of changing conditions. Look ahead, and keep track of the driving conditions in front of you. Actions by other drivers can alert you to problems and give you time to react. Look out for black ice, which is hard to see.

Call ahead. Call ahead to make sure that your destination has cleared its roads and driveways for your arrival.

2. Keep Your Horse Comfortable Here’s how to help keep your horse comfortable while on the road in the winter.

Provide good-quality hay. Even in really cold weather, horses create more heat than you think they do. The best way to keep your horse warm in the trailer is to provide good-quality hay; his system will create body heat as he metabolizes the hay.

Watch over-blanketing. It’s easy to over-blanket your horse. Most trailers are poorly ventilated, so they tend to get very warm with body heat, even in below-freezing temperatures. A light sheet or blanket is sufficient for most horses. Senior horses and compromised horses might need a heavier blanket.

Watch over-blanketing.

It’s easy to over-blanket your horse. Even if your horse wears a winter blanket in pasture (shown), he’ll likely just need a light sheet or blanket in the trailer, even in below-freezing temperatures.

USRider® Equestrian Traveler’s Companion

Cold-Weather Tire Pressure Studies show that the leading factor in roadside breakdowns is tires. And as temperatures cool, tire pressure decreases.

USRider advises you to check the air pressure on both your tow vehicle and trailer at least once a month and prior to each trip.

A general rule of thumb: For every 10-degree change in temperature, tire pressure changes by one pound per square inch (PSI). Pressure goes up when temperatures are higher and down when temperatures are lower.

The correct tire pressure for your vehicle will be on a placard located in an interior doorjamb; you can also find it in your owner’s manual. The air pressure for trailers can be found stamped on the tire sidewall. Tire-pressure recommendations are as listed as “Maximum Cold Air Pressure.” Unlike vehicle tires, trailer tires should be inflated to the maximum pressure indicated on the tire.

Check tire pressure prior to traveling, while the tires are cold. Avoid checking tire pressure in direct sunlight, which will increase pressure readings. Use a high-quality air-pressure gauge, and know how to use it.

In addition to preventing blowouts, properly inflated tires will last longer, handle safer, and get better gas mileage by reducing rolling resistance.

Consider investing in a tire-pressure monitoring system to alert you to any sudden drops in air pressure.

PHOTO BY CLIXPHOTO.COM

As temperatures cool, tire pressure decreases. USRider advises you to check the air pressure on both your tow vehicle and trailer at least once a month and prior to each trip. >>

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Apply leg protection. Apply leg protection, such as shipping boots. On slick ground and in wet trailers, it’s especially important to protect your horse’s precious lower legs from slip-induced injuries.

Increase ventilation. Humidity and condensation buildup from your horse’s breath can cause PHOTO BY CLIXPHOTO.COM respiratory illness. Improve the Go as slow as you need to. Run your hazard lights, if necessary. Let the rest of the indirect ventilation in your trailer traffic go around you; your priority is your safety, and that of your horse and your to counteract this risk. passengers.

Avoid drafts. Make sure there are no direct drafts hitting your horse, Create an inviting environ4. Drive Carefully especially on his face and eyes. ment. Put fresh hay in bags and a Here’s how to be a safe winter drivFreezing-cold temperatures with little grain in the manger. Open the er while hauling your horse. wind can cause frostbite, which can doors and windows, so there’s plen- Learn to back your rig. Backing damage his corneas. ty of light. The more inviting you up a rig is particularly challenging Monitor your horse. Check your make the trailer’s interior, the more in snow. Not only are the roads horse frequently. If there’s sweat likely your horse will feel confident slick, but also snow covers up the under the blanket, he’s cooking enough to step in on dark days. landmarks you might typically rely inside. If he’s clipped and lacks nat- Lay in supplies. Keep a broom, a on for guidance. Learn to back your ural insulation, carefully monitor snow shovel, sand, shavings, and trailer when the weather is nice. In him for sweat or shivering. Consid- salt in your trailer or tow vehicle to poor conditions, set up your rig so er investing in a trailer monitor, so clear snow and ice and to add tracthat you have maximum backing you can keep an eye on him from tion. These measures will minimize room. Use a ground guide to make your tow vehicle. the chance of injury as you load sure you don’t hit something or go your horse. off course.

3. Trailer-Load Safely Turn on all lights. Keep on the Here’s how to ease trailer-loading appropriate lights of your tow in snow and ice. vehicle and trailer at all times, day Wear good boots. Slipping, falland night. ing, or breaking a limb is really a Turn off cruise control. Avoid downer on your planned trip. Find using cruise control on snowy, icy, good-quality boots that will keep or wet roads to help maintain conyour feet warm, protect your feet, trol of your vehicle. and provide good traction.

Go slow. Follow this rule of thumb: Train your horse. Prior prepara“rain, ice, and snow—take it slow.”

PHOTO BY CLIXPHOTO.COM tion and good training are importSlow down even more when apKeep a broom, a snow shovel, sand, ant to make sure your horse is a shavings, and salt in your trailer or tow proaching curves, ramps, bridges, good loader; if he rushes in or out, and interchanges. Avoid abrupt vehicle. Use these tools to clear snow he can easily slip. actions, such as quick lane changand ice, and add traction.

Clean your trailer. Clean the es, braking, and accelerating. Go as inside of your trailer. Frozen urine Find traction. Park so that your slow as you need to. Run your hazand manure are slippery. If your trailer’s ramp is positioned on the ard lights, if necessary. Let the rest horse falls inside your trailer, he best traction you can find. Dirt is of the traffic go around you; your could suffer a serious injury or preferred, but snow is better than priority is the safety of all aboard even death. ice or asphalt. your rig.

USRider® Equestrian Traveler’s Companion

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Plowed snow can make normal roads and driveways very narrow. Take time to allow other vehicles to pass, and set up for turns and backups ahead of time.

Don’t become overconfident.

Don’t be susceptible to the false security of four- or all-wheel drive.

While four-wheel drive may help you go, it won’t help you stop. Pay attention to the road at all times.

No texting. No talking on your phone. No yelling at the kids.

Stay right. If you’re moving slower than the traffic around you, turn on your flashers, and move into the right lane.

Allow room to brake. Leave enough room between you and the vehicle in front of you to account for much longer braking distances than normal. Watch for black ice.

Forget the 2-second rule. In poor driving conditions, allow yourself 8, 10, 12 seconds, or longer to come to a complete stop. Add one second per factor of driving difficulty. Factors include poor lighting conditions, inclement weather, an adverse traffic mix, and driver fatigue.

Watch for snowplows. Take extra precaution around snow-removal equipment. In some cases, the operator’s vision may be reduced.

Give operators plenty of room, staying at least 200 feet behind them.

Drive defensively. Plowed snow can make normal roads and drive-

PHOTO BY RENÉ E. RILEY

Use caution at wintry intersections.

Energy-efficient LED traffic signals provide brighter lights than traditional bulbs, but snow and ice don’t melt off. ways very narrow. Take time to allow other vehicles to pass, and set up for turns and backups ahead of time.

USRider® Equestrian Traveler’s Companion

Use caution at wintry intersections. Cities across the United States are replacing their incandescent traffic lights with new, energy-efficient LED traffic signals.

While these new signals provide brighter lights that last much longer and save a lot of energy, the bulbs burn so coolly that snow and ice don’t melt off. Instead, they can just accumulate on the light, which can obscure it completely. If you can’t see a traffic light at an intersection, treat it as a stop sign.

Avoid a skid. If all else fails and you must brake hard, do so as calmly and smoothly as possible, using your trailer’s brakes to assist you. If you start to skid or slide, ease off the brakes immediately, and steer into the direction of the skid to regain control. This maneuver is counterintuitive, so practice it an open parking lot or at a driving school in good weather conditions. USR

Rebecca Gimenez, PhD (animal physiology), is president and a primary instructor for Technical Large Animal Emergency Rescue. A Major in the United States Army Reserve, she’s a decorated Iraq War veteran and a past Logistics Officer for the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Veterinary Medical Assistance Team. She’s an invited lecturer on animalrescue topics around the world and a noted equine journalist.

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------------ TRAILER LIKE A PRO ------------

Part III: Loading in a Tight Space Teach your horse to load into a trailer with a back tack room with these expert guidelines.

Article and Photos by Heidi Melocco

Learn how to load your horse into a gooseneck trailer with back tack room and small entryway with top trainer/clinician Aaron Ralston.

You’ve gotten by for years with a twoHere, top trainer/clinician Aaron horse, straight-load trailer. But now you’ve Ralston will give you the tools to load up a stepped up to a larger gooseneck trailer gooseneck trailer with a back tack room. with a tack room in the back. Your horse First, he’ll discuss loading order and why loaded up well in your old trailer, which it’s important. Then he’ll give you a stephad a wide door and ramp, but he tends by-step training strategy to load your horse to balk at your new trailer, which has a into the back stall of this trailer configurasmaller entry—and if your horse is in the tion—and back him out—by working him back stall, it requires him to essentially in the arena and then with your trailer. Fiself-load. nally, he’ll give you troubleshooting steps. >> USRider® Equestrian Traveler’s Companion

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-----3-PART SERIES ----In this three-part series, top trainer/clinician Aaron Ralston teaches you how to trailer like a pro.

Part I – Summer 2019: How to prepare for travel.

Part II – Fall 2019: How to teach your horse to trailer-load with ease.

Part III – Winter 2020: How to load your horse into a trailer with a narrow entrance and rear tack room.

Loading Order Load the least experienced horses into the front of the trailer. Here’s why: A large gooseneck trailer typically has room for four to six horses. It’s much easier to load the horses into the front of the trailer than in the back stall. While the tack room does create a smaller entry, after the horses enter the trailer, you’ll simply lead in them in and clip them into place.

After the horses are loaded into the front of the trailer, load the most mature, experienced horse in the back stall. Make sure that the horse you put in this position isn’t a worrier and is comfortable in small places.

You’ll need this horse to load well using a “send” command. It would be difficult and unsafe for you to walk into the trailer with him and exit the trailer, due to the back tack room. Depending on your trailer model, you might need to escape by releasing the tack room door or even by crawling under your horse, which is hazardous.

You’ll also need the horse in the

Load the least experienced horses into the front of the trailer. While the tack room does create a smaller entry, after the horses enter the trailer, you’ll simply lead them in and clip them into place, as Aaron Ralston and our equine model demonstrate here. back stall to be patient and stand quietly while you shut the trailer doors and go to the window to tie him into place.

The horse in the back stall also must back out willingly when you’re ready to unload him at your destination. You’ll untie him through the outside window, then essentially rely on him to back out on his own. If he doesn’t back out or needs lead-rope pressure to back out, the other horses will need to wait while you figure out how gain access to his lead rope and convince him to back.

Arena Work To train your horse how to easily load into your trailer’s back stall, you’ll teach him a “send” cue so he’ll move forward in response to your hand signals. First, outfit your horse in a halter and long lead rope, and lead him to an enclosed arena with safe footing. If available, set up a tarp and other obstacles.

Ask a knowledgeable horseperson to help you. Then follow these steps.

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Step 1. Prepare. Ask your horse to stand. Position yourself to the left of him, slightly in front of his nose, and face him. (See photo 3 in “Trailer Training.”)With your left hand, hold the part of the lead rope closest to the halter; hold the remainder of the rope in your right hand, uncoiled.

Step 2. Teach the forward cue.

Lift up your left hand, and point it forward, so that your horse will move in the direction he’s headed.

Encourage him to go forward by swinging the end of the lead rope back and forth with your right hand. Repeat this exercise until he learns to connect your hand directional with forward movement.

Step 3. Circle him. Once your horse easily moves forward in response to your hand cue, circle him in the arena using the technique you used in Step 2. Point your hand in the direction you want him to go.

Step 4. Work over obstacles.

Once your horse circles on your cue, ask him to move across a tarp and other obstacles. When needed, reinforce your hand cue with the >> Winter 2020

Trailer Training 1

end of the lead rope and your body language.

Step 5. Teach the “back” cue. Now you need to teach your horse a “back” cue, as you’ll be outside the trailer when he’ll need to back out. Ask your helper to hold your horse, facing him. Standing just to the side of your horse’s hindquarters, gently pull his tail while your helper applies backward pressure on the lead rope. Move with your horse as he backs.

Repeat this step until he connects a gentle pull on his tail with backing.

Trailer Training 2

3

4

5

USRider® Equestrian Traveler’s Companion

Now you’re ready to practice loading your horse into your trailer’s back stall. If you need to troubleshoot this stage, you’ll need to enlist the help of a knowledgeable horseperson. (Note: Ralston is using a nylon halter for training purposes; when you trailer your horse, be sure to use a leather or breakaway halter for safety, in case your horse pulls back.)

Step 1. Open the window. Open the trailer window at the back stall position so you’ll be able to reach through the window to grab the lead rope.

Step 2. Approach your trailer. Approach your trailer with your horse, and point him toward the entryway.

Step 3. Give the hand cue. Lift up the hand closest to the trailer, and point it toward the trailer stall. Swing the lead rope to reinforce your hand cue.

Step 4. Allow him to investigate. If your horse pauses to sniff or investigate the trailer, stop swinging the rope, and allow him to check everything out.

Step 5. Cue and reinforce. After your horse has investigated, give the forward cue again. If he turns his head away or stands still, swing the lead rope again. Swing the rope as much as needed to get him to step into your trailer. As soon as he takes a step, stop waving the lead rope.

Step 6. Allow him to load. As your horse begins to enter your trailer, lay the lead rope over his back (Photo 6A), and allow him to walk in (Photo 6B).

Step 7. Close the bar and door. Once your horse is fully loaded into the trailer, close the butt bar (Photo 7A) and trailer door (Photo 7B). Do this as soon as he’s loaded in so that he doesn’t learn to back out right away.

Step 8. Tie him. Walk around to the outside of the window, and tie your horse.

Step 9. Close the window. Close the trailer window, even in your training sessions, so your horse gets used to the loading-up process and being in the enclosed stall.

To unload your horse, open the window, and untie him.

Then open the trailer door, undo the butt bar, and gently pull his tail to cue him to back up. As soon as you can, grab the lead rope, so you’ll have control after he exits. >>

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Trailer Training 6A

6B

Troubleshooting If your horse needs more encouragement to enter your trailer, ask a knowledgeable horseperson to stand at the trailer window adjacent to the back stall. Step into the trailer, and hand the lead rope to him or her through the window, while your horse waits outside. Exit the trailer, then follow these steps. (Repeat this process until your horse learns to load up in response to your hand and rope cues.)

Troubleshooting 7A

7B

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1

2

3

Step 1. Give the hand cue. Give your horse the signal to load while your helper applies pressure on the lead rope through the open window. This will discourage your horse from backing out.

Step 2. Reinforce your cue.

Encourage your horse to load with a lead rope or lariat.

Step 3. Close the bar and door.

As soon as your horse loads, close the butt bar and back door.

Step 4. Tie him. Ask your helper to tie the lead rope. USR Top trainer Aaron Ralston of Silt, Colorado, trailers from the mountains to the plains for performance horse shows.

Ralston has earned reining, working cow horse, and cutting championship titles, and earned team gold in the 2006 World Equestrian Games. He’s hosted RFD-TV’s The Ride and worked with NBC Sports to analyze the 2010 WEG. Ralston now coaches non-pro and youth riders, and conducts clinics worldwide.

Heidi Melocco is a riding instructor, photographer, and writer based in Mead, Colorado.

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We thank our equine model, Bud Lyte, a 4-year-old Quarter Horse stallion raised at Ralston Ranch.

The youngster recently won the Colorado Reined Cowhorse Association’s Open Novice Derby and was named the Circuit Open and Intermediate Hackamore Champion.

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------------YOURHEALTHYHORSE------------

Nature’s Medicine Chest Here’s a rundown of natural remedies to help your horse feel his best at home and on the road.

By Eleanor M. Kellon, VMD

Are herbal remedies right for your horse? Here, we tell you what you need to know to get started, including a rundown on commonly used herbs for horses.

Arnica montanum makes a wonderful liniment or compress for bruises, sore muscles, or any traumatized area.

Interest is high in all things “natural” and not without good reason.

However, just because something is touted as “old,” “ancient” or “100% natural” doesn’t mean that it’s automatically the best curative for your horse.

Plant-based treatments can be found in all cultures. Even many of the “drugs” in use today are actually based on naturally occurring substances, from aspirin to digox-

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in. Anything that can influence the body is, in fact, a drug. And, like drugs, few herbs actually heal or cure. They may just be good at relieving symptoms.

Effective medicines can come from any category; selecting the most appropriate treatment doesn’t have to be an either/or proposition. The best treatment may involve a combination of manmade substances, as well as Winter 2020

>>

Aloe vera’s long history of traditional use has been verified many times by scientific studies. It’s excellent for relieving gastric ulcer pain or inflammation anywhere along the intestinal tract. those found in nature. So keep an open mind, and pay attention to ongoing research so you can choose wisely for your horse.

Here, I’ll first give you information to help you ensure the herbs you give to your horse are safe. Then I’ll give you a rundown of 10 herbal remedies I’ve found useful in horses.

Caveat: If you detect any injury or illness in your horse, call your veterinarian immediately. Work with your vet on all treatments, whether traditional or complementary.

Do Your Homework Many commonly used herbs are, by and large, safe to use. However, the idea that anything natural is automatically safe—or safer than any drug—simply isn’t true. Nature is host to very poisonous substances, many of which have dramatic stimulating effects at sub-lethal dosages.

Because these products are basically unregulated, it’s up to you to check on the safety of the ingredients in anything you feed your horse. This is a big responsibility.

The other major question is effectiveness. It’s easy to go online or into any bookstore and find descriptions of how this or that herb has been used for hundreds or thousands of years to treat this or that disorder.

What’s almost always lacking from this type of reference material is solid information on whether or not the product actually works. The more serious your horse’s problem, the more critical it becomes to make sure you’re actually doing something helpful. In fact, there are very few serious medical conditions that can be treated as well with natural approaches as by modern medicine.

USRider® Equestrian Traveler’s Companion

So where do you turn for reliable information? First, it should be an independent source. If your veterinarian can’t help you, try calling the pharmacology department of your nearest veterinary school. Even your own pharmacist may be able to help. Very few herbs have been specifically studied in horses, so we often have to rely on information from other species.

Never feed something to your horse that doesn’t give complete details of the ingredients. “Proprietary blend” won’t help your veterinarian if your horse has an adverse reaction to something you’ve given to your horse. Old, young, pregnant, stressed, injured, or diseased horses may be more sensitive to the effects— and side effects—of herbs.

Herbs for Horses Following is a list of 10 natural remedies I’ve found useful in horses. Note: While all of the substances are generally safe, there’s always the possibility for individual allergic or sensitivity reactions, just as there is with any food or drug.

Aloe vera. Aloe vera’s long history of traditional use has been verified many times by scientific studies.

The juice (one cup) or gel (three to four ounces), taken orally three or more times per day, is excellent for relieving gastric ulcer pain or inflammation anywhere along the intestinal tract. Aloe vera is soothing when applied to wounds and irritated skin, and can be used in poultices. There are no side effects, but take extreme care if you try to extract the gel from the plant yourself—chemicals in the leaves’ inner lining are extremely irritating. I don’t recommend trying this as a rule, although you can split a leaf lengthwise, and safely apply the inner gel to wounds and burns.

Arnica montanum. Tincture and extracts from the roots of this daisy-like flower are too irritating and po- >>

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Chamomile as a gel or a wet poultice or compress is anti-inflammatory. Chamomile can also be effective in soothing gastric ulcers and other gut inflammatory conditions. tentially poisonous to be taken internally, but arnica montanum makes a wonderful liniment or compress for bruises, sore muscles, or any traumatized area. It alleviates pain, reduces swelling, and provides immediate pain relief when applied to painful heel cracks.

Calendula (marigold). The common marigold, made into a cream or gel, has a soothing and anti-inflammatory effect on minor skin problems and wounds. It’s a good first choice for minor itchy summer-skin problems—and it’s nontoxic.

Comfrey is used topically to speed the healing of wounds.

It’s also very soothing.

Calendula (marigold) has a soothing, anti-inflammatory effect on minor skin problems and wounds. It’s a good first choice for minor itchy summer-skin problems.

Chamomile. Chamomile as a gel or a wet poultice or compress is anti-inflammatory. Chamomile can also be effective in soothing gastric ulcers and other gut USRider® Equestrian Traveler’s Companion

inflammatory conditions. It’s often combined with slippery elm for this purpose. It may also have a mild calming effect. Chamomile may be fed dry or prepared as an equine tea to add to meals by steeping two to four teaspoons in a cup or two of water. Chamomile has no known side effects.

Comfrey. There’s a long list of historical uses of this herb, but because of the potential for liver damage from some of its chemicals, it’s recommended only for topical use. Comfrey is rich in allantoin, which stimulates rapid healing of wounds. It’s also very soothing.

It’s used as a gel, compress, or poultice without reported side effects from topical use.

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>>

The root from the Devil’s Claw plant is usually used to relieve pain and inflammation from arthritis and is also helpful in reducing swelling related to injuries.

Devil’s Claw. This South African plant gets its name from the shape of its large fruits. The root is used for treatment. Devil’s Claw is usually used to relieve pain and inflammation from arthritis and is also helpful in reducing swelling related to injuries. About 1½ to 2 teaspoons of the whole powdered root once or twice per day is usually an effective pain reliever. If you use a liquid product, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Devil’s Claw may be irritating to horses with stomach ulcers, but won’t cause them. Folklore cautions it may cause abortion, but there’s no substantiation for this claim.

Slippery elm. The part used is the inner bark of the slippery elm tree. Like psyllium seed husks and flaxseed, the inner bark is very high in soluble fiber (mucilage) that forms a slime-like goo when wet. It’s most frequently used to soothe stomach irritations and ulcers, and is often mixed with chamomile. The fiber is also a good prebiotic (a non-digestible food product whose fermentation process feeds beneficial intestinal bacteria). The usual dose is one to two ounces, alone or in combination with chamomile and other topically soothing herbs, such as marshmallow. There’s no known toxicity.

Spirulina platensis. This is a specific type of bluegreen algae with unique effects that make it very useful with allergies. Spirulina is able to block the release of histamine from mast cells and also helps to direct the immune system away from production of IgE, the immunoglobulin of allergy. It’s also an excellent source USRider® Equestrian Traveler’s Companion

Valerian is most useful to calm horses on stall rest due to injury. of protein. Dosage is one ounce by volume measure (equaling 20 grams by weight), twice a day. When combined with jiaogulan, it’s excellent for allergic lung problems. There are no toxicity concerns.

Tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is extracted from the leaves of the Australian tea tree. It has a long history of use for skin problems and has proven helpful for mild fungal and bacterial infections. It’s used in many sheath-cleaning products. Topical products containing tea tree oil are a reasonable place to start for skin problems. Some horses may be sensitive or allergic to tea tree oil.

Valerian. Valerian is the most effective of the herbal tranquilizers for horses, but still isn’t always reliable for horses under stressful situations. It’s most useful to calm horses on stall rest due to injury. Most horseshow regulatory bodies prohibit use of valerian, and there are tests available to detect it. There are no known side effects. The usual dose is 1 to 1½ rounded teaspoons of powder twice per day. USR Eleanor M. Kellon, VMD, is a Staff Veterinarian for Uckele Health and Nutrition, Inc., and is the owner of Equine Nutritional Solutions, a nutritional consulting firm. She’s written eight books, including Horse Journal Guide to Equine Supplements and Nutraceuticals.

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------------ USRIDERMEMBERSTORY------------

Port in a Storm This caring dad felt fortunate to have a USRider membership when his tow vehicle broke down in a driving rainstorm.

By Bill Janssen

USRider Member Bill Janssen says he wasn’t carrying reflective triangles on the rainy afternoon his truck broke down, but he wishes he had.

Since my wife and I live in Tampa, Florida, and our daughter attends school in Virginia, I find myself traveling to Virginia to either deliver our daughter, and her beloved mare, Gussie, to school, or bringing them home. It was during one of those trips that I felt very fortunate for my USRider membership.

Heavy Rainfall PHOTO BY BILL JANSSEN

USRider Member Bill Janssen was hauling his daughter’s beloved mare, Gussie, when his truck broke down in a rainstorm yards from a multiple-vehicle accident. (Shown is Janssen’s daughter and Gussie.)

USRider® Equestrian Traveler’s Companion

As I was returning home on a Friday afternoon, around 3:40 p.m., I was traveling south on I-95 just north of Ridgeland in South Carolina. Quite suddenly, my Ford F-250 truck inexplicably lost all power. I was towing a two-horse bumper-pull trailer with Gussie aboard.

Luckily, I was able to coast to the edge of the pavement on the right shoulder of the highway. The traffic was very heavy, and visibility was extremely limited by heavy rainfall.

The situation was made more precarious because a multiple-vehicle accident that had occurred shortly prior to our breakdown was on the left shoulder barely 30 yards from where we were stuck. As emergency vehicles arrived in response to the accident, traffic was drifting to the right, toward us, to avoid them. >>

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Prompt Help

In the meantime, the tow truck driver drove us 20 miles to a repair facility, where the breakdown was traced to a failed alternator. The mechanic fixed the truck, and we were back on our way by 7:25 p.m.

After finally getting out of the traffic lanes, I immediately called USRider and provided all the details of our situation and our location.

The USRider Member Care Specialist told me that he’d search for assistance and get back to me. In less than five minutes, he called back to let me know that a tow vehicle from Autolta of Ridgeland, South Carolina, was being diverted from a different call to our location, primarily because of the precariousness of our situation.

I was told the tow vehicle would arrive in 45 minutes to an hour. A few minutes later, the dispatcher at Autolta called to reiterate the scheduling.

The tow vehicle from Autolta arrived at approximately 4:25 p.m., earlier than expected. The driver immediately moved my rig off the pavement to get us into a safer location, farther from traffic.

‘Many Heroes’

PHOTO BY BILL JANSSEN

“The tow-truck driver drove us 20 miles to a repair facility, where the breakdown was traced to a failed alternator,” says USRider Member Bill Janssen. “The mechanic fixed the truck [shown], and we were back on our way.”

The driver then placed my disabled Ford F-250 onto his flatbed and hooked up my trailer to tow. I asked him to take us to the closest Ford dealer, but he assured me that he knew a repair facility where we stood a better chance of getting a repair that late on a Friday afternoon.

Since it appeared we might be delayed overnight, I made another call to USRider to find out where Gussie could stay overnight. Another Member Care Specialist was able to provide me with contact information for three barns in the area that could board Gussie, if needed. A value can’t be placed on the peace of mind this simple act provided.

USRider® Equestrian Traveler’s Companion

This misadventure starred many heroes. First, the folks at USRider were fantastic. David, the Member Care Specialist, answered the call with a reassuring, “Are you and your horses okay?” He immediately grasped the potential danger of our situation and was able to convey the urgency to the towing service.

There are neither enough words nor sufficient positive adjectives in the English language to express how great a service USRider provides.

Second, the towing service was amazing. Company personnel voluntarily rearranged their schedule, because our situation was correctly perceived as being the most dangerous. Moreover, their follow-up—giving us an update regarding when the tow vehicle would arrive and recommending a service facility—was helpful, to say the least.

The ultimate gesture of kindness was when the towing-service dispatcher, after finishing her shift, drove more than 20 miles to the repair shop to make sure we were being taken care of and, most importantly, that Gussie was okay.

The technicians at the service facility were truly the epitome of Southern hospitality. One “The technicians at of the mechanics even dashed the service facility to a nearby grocery store to get were truly the epitoGussie some carrots. me of Southern hosI hope I never again break pitality,” says Janssen. down with a horse in tow. But if “One of the mechanI do, I have tremendous conics even dashed to a fidence that, with help from nearby grocery store USRider, the experience will be to get my daughter’s as well-handled as this one. mare, Gussie, some This experience did teach me carrots.” a lesson. I’d like to convey to fellow horse-haulers the value of carrying reflective triangles in your vehicle. I didn’t have them on that rainy afternoon, but seriously wished that I had. Reflective triangles would’ve provided an extra measure of security from oncoming traffic in the rain. USR

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------------ROADGEAR------------

Travel Essentials Top products for the equestrian traveler.

On-the-Go Grooming Tote Weaver Leather’s seven-piece assortment features the grooming essentials in a durable nylon tote bag for easy organization on the go. The handy tote bag has six exterior pockets, a wire-reinforced top for stability, a top drawstring closure, plastic feet, and a padded shoulder strap. The kit includes a comb, hoof pick, curry comb, face brush, mane-and-tail brush, dandy brush, and sweat scraper/coarse curry combination tool. Available in Black/Tan, Gray/Pink, and Purple/Black.

Handy Pocket Knife

Trailer-Hitch Protection

Designed with the highest standards in steel quality and handle material, the Viper Knife from Noble Outfitters is so handy, you might want to keep one in your pocket and another in your trailer. The blade’s serrated back half is designed to cut through materials quickly, especially in case of an emergency. With a black-oxide-coated blade made from 440A steel, the knife is built to last. Available in Black, Blackberry, Flamingo, and Turquoise.

When it comes to trailer-hitch protection between trips or when storing your trailer, the Hitch Cover from Trail Pals provides much better coverage than an upside-down bucket, warding off winter elements and sun damage while helping to prevent rust and peeling paint. The durable, waterproof cover is constructed from 600-denier polyester with a vinyl backing. It’s easily installed over the trailer tongue and buckled into place.

Shock-Absorbing Tie Cord Stronger, tougher, and more secure than a bungee cord, Davis Instruments’ MiniShockle will come in handy anytime you need to safely and securely hold a load in place as you travel with your horse. The MiniShockle features UV-resistant nylon webbing sewn over marine-grade elastomer. Stainless-steel, wire-gate snaps hold up to 300 pounds. With a carabiner at each end, it can be clipped to a ring, hooked over an edge, or clipped back around itself. Unlike a traditional bungee-cord hooks, the carabiners won’t easily bend or fly off.

Available in 12-, 18-, and 24-inch lengths. (Caveat: Never use an elastic-based product as a lead or tie rope; once stretched, it can snap back suddenly and cause an injury to you or your horse.)

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PHOTO BY HEIDI MELOCCO

Winter 2020

Because she is Everything.

your trusted roadside assistance company.

Call for a quote: 800.50.HORSE (504.6773) Or visit: www.usrider.org/insurance for an online quote

Make sure you’re covered.

------------ WINNER’S CIRCLEADVANTAGE------------

USRider Member-Benefit Spotlight As a USRider Member, you can enjoy money-saving discounts through Winner’s Circle Advantage.

You may access these benefits directly through the Members Area of the USRider website, as well as through the brochure you’ll find enclosed in membership kits and renewal mailings. The brochure features instructions and access codes for quick

shopping access with all our Winner’s Circle Partners. With so many discounts, you can easily save the cost of your annual membership fee, and more!

This issue, we spotlight our Apparel and Gift items, just in time for the holidays. To shop for these items, and for more Member discounts, click here.

Barmah Hats Barmah Hats—The Original Outdoor Hats—are committed to using only the finest materials and producing its own Australian-made leathers. According to the manufacturer, Barmah Hats has developed the most versatile and durable range of outdoor hats on the market. Many Barmah Hats are handmade in Minnesota. USRider Members receive a 5% discount and free shipping on orders over $50.

Dark Horse Chocolates Dark Horse Chocolates are inspired by the magical partnership between horse and rider. Each chocolate is handmade from the finest ingredients and sports a unique equine design. These exquisite chocolates make elegant gifts at affordable prices. Shown is the Gold 4 Tier Cube Box. USRider Members receive 10% off; use coupon code DH01during checkout.

StayWarm-StayCool StayWarm-StayCool distributes TechNiche International’s heating and cooling products for horses and riders. Its HyperKewl evaporative-cooling products are designed to help keep your horse cool in the trailer, in the barn, and outdoors. TechNiche also offers a complete range of heating and cooling products for the equestrian. USRider Members receive a 15% discount with free shipping on orders over $40; use coupon code USRider during checkout.

Muddy Creek Rain Gear Muddy Creek Rain Gear is washable, lightweight, breathable, waterproof, and packable. All the gear has been field-tested extensively on horseback. The Long Raincoat (shown) is designed to cover your entire saddle and saddlebags, and all the way down your legs as you ride. The coat is fully lined and features a detachable hood. USRider Members receive free shipping on all orders.

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Winter 2020

Tractor Supply is dedicated to enriching the lives of rescue horses.

Our Farm Equine Rescue is appreciative of the continued support Tractor Supply Company provides to equine rescues through A Home for Every Horse. Their continued support of rescue and rehabilitating horses allows our rescue to put funds towards other immediate needs such as medical and hoof care.

- SHARON KRESS DIRECTOR OF OUR FARM EQUINE RESCUE FIND OUT HOW TO

Heart the Cause Today WWW.AHOMEFOREVERYHORSE.COM

A Home For Every Horse is brought to you by the Equine Network and sponsored by:

------------ GETAWAYS ------------

Ride the Historic Anza Trail

PHOTO BY CYNTHIA MCFARLAND

The trailhead to the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail in Southern Arizona is adjacent to the beautiful Tumacácori Mission, established in 1691.

Southern Arizona’s Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail takes you on a journey through history.

By Cynthia McFarland

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When I traveled to my hometown of Tucson, Arizona, one recent winter, it was specifically to get in some serious riding. Happily, some of my best times in the saddle took place with Kathryn Wade, my dearest friend and trusted riding partner from long ago.

As teenagers, we spent countless hours together on our horses, exploring Southwestern desert trails.

This visit was a riding reunion of sorts. One memorable outing was riding a portion of the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail just north of the Arizona-Mexico border.

For this equestrian adventure, I left my Paint Horse gelding, Ben, home in Florida and rode Kathryn’s Quarter Horse, Gunner; she rode her Paint Horse, Joe. Both geldings are solid, experienced trail horses. >> Winter 2020

PHOTO BY CYNTHIA MCFARLAND

The Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail is wellmarked along the way.

Intriguing History The Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail is named after Spanish Lieutenant Colonel Juan Bautista de Anza. In 1774, Anza financed an exploratory expedition to chart a safer course from Arizona to the San Francisco Bay area than had previously been forged.

Anza led a group of friars, settlers, and colonists and their families to resettle in the San Francisco Bay area and hold the port. At the time, Anza was captain of the Presidio of Tubac, built in 1752 to protect settlers and residents of the neighboring Tumacácori Mission, established in 1691.

On October 23, 1775, the group set off on the daunting 1,200-mile journey. They followed the Santa Cruz River on its northward course, then crossed the Sonoran Desert, swung south of the Gila River, and eventually crossed the Colorado River at the Yuma Crossing. Anza’s expedition reached San Francisco Bay on March 28, 1776.

Today, the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail crosses both public and private lands. It runs from Nogales, Arizona, on the United States-Mexico border, through Southern California, then follows the coast north to San Francisco. It was designated a National Historic Trail in 1990.

Every October, history repeats itself during Anza Days, a reenactment of the expedition’s ride from the Tumacácori Mission to Tubac. And every April since 1938, also to honor Anza’s expedition, the De Anza Trail Caballeros ride from Calexico to Riverside, California.

My friend and I chose to ride the Anza Trail from the Tumacácori Mission trailhead north toward Tubac. You can also park at the trailhead in Tubac and start from the site of Anza’s original expedition.

USRider® Equestrian Traveler’s Companion

PHOTO BY CYNTHIA MCFARLAND

The entrance to the Anza Trail from Tumacácori National Historical Park requires riding through a narrow metal pipe gate and stepping over an elevated bottom rail about 15 inches high.

Travel Guide To get to the Tumacácori Mission trailhead from Tucson, drive 45 minutes south, then take Interstate 19 into Santa Cruz County until you reach Exit #34 at Tubac.

Then follow signs for the Tumacácori National Historical Park, about a mile from the interstate. (Note that you’ll drive through a border-patrol checkpoint, but you’ll still be in the United States.)

Adjacent to the mission is the trailhead parking area, which can easily accommodate a half dozen rigs. You can unload and saddle up well away from the road. While people do camp here overnight with their horses, your best bet is to arrange for overnight stabling for your horse and book a hotel room for yourself. >>

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PHOTO BY CYNTHIA MCFARLAND

PHOTO BY KATHRYN WADE

Geldings Gunner (front) and Joe wait patiently to start out on a chilly February day.

Cynthia McFarland riding the Anza Trail aboard Gunner, a seasoned trail horse.

Or, stay at a nearby bed & barn, such as Freedom On The Go Ranch (520/444-6481; estherogoaway@ gmail.com ). This ranch offers private paddocks, an outdoor arena, and electrical and water hookups for living-quarters trailers. There are also adjacent riding trails.

the way, your horse must walk through a narrow metal pipe gate with an elevated bottom rail about 15 inches high. No big deal for any seasoned trail horse.

As soon as we entered through the gate at the trailhead, the trail meandered through a large stand of mesquite. As we got closer to the river, we entered a forest of Fremont cottonwoods and Goodding’s willow (also called Goodding’s black willow).

These abundant trees are part of the riparian area.

Riparian means an area influenced by water, both above and just below ground. Until we rode here, I had no idea that a riparian forest community is the rarest forest type in all of North America.

Prepare to cross the Santa Cruz River multiple times. Unlike many rivers in Arizona, the Santa Cruz flows year-round. It also has the distinction of being the only river that crosses the Mexico-United States border twice.

At the time we rode, the crossings were no more than two feet deep, but depth will vary depending on the season and how much rainfall the area has experienced. Because of recent rains, there were some fairly muddy spots in the lowlands, but overall, the footing was fine and not rocky at all.

(River water in the Tubac area contains treated effluent released from the Nogales International Wastewater Treatment Facility, so don’t drink it!)

Stop for lunch in Tubac, the oldest Spanish settlement in Arizona. There are hitching posts where you can tie your horse and multiple options for grabbing a bite to eat before venturing back down the trail. USR

Historic Trail We set out on the Anza Trail in late February on a cold, unusually overcast and windy day. It’s always few degrees cooler here than in Tucson because of the river, the tree canopy, and the higher elevation. And although you’re in the Southern Arizona desert, you’ll feel as though you’re riding through an oasis.

The area is rich in wildlife and boasts a variety of birds. Don’t be surprised to see deer along the trail.

Butterflies are abundant in the spring, during wildflower season.

The trail is closed to cyclists and motorized vehicles but is popular with hikers. However, on the day we rode, we met only one hiker and no other riders. I loved feeling as though we had the trail to ourselves.

Riding from the Tumacácori Mission trailhead to Tubac and back takes about four hours if you keep to a walk. You won’t experience any significant elevation changes along this portion of the trail, so it’s not physically challenging, as long as your horse doesn’t mind water. If your horse has any issues with crossing water, this isn’t the trail for you. (For a trail map, click here.)

To enter the trail itself, and at several points along USRider® Equestrian Traveler’s Companion

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