Summer + Horses
Well, endless only in our minds. Our budgets often dictate otherwise. But a resourceful rider can find horse activities that don’t break the bank, plus devise shortcuts to save cash without sacrificing the fun. Here we’ll offer ideas and tips for making
Go National
National parks boast some of the world’s greatest scenery, and many can be enjoyed from horseback for a pittance. Reservations are required to horse camp in national parks, so plan ahead. Check all fees (usually between $20 and $50), and inquire about rules and regulations, including which trails are open to horses and if grazing is permitted. Obtain all necessary permits and vaccination documents.
Here are a few horse-friendly parks to consider. • Big Bend National Park, Texas. Trail riding and horse camping are allowed. All gravel roads are open to horses, as well as cross- country travel, except in some specified areas. One of the campsites has a corral large enough for eight horses. • Yosemite National Park, California. While off-trail riding is prohibited, some trails are open to horses. Designated stock campsites allow overnight horse camping. Overnight boarding facilities, spot packing, and day rides are available, with liveries located within the park. • Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee. Five drive-in horse camps provide ready access to backcountry trails within the park. Most campsites are open April through October. • Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota. The Roundup Group Horse Campground is open May through October. Parking for several horse trailers and/or RVs, tenting platforms, raised grills, restrooms, and a covered picnic pavilion are available.
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Made famous among horse lovers in the classic book Misty of Chincoteague Assateague Island offers two campsites for horse camping October through April. Each site accommodates up to six people and six horses.
Most trainers charge significantly less for each participant in a group lesson than the price of a private lesson. Over the course of many lessons, those savings add up. Plus, you’ll learn from the other riders, your horse will be exposed to other horses, and the group atmosphere keeps the learning environment fun. • Buy in bulk. Look for package deals on a series of lessons or on advance payment. Cash is king! It’s hard to resist upfront payment and easier to offer a discount. • Trade with friends. It’s almost certain you have a riding buddy with more experience than you have. She might not be a professional, but you can still learn a thing or two from her. Offer to trade services with her— lessons for babysitting, house cleaning, accounting work, or another unique skill you possess.