Desert-Riding Tips
Trail riding and horse camping in California’s deserts is sublime, but the harsh environment requires extra planning no matter what time of year you go. Here are our top tips.
• Pack water. An ample water supply is your first consideration. Provide water for your horse in your trailer. Check in advance if your campsite has potable water for you and drinkable water for your horse. If not, pack enough water in your rig for both you and your horse.
• Carry water. On the trail, there are seldom water sources. Carry enough water for all riders. Don’t wait to feel thirsty before drinking or you could become dehydrated.
• Provide sun protection. Wear a long-sleeve shirt and other protective clothing. Apply sunscreen to any exposed skin. If your horse has sun-sensitive skin, especially around his muzzle and heels, apply sunscreen formulated for horses.
• Keep your horse hydrated. In desert regions, your horse might not drink enough water on his own. Here’s why: During the chilly nights, he might not be thirsty enough to drink an ample amount. Then, by the time it warms up in midday and he’s ready to drink, he may be on the trail with no water supply. To encourage him to drink in camp, add some loose salt to his grain each morning and night.
• Prevent sand colic. In the desert, horses fed on the ground often ingest sand with their hay, which can cause sand colic. To help reduce the risk, use a portable slow feeder to reduce the amount of hay that falls on the ground where your horse can pick up sand. Consider adding psyllium to your horse’s ration, per your veterinarian’s recommendation. High-fiber psyllium can help remove sand from your horse’s digestive tract.
• Watch for wildlife. The most common wildlife you’ll encounter on the trail are rattlesnakes and bees—both ordinary honeybees and Africanized honey bees. Be alert to your surroundings while riding, and try to spot these critters before they spot you. Rattlers generally aren’t aggressive and just want to be left alone. Bees are another matter—if they swarm, they can kill you. Get away from them immediately. Horses and humans can both outrun bees.