KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Riding in Utah’s red rock country is spectacular, but conditions and terrain can be challenging. Here are our top planning and riding tips for a safe, comfortable adventure.
PLAN WISELY. The best seasons to ride in Southern Utah are spring and fall. If you plan to bring your horse to the Western Legends Roundup in August, take precautions to keep him (and yourself) cool and hydrated. Avoid Moab in mid-April during the town’s four-wheeler jamboree. Call in advance to check camping conditions.
CONDITION YOUR HORSE. Condition your horse for desert riding, which will include traversing rocks, riding through deep sand, and navigating hills.
SCHEDULE THE FARRIER. Get new shoes for your horse, or, if you use hoof boots, have him trimmed just before you go. Hoof protection should be able to hold up on rocky trails.
PACK FOR EXTREMES. Southern Utah can be hot during the day and chilly at night. Pack a riding wardrobe that allows you to don and doff layers as needed. Also pack brimmed helmets or hats, long-sleeved shirts, and gloves for sun protection.
CONSIDER ELECTROLYTES. Ask your veterinarian whether you should supplement your horse’s feed with electrolytes before and on riding days to help replace minerals lost in sweat. Also offer your horse plenty of salt to encourage him to drink.
PACK THE SADDLEBAGS. Carry a map and GPS device for navigation. Tuck in a broad comb and pliers to remove any cactus spines from your horse’s haircoat. Add a hoof boot, in case your horse loses a shoe. Bring sunscreen, a good lunch, and extra water for yourself.
WATCH HYDRATION. Dehydration is the biggest desert danger. There might not be water available for your horse at the trailhead or on the trail. Give him plenty of opportunities to drink before and after the ride. We pack a 65-gallon water tank to water our horses at trailheads.
WATCH THE WEATHER. Check weather reports for lightning and rainstorms. Storms in the mountains far from your riding location can cause flash floods.
STAY AT A WALK. Avoid trotting or galloping in deep sand, which could pull a tendon in your horse’s leg. Avoid extending the day longer than what you or your horse is used to.
WATCH THE SOIL. Stay on the trail in areas where you see soil with a cryptobiotic crust, which contains a community of living organisms. This crust holds water for plant growth and helps hold the soil in place; if disturbed, it can take this crust 20 to 250 years to grow back.
WATCH FOR QUICKSAND. Quicksand is rare but does occur in the area. Avoid riding into soft, jiggly sand.
WATCH FOR RATTLESNAKES. We’ve seen many rattlers in the desert, but few have been aggressive. If your horse is bit, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
SHARE THE TRAIL. Moab in particular is noted for mountain biking and all-terrain vehicles. We rode past several of these travelers without any problems, but make sure your horse is used to backpackers and bicycles.