The Long Ride 2010

  Dolly

Dan

 Sessanta

    Jack

   Ranger

   Buck

 Yellow Boy

Animals

One fact quickly learned whilst researching this expedition is that there are as many opinions about suitable animals as there are people! We have, so far, been encouraged to considered gaited horses, quarter horses, Arabs, mustangs, crosses and mules. All seem to have their advocates and supporters, none of which makes the final decision any easier!

Essentially, we will be travelling with five riding animals, plus three spares to be used in rotation, plus five pack animals. Each rider will be responsible therefore for their own riding animal, a pack animal and, in three cases out of four, a second riding animal. Logic dictates that all animals are ‘cross-trained’ and will function as either riding or pack animals.

Riders have a responsibility to the animals in their charge, themselves and riders who arrive later as one of the expedition stated aims is to complete the ride with the animals with which we start. Each rider will be responsible for the animals in their care, including health, wellbeing, feeding, grooming, saddling and unsaddling. I propose to keep daily mileages down to a reasonable level, to keep loads as small as possible considering the remoteness of much of the trip, and ensure frequent rest periods.

The daily routine includes frequent short halts and riding for two days followed by a rest-day on the third. I wish the animals to be fit and unstressed should we have to push on a bit occasionally for reasons beyond our immediate control.

Farrier and Vet Cover.

The expedition is coming of age……During a recent visit to the US an arrangement was made wherein we will be engaged in a long-distance hoof-care project in conjunction with ELPO (Equine Lameness Prevention Organisation) for the entire six months of the ride. See ‘Newsdesk’ for more information.

Basically, our animals will receive a thorough inspection by both farrier and vet at the start, mid-point and end of the ride, with farriers visiting us at fortnightly intervals to maintain a watching brief, re-shoeing as necessary, and carrying out their data collection for their project.

Apart from the interest generated in the project itself, it is a great relief to have the problem of hoof care solved to a very large extent, and to make the project public now that details have been discussed with ELPO in the US.The involvement of this organisation is very reassuring indeed. Take a look at their link on the ‘Contacts’ page.

Animals.

The animal team is beginning to shape up. I have been in discussion with our contact in Frisco, Texas, Robert Liner for the provision of the animals we will be taking with us. Sourcing them through Robert will serve a number of purposes, the most important of which is the knowledge is that he has our best interests at heart and will provide us with sound animals.

Those I have heard of include Ranger, a Quarter Horse/mutt cross with a ‘where’s-the-job,-let’s-get-on-with-it’ work ethic; Buck, a Quarter Horse/Arab cross, Ranger’s stable mate and close side-kick for five years; and Yellow Boy, a Palomino Quarter Horse, very laid back and a pleasant ride. These three I have seen, and lovely animals they are too.

I haven’t yet met Montana, a Leopard-Spot Apaloosa, Domingo (Sunday) and Taku (North Wind), both Paints. That’s six of our thirteen thus far. Robert is still looking and has found another Ranger, also a Quarter Horse cross. An interesting aside here, we now have two Rangers - the original route was explored by two Rangers (Texas Rangers!)

I have spoken with a vet in Fort Worth, Dr Gayle Trotter one of America’s leading equine surgeons I believe, who has offered ‘to look them over’, before we launch. His very kind offer is much appreciated.