Preparing for a Long Ride

You may want to include specific points of interest as you plan your route. Setting your goal may be influenced by other people with good intentions but bear in mind you are the one riding so take the advice of others graciously but keep in mind your own objectives.

I never tell anyone that I am going to attempt to ride from point A to point B. I don't like the word attempt. It comes from the root word tempt or temptation. It sounds like something that could change if the going got tough. I like to say" I intend" to ride from point A to point B. No use setting yourself up for failure before you begin.

Character traits like determination, stubbornness and grit will help you finish your course. It is important to spend some time in self-evaluation. You need to also evaluate your physical condition. Heart problems, diabetes or other medical issues should be considered if you go it alone. With that being said, proper consideration for your horse is also important. A strong, healthy, happy horse will carry you to the finish line. One of my greatest joys is seeing new country on the back of a good horse. Consider a couple of things. Do you intend to make this ride alone, with someone else, or in a group setting? For me, most of my riding has been solo. At times I have had others join me and I was grateful to have the company. However, the more I rode the more I learned about myself and whether genetically or as an acquired trait, I found myself enjoying the solitude. The company is great but I am most content as a lone rider.

Consider the wildlife in the area you plan to travel. Although you can never fully prepare for every issue try to think through every possible obstacle in advance.

Let me share one of my experiences on my 6th Ride for Missions from Deadhorse, Alaska, to Mismaloya, Mexico.

As we were crossing the Brooks Range in Alaska I told my wife I wished to get away from civilization and would camp out for that night. She laughed because civilization was our two friends who were the support crew and herself. They were the only people within 200 miles in any direction.

I found a good place to camp about 300 feet from a medium sized stream that I could use for water. There was some grazing for my horse and a level spot for camping. I tethered my Arabian horse, Music, to a tree and started my campfire. I cooked a quick meal while my coffee boiled. I grained Music. My bedroll was unfurled and I used my saddle as a pillow. After checking my firearms I promptly fell asleep. One hour later Music woke me by blowing and stomping. In grizzly and black bear country you better come alive quickly. Music had seen a bear coming into camp 100 yards away and wanted me to wake. I always sleep with a firearm and knife under my bedroll. When I got up, my 12 gauge, sawed off 3" mag was in my hands. My shotgun was already loaded with slugs. I generally carry a 45-70 Marlin or my 44 magnum Winchester.

The bear was cautiously moving toward camp. This bear's ears were up and he was sniffing the air as he came closer. Weaving back and forth I believe the bear was curious about his new neighbour. I spoke to him, picked up my coffee pot, and added some pebbles to make lots of noise. It caught the bear's attention but he showed no sign of aggression so I set my coffee pot down and chucked a couple of rocks at him and the bear went looking for a friendlier camp. I laid back down and was soon asleep when an hour later Music again began to stomp. As the first time, I was instantly awake and up. This was a different bear. Slightly smaller with a white blaze on his chest, whether genetic or an old battle scar, I do not know. He was as curious as the first bear, testing the wind, weaving side to side, ears erect as he drew closer. Using the same technique with my coffee pot I chucked some more rocks, keeping my 12 gauge at the ready. Like bear number one he also left for more amicable company.

Before making camp, I had checked the area for tracks and found many bear, wolf and caribou tracks but not enough to constitute a game trail, although the stream close by would be a natural draw. In any event, I walked over to Music and stroked her neck to assure her all was well. The fire was dying so I piled on more wood then returned to my saddle and blanket. I was soon sleeping once again when in another hour Music started stomping and blowing again. I was up fast and instantly alert. There was movement about 60 yards away moving fast. The bear topped a rise and slowed. This bear was different than the first two, much larger and not curious. His ears were flat back and he was popping his teeth, making bluff charges and tearing the ground with his front paws. He slowed to a trot but not weaving or misdirected, he was coming straight towards me.