The Thing I Never Go Out On Trail Without...

[jazzrider]

I never go out on trail without my cell phone and a bottle of Gatorade or water. But I'm just a 2-3 hour trail rider. I'm sure that some of you that do some serious trail riding for endurance or back country trips will have a completely different response.

So what do you see as critical to have when you go out on trail?

[marta]

i don't know why i'm so attached to it since in many areas i don't get a signal anyway.

my gf got hurt badly over a year ago while out in the sticks. her mare took off with tack on left her behind with torn ligaments in her knee. she limped back to the truck. later her husband was chewing her out for not having the cell phone around and she was like, what's the point, i get no signal there anyway.

on the other hand one time when i left without it, my friend's mare got very ill (neurological symptoms, later thought to have been caused by her ingesting something in her pasture). we were only 15 minutes walking from the barn. no cell phones. i left her behind and ran back (i was ground driving my mare) with my mare to the barn for help. got a nasty asthma attack from that little jog!

so i carry the cell phone. i try to remember to bring a small pocket knife, too, but i'm not as diligent about it as i am about the cell phone.

[LisaW-B]

I'm also a short-ride, recreational trail rider.

* Cell phone
* Water
* I.D. tag on saddle (w/ name of horse, my name, address, phone numbers -- home, my cell & husband's cell)
* Folding hoof pick

[rainechyldes]

I take my horse :):):)

[jazzrider]

I'm also a short-ride, recreational trail rider.

* Cell phone
* Water
* I.D. tag on saddle (w/ name of horse, my name, address, phone numbers -- home, my cell & husband's cell)
* Folding hoof pick

I.D tag on saddle! What a basic thing I've never thought about. Great idea LisaW.

I'll also add that I'm always sure to have my cell phone attached to ME, not my horse (since many years ago my horse and cell phone galloped home without me :mad: and I had a looooonnnnngggg walk back).

[ChocoMare]

I don't usually go too far, but always have:

-Cell phone (secured to my arm)
-Knife
-Baling twine
-1/2 roll of Vet Wrap
-Folding hoof pick
-Panty liner (for boo boos)

If I was going longer, I'd take water and a snack.

[ChocoMare]

On the ID tag thing, someone had the great idea of getting one of the You-Engrave-It Pet Tags at Wal-Mart, etc. with horse's name, your name & phone number. Clip it onto the bridle. ;)

[QuzqosMa]

Water bottle, cell phone, toilet paper (just in case). If I'm going for a few hours I take a hoof pick, a lead rope, & empty saddle bags (for picking up beer cans along the road!).

[Huntertwo]

Cell phone and lipstick....:) Hoof pick is already attached to my saddle in a little pouch of its own.

Great idea about putting an I.D. tag on the bridle and saddle.

[LisaW-B]

I was trying to remember where I got the I.D. tag idea from... I think it was from a trail trials a long time ago where they made each rider fill one out and attach it to our horses. I remember us laughing and calling them "toe tags"! Hopefully no one will ever need to use my tags, but it makes me feel better knowing that when I ride alone, which is often, if my horse and I part company and someone catches him, at least they'll know what to do with him. It's like Paddington Bear -- "Please return this bear to..."

[Auventera Two]

To echo a previous poster -

cell phone
water
ID tag on saddle with cell and home number. I used to braid this in her mane, but now she's roached. I could braid it into her tail, I suppose.

Also - a power bar or something similar, and a few things in my pack like hoof pick, flashlight, swiss army knife, chapstick, banaids, vetwrap, trail maps, etc. My pack just stays packed and on the back of my saddle so its not like I have to consciously remember these things each time I ride.

[Huntertwo]

I was trying to remember where I got the I.D. tag idea from... I think it was from a trail trials a long time ago where they made each rider fill one out and attach it to our horses. I remember us laughing and calling them "toe tags"! Hopefully no one will ever need to use my tags, but it makes me feel better knowing that when I ride alone, which is often, if my horse and I part company and someone catches him, at least they'll know what to do with him. It's like Paddington Bear -- "Please return this bear to..."

Hey maybe we could use the luggage tags they give you at the airport to I.D. your luggage..lol

[Tiempo]

My helmet!

I don't bother with my cell phone as we get no signal out here at all.

As for the name and address tags..great idea, but I don't think I'd put it on the bridle, we put together a search party here two weekends ago for 2 horses that had taken off after a wreck, by the time they were found 24 hours later, neither had on a bridle, but both still had on thier saddles (minus the horn on one!)

[ChocoMare]

Good point about the bridle. Hmmmm, maybe "tie" it into their mane somehow?

I would recommend that you all start carrying a knife. One of the quick open/close with-one-hand types. We went to Equine Extravaganza in Virginia and watched/participated in the Self Defense for Trail Riders clinic with Scott Hanson. He said that that type of knife, clipped inside a pocket or at your waistband, is one of the most important things to always have with you -- after your helmet and cell phone.

If you've not had a chance to see his self-defense demos or DVD's, do it. Very, very informative especially since he brings with him a background in horses and police work.

[ReRider]

Call me an old Girl Scout, now mommy of young children, trauma nurse, don't bounce as well as I used too 40ish woman.......I take a buddy on ALL trail rides....period.

[Beverley]

As noted, the horse is essential! I take water, a snack for a longer ride, cell phone and gps. Cell phone coverage can be iffy, but GPS can be a lifesaver- if someone in the group or someone encountered on the trail has need of medical assistance, a rescue helicopter will not come unless you can give them the coordinates. One can usually find some high point for coverage, if one really has to, or just ride like heck til one does have coverage.

A piece or two of baling twine is always in the saddle bags too- hundreds of potential uses.

[tabula rashah]

- cell phone (on me)
-water
- hoof pick
-lead rope
- mini person first aid kit (advil, bandaids, bee sting meds{i'm really allergic} and chapstick)
-roll of vetwrap
-granola bar
-knife
-baling twine
-ID on me and the horse
-double end snap
-pen and a couple of pieces of paper
-a few horse treats
-map (if I'm somewhere new)

It sounds like it's a lot, but I can fit almost everything in a pencil case which goes in the pocket saddle pad. Lead ropes clips on D's on the saddle and water bottle and granola bar go in water bottle holder- also clipped to D's. I usually go out from 3 to 5 hours at a time.

[jazzrider]

I would recommend that you all start carrying a knife. One of the quick open/close with-one-hand types. We went to Equine Extravaganza in Virginia and watched/participated in the Self Defense for Trail Riders clinic with Scott Hanson. He said that that type of knife, clipped inside a pocket or at your waistband, is one of the most important things to always have with you -- after your helmet and cell phone.


I almost always ride trail with my husband, who carries a knife. I never thought about it for myself. I'm a little knife leery, having had one go through my hand and had two surgeries to repair it (you really don't want to hear the details :no:). But it is a good idea, for both practical reasons and self defense.

The dog tag for ID, attached to the saddle is a great idea. I have dog tags on all my blankets to keep track of them. At the super pet stores they have a machine and you can do it right then. Next time I go to pick up dog food, I think I'll get one! :yes:

[Eventer55]

I include benadryl, why because a woman died a few years ago while trail riding with friends. She was stung by a bee and died before help arrived. My SO is allergic to bees so I'm more aware of the consequences. You can develope an allergy to bees etc and not know it.

If you are allergic you can get an epipen, it can save your life.

[saratoga]

Wow, you guys are all so prepared. I like to carry a water bottle, cell phone, spare easy boot and a snack but have been known to go out with nothing. I keep meaning to add things like a knife, baling twine, hoof pick, first aid to my pack but still havent..

[Huntertwo]

I include benadryl, why because a woman died a few years ago while trail riding with friends. She was stung by a bee and died before help arrived. My SO is allergic to bees so I'm more aware of the consequences. You can develope an allergy to bees etc and not know it.

If you are allergic you can get an epipen, it can save your life.

I never thought about a knife, but another very good idea.

Does anyone carry liquid Benadryl for their horses?

I ask because about 2 years ago my poor mare stepped on an underground Yellow Jacket nest. Needless to say we both go stung a bunch of times. Luckily we were very close to the barn, but she scared the dickens out of me.

She instantly starting yawning repeatedly, got very lethargic, just acting strange. I was sure she was going to collapse.

After a little while she was fine, but I started keeping liquid Benadryl in my tack box. Sometimes I wonder if I should carry it with me.

[Eventer55]

I'm not positive, but I think dexamethazone is used in horses for alleric reactions, but PLEASE double check. I'm not in the barn so I can't check. I have an emergency kit that my vet fills and I think he gave me dex for allery problems.

[Renae]

I'm not positive, but I think dexamethazone is used in horses for alleric reactions, but PLEASE double check. I'm not in the barn so I can't check. I have an emergency kit that my vet fills and I think he gave me dex for allery problems.

Yes, but dexamethasone can also make a horse founder so you should not use it without your veterinarians guidance.

[Dalriada]

My horse, my tack and my clothing including helmet - the rest is extraneous even in competition.

Heck there's one guy out of TN that finds the tack extraneous and just rides bareback with a halter and shank.

[jnel]

I use a vest with pockets for all the stuff listed above so if I get dumped most of it stays with me and doesn't run off with the horse. I wear dog tags around my neck with my emergency numbers on it (paranoid, yes but I feel better and wear them all the time.) I ride alone and if the worse case happened and I'm unconcious in the woods the numbers are right there. I also include a note at the barn, when I left, when I'll be back and proposed route.

[Auventera Two]

My horse, my tack and my clothing including helmet - the rest is extraneous even in competition.

Heck there's one guy out of TN that finds the tack extraneous and just rides bareback with a halter and shank.

I just read some stuff from Potato Richardson today that said if you can't make it a few hours in between vet stops without a truckload of junk hanging off your horse, you need to rethink your sport. :lol: He rides with nothing on his saddle at all.

[Huntertwo]

I'm not positive, but I think dexamethazone is used in horses for alleric reactions, but PLEASE double check. I'm not in the barn so I can't check. I have an emergency kit that my vet fills and I think he gave me dex for allery problems.

Pardon my *dumbness* :winkgrin:, but is Dexamethazone = Benadryl?

Oh and since I ride alone, I bought an eventers vest last year at the Equine Affaire. Just started riding with it since my last fall.

[Renae]

Pardon my *dumbness* :winkgrin:, but is Dexamethazone = Benadryl?


Benadryl=Diphenhydramine hydrochloride, acts as an antihistamine, sedative and hypnotic

Dexamethasone=Dexamethasone, it is a steroid (that is why there is the danger of oversuing it or using it in a horse who have other conditions predisposing it to founder) and acts as an anti-inflammatory and immunosuproessant (also a danger in using dex on something you assume to be an allergy when the horse is in actuality really sick). It has been sold under the brand name Azium.

[katarine]

cell phone, chapstick, knife, maybe a horse treat or two in a pocket.

Longer rides add water bottle to the list. and a bandana.

[Pocket Pony]

Potato! He's going to be my neighbor some day, as we just bought property near him.

I always have my cell phone, ID, credit card, and insurance card on me. I also have a whistle that I either wear around my neck or attached to my fishing vest's zipper. If I'm wearing the vest, I put those things in there, along with knife, nippers, hoof pick, horse cookies. If I don't wear the vest, then I have a saddle bag with the above-mentioned stuff, plus an EZ boot. Also, my trailer keys, of course! I've been meaning to add mini duct tape rolls to my bag and baling twine, also. Chapstick too...

But I'm also a 2-3 hour rider so I don't need millions of things hanging off my saddle.

[Huntertwo]

I always have my cell phone, ID, credit card

Pocket Pony,
Are you shopping on the trails?? :lol::lol:

[Pocket Pony]

Well, I always want to be prepared! :lol:

No, not shopping, but if I have to go to the doctor (knock wood that I don't) or some type of emergency comes up, I want to be able to pay for it. Plus sometimes I stop at the gas station while en route and I don't like to leave anything in the truck while I'm on the trail... ;)

[J.R.]

Cell phone, GPS, Camera, Tpaper, vet wrap, water, snack for longer rides. Am thinking about carting an easy boot. The I.D. tag is a great idea!!

The cell is probably a waste of space in my area too. Seldom is there a signal where we ride.

[jeano]

For longish rides I always take my P-style--a handy piece of plastic that makes it possible to pee standing up just like the guys--helps to avoid getting poison ivy in places we dont even want to think about itching....not to mention that, being an old bat, sometimes when I squat down I have a LOT of trouble getting back up again!

Cell phone, slicker, water bottle, snack, horse treats, hoof pick, and VELCRO, lots of velcro. And bug spray for me and roll on bug dope for the hoss. I have a big ol floppy visor for my helmet. All my gear goes into a little horn bag, which I can velcro onto the cantle of the hornless saddle when I use that one. Cell phone and horse treats ride in a little camera pouch sort of bandoliered across my chest, tucked under one boob so that its out of the way.

[KCFoxy]

On the ID tag thing, someone had the great idea of getting one of the You-Engrave-It Pet Tags at Wal-Mart, etc. with horse's name, your name & phone number. Clip it onto the bridle. ;)


I ALWAYS buy my tags from Boomertags.com
not only my horse's name, my name address, phone etc..BUT on the back (YES THEY DO ENGRAVE THE BACK) I have...If injured call..and my vet's name and phone number!!
LOVE THAT COMPANY:winkgrin:

[Coyoteco]

Good point about the bridle. Hmmmm, maybe "tie" it into their mane somehow?

I would recommend that you all start carrying a knife. One of the quick open/close with-one-hand types. We went to Equine Extravaganza in Virginia and watched/participated in the Self Defense for Trail Riders clinic with Scott Hanson. He said that that type of knife, clipped inside a pocket or at your waistband, is one of the most important things to always have with you -- after your helmet and cell phone.

If you've not had a chance to see his self-defense demos or DVD's, do it. Very, very informative especially since he brings with him a background in horses and police work.

I will present an alternate opinion on carrying a knife. I certainly think that one should carry a knife. However, I don't think that most women (and this is a generality to which there are exceptions) should carry a knife for self protection. That is simple a way to arm your attacker. I do undertand that being on a horse may put you in a better position to use a knife for self-defence, but not sufficiently better to offset its danger as a weapon for your attacker.

[ChocoMare]

Quite true Coyote. The knife is not meant for self-defense but rather for quick cutting of whatever may be tangled around you or your horse.

[gabz]

For all of you who venture where no cell phone signal exists - a WHISTLE.. like PP mentioned.

Braiding the id tag into the horse's mane AND tail. Put a good friend or relative's phone number on it, in addition to your own. In the event you are injured or in a non-cell phone signal area, someone else can be notified if they find your horse and not you.

Knife - sharp - for cutting leather or web tack if necessary.
Hoof pick; strips of bright orange stretchy fabric to use as markers - or polo wrap if necessary; bottle of water; rain poncho or one of those little reflective blankets; small first aid for me; small first aid for horse; tube of bute paste, tube of banamine paste; benadryl tabs. This is for 3 hour+ rides. Large plastic baggie in case you have to scoop water for your horse to drink. Tissues. Duct tape. (Make a miniature roll of this by unwinding a large roll and rolling it around a piece of pencil or cardboard. You can also make "squares" but it's harder to un-do.)

These items are in the awful event that something happens and I CANNOT get back to my trailer / trail head / home.

Breast collar to prevent your horse's saddle from rolling to the belly.
I also ride in an easy to get out of bridle... In the event my horse gets loose, I don't want to worry about him hung up by a bridle. Breakaway throatlatches would be nice to have.

[Mtn trails]

I always take my survival kit so I'm prepared even if I'm just going on a short jaunt to the tree farm. It includes:

waterproof pad and pen
large plastic garbage bags as an emergency shelter or rain poncho
space blanket
flashlight
waterproof matches and striker
candle
fire starter
water purification tablets
compass
flagging tape
50' of string (for tying your large garbage bag down so you can use it as a shelter
ID - an expired driver license works
knife
whistle
extra food that I don't plan on eating
wool socks - they work as mittens too

Sounds like a lot but they all fit neatly into a small bag that I carry on every tride. I hope I never need to use any of these items but they could mean the difference between life and death.

[wateryglen]

Chapstick.....and always wear bright colors ....no cell phone signals most areas here. But.....I ride on all private land and have told all landowners where/how often I ride and to be on the lookout for loose horses or dead bodies lying around!! :winkgrin: It's actually worked a few times too. They see loose horse, call my home & report, horse rescued, rider rescued etc. Also, I'm never out longer than 2-3 hrs usually anyway from home.
One time, my fieldhunter spooked, fell off & ran all the way home, jumping coops along the way by himself. I had 2 landowners call & report his route & progress! Me? Thumbed a ride with a stranger along the road then got home via another landowner. What wonderful, wonderful people!! I beat the horse home! :lol:
Like the tags ideas tho' - gotta do that!

[gdolapp]

I have a luggage tag filled out in the case it comes with and attatched to my saddle
I also have an ID pet tag with horses name and phone number not only on bridle but
on halter to for each horse and have them so I can switch tags if I switch equipment.

I always carry

CELL PHONE ON MY PERSON if you get bucked off and horse takes off you will still have
cell phone with you. When I got thrown back in November and broke my back I couldn't
find my cell phone here it flew out of my pocket and I fell on it.

in my horn bags
knife,
water,
vet wrap
small role duct tape
a couple baby diapers
bug spray
zip lock baggy with flour in it ( is use it as blood stop)
a bottle of tylonal
gum
cracker packs
small packs of salt and sugar
in my cantle bag
I roll a rope halter and lead in a light weight all weather jacket
rain poncho and rain slicker
and xtra pair of socks

sounds like alot but it really isn't.

[Chief2]

The first thing I do is leave a map or ride description behind at home or at the barn, with time left and ETA on it. Then I dial the barn number into my cell phone and then hang up. That way, if I am still lucid, I can hit redial in case of an emergency. ICE numbers are already loaded in in case I am not lucid.

Tags: Boomertags on saddle, bridle and halter, with my tel #, the barn# and the vet's #.

Items I can think of offhand: a map of the area, with the trail highlighted in colored marker, a small multiple use pocket tool with a knife and hoof pick on it, a hoof repair kit, baling twine, small amount of duct tape, Advil, vet wrap or a polo wrap, a lead rope, water and a small snack. Also, a lightweight windbreaker or packable rain jacket with hood.

[starrunner]

On those longer rides, I've always been with another person, but we typically are carrying...

(and keeping in mind the horses are the greener sort, but not stupid by any means).

Folding knife
Gerber (swiss army knife type thingie)
Water normally on a CamelBak type thing
Food/Chapstick in the CamelBak
Folding Hoofpick attached to my saddle
Lunge Line (it's a really thin rope material) attached to the saddle. Really, LOL, it's come in handy a coulpe times.
Cell Phone
Halter & Lead Rope under the horse's bridle
Camera
Bandana if I'm not in long sleeves
Helmet

Everything else is left in the trailer, but these rides are usually 2-3 hours. Also, we leave a description of the horses on the trailers (ie bay Arabian cross mare, two white feet, leather halter, english saddle) and a phone number of friend/family that can be reached.

Figured that way if we're separated from our horses and people notice a horse standing there or if the trailer is parked overnight (since the places we normally go don't have camping and have day passes and the rangers lock them up...), they'll have an idea what they're looking for.

[Squeeks]

Hi all,

When I go out on trails for DEP VHC (dept enviro protection-volunteer horse patrol) and patrol out state parks we have a few things that we are supposed to bring with us.

Reflective vest (police traffic vest)
Bells attached to the horses (for hunters, animals, people on the trails esp if someone is hurt will hear the bells and call for help)
cell phone/carrier
small first aid kit
folding small saw for cutting branches etc.
water- in the fanny pak with the long tube w/shut off switch
folding hoof pick on my saddle
chapstick and a snacks for myself and horse
obviously horse/helmet and approp tack
pad and pencil
map of the grounds riding on

[MSP]

I wear my helmet, cell phone on my arm and I carry my Swiss Army knife in my pocket.

Only thing that bothers me is I have no wire cutting ability on my knife but I have a saw. I just worry about getting wrapped up in barbed wire and not being able to cut the horse out.

I wear my blaze orange vest during hunting season.

[ChocoMare]

I know this is an old thread, but I wanted to revive it to let you know I've added a Survival Strap (http://www.survivalstraps.com/women/light-duty-survival-bracelet.html)to the on-my-person MUST HAVE list.

I had one made in my barn colors with the tag engraved:

SUSAN AUTEN
FOREVER
FREE FARM
ICE 770XXXXXXX
ICE 678XXXXXXX

Plus should I need the cord (as in I don't have enough baling twine), it can be taken apart and the cord used.

100% made in America and helps The Wounded Warrior Project.

[jazzrider]

Cool!

But you freaked me out a bit. I'm barely on here these days. I thought someone was impersonating me! And then I saw the date...:lol:

[MSP]

Funny you should post that, I was just looking at the survival straps last week.

As an update I very rarely ride with my swiss army knife but I have upgraded my phone to a Mil Spec after seeing how easily my regular cell phone broke!

I figure there is not much point wearing my cell phone if I land on it and it no longer works!

[rmh_rider]

Cell phone, keys clipped inside my tights, UNDERWEAR on my bum, and a through coating of bug spray, oh and a horse. Depending on the trail I may take a knife, and or pepper spray.

[mildot]

I will present an alternate opinion on carrying a knife. I certainly think that one should carry a knife. However, I don't think that most women (and this is a generality to which there are exceptions) should carry a knife for self protection. That is simple a way to arm your attacker. I do undertand that being on a horse may put you in a better position to use a knife for self-defence, but not sufficiently better to offset its danger as a weapon for your attacker.
Please do not perpetuate the nonsense that using a weapon for self defense is just giving your attacker another weapon to use on you. There are far too many credible, on the record, accounts of regular people successfully defending themselves from violent attackers to take the pacifist/hoplophobic approach with any seriousness.

There are many reputable places that will teach you how to properly use a knife (and a handgun if you are so inclined) for self defense. And it does not matter what your age or gender is.

Using any tool as a self defense weapon requires first and foremost the right mindset, as without it the best weapon and the best training are useless.

I know that is a squeamish subject around here, but that does not make the issue go away.

I would encourage women to not pay attention to the "conventional wisdom" and to do some serious introspection about how far they are willing to go to protect themselves and their loved ones from violence. Because when violence finds you (particularly in isolated areas) YOU will be the one (not the police) that will have to turn the tables in your favor. If that introspection results in a determination to take an active role, there are resources to help you along.

FTR, I have paid for a significant amount of that training, practice those skills regularly, and have the legal permission to carry the tools necessary to end a violent confrontation in my favor. I pray that I never need to use them. I do my best to avoid being in a position where I might need to use them. But there is no doubt in my mind about what I will do should I be threatened with death or severe injury by someone.

[cuatx55]

I have this tag for my saddle. Its the extra large round style in red. Plenty of space for the horse name, my name, phone, barn where the horse is, barn number, etc. For only 3.49 and free shipping what's not to love? I have these IDS for my cat and dog also. Great quality.

http://www.pettags4less.com/?gclid=CL7MgqPJgqsCFQGFQAodgHNy1w

[TheOtherHorse]

Please do not perpetuate the nonsense that using a weapon for self defense is just giving your attacker another weapon to use on you. There are far too many credible, on the record, accounts of regular people successfully defending themselves from violent attackers to take the pacifist/hoplophobic approach with any seriousness.

There are many reputable places that will teach you how to properly use a knife (and a handgun if you are so inclined) for self defense. And it does not matter what your age or gender is.

Using any tool as a self defense weapon requires first and foremost the right mindset, as without it the best weapon and the best training are useless.

I know that is a squeamish subject around here, but that does not make the issue go away.

I would encourage women to not pay attention to the "conventional wisdom" and to do some serious introspection about how far they are willing to go to protect themselves and their loved ones from violence. Because when violence finds you (particularly in isolated areas) YOU will be the one (not the police) that will have to turn the tables in your favor. If that introspection results in a determination to take an active role, there are resources to help you along.

FTR, I have paid for a significant amount of that training, practice those skills regularly, and have the legal permission to carry the tools necessary to end a violent confrontation in my favor. I pray that I never need to use them. I do my best to avoid being in a position where I might need to use them. But there is no doubt in my mind about what I will do should I be threatened with death or severe injury by someone.

:yes:
Agreed. I carry a small .380 for personal protection on trail rides. Before I started carrying, I did have a couple bad experiences where I had wished it had been there just in case, but luckily hadn't ended up needing it. I hope I never do.

[AlfalfaGirl]

This thread was highly entertaining at points and informative, too!!!

I generally carry:

phone
2 drinks
camera
GPS
chapstick
hoofpick (came with the saddle in its own little leather pouch personalized with my initials!)
Hoofboots
sometimes a snack for me and Biscuit - LOL sometimes a sandwich does double duty...he eats the crust and I eat the middle.

These are for short trips but this thread has given me ideas for what else to pack and ways to take them!!

[walkers]

Please carry large old t-shirts or baby diapers or sanitary large size napkin. Friends have saved their horses life when cantering on a trail a branch pooped up and lacerated the mares belly. One of us held the bandage and stopping the hemorrhage while she rode for help. The same can happen to a person.
Always carry a knife, large blade you have no idea how wrapped up in tack a horse or person can get in a fall. You need to be able to cut that girth and for those who use biothane take you need a very sharp knife. I've seen nasty accidents from biothane as the horse can't break it if they are trapped.
Forget the antibiotics, they can be used later after you're home.
Liquid benedryl is a better idea because if you or a friend are going into shock you won't be able to swallow a pill. Take a epi-pen is a better idea.
You can do fine without food but always carry water, hoof pick or flat head screw driver much better for getting a nail out or a twisted shoe off, and always wire cutters.
I rode the colorado Mts.. alone and could go on and on about the freak things that happen when you're far from help.
Big knife
duct tape
bandage
wire cutters
water proof matches
water,water,water
dress appropriately even in mild climates a serious injury and rainy night can led to hypothermia.
Also always lead rope and halter. and throw in twine
flashlight for signaling
Even if you're riding close to town the knife and bandages are a must.
do not rely on a cell hone to save you!

[mildot]

Bleeding control for the 21st century: http://celoxmedical.com/

[Simbalism]

My friends always pick on me because I always wear a fanny pack when out trail riding. But guess who they come to if they need something? For trail riding my horse wears an inexpensive western bridle with her hackamore. It has Chicago screws, so I have a few of those in my bag. Also some zip ties for tack repair. I have one of those space blankets that fold real small, a large zip lock bag to water horse with if creeks don't have good footing. A multi-tool thingy with knife. A few peppermints for those pesky loose horses. sunscreen and chap stick, a hoof pick, bandaids, neosporin packets, cast padding(which is like sheet cotton, but ace bandage size), a roll of vetrap, a small bottle of saline, and a small bottle of hand sanitizer. On the outside of the pack, I have a whistle and a mouth to mouth recussitation barrier( what can I say? most of my riding buddies are of an age) And no, my fanny pack is not huge...hehe. My horse has a name tag/ID on her saddle, and I wear an ID(like eventers use) with medical info, contact, copy of insurance card and driver's license. Never know when you might need to be taken in ambulance and won't have access to your wallet.

[lizathenag]

I had my lariat, canteen and rifle.

now I make sure to have a carrot.

[Toadie's mom]

BEER

Well aside from that, easy boot, water, hoof pick, phone and beef jerky (something I love, but never keep at home so it's a treat).

[DMK]

BEER

Well aside from that, easy boot, water, hoof pick, phone and beef jerky (something I love, but never keep at home so it's a treat).

We would get along just fine on the trail. My corona light and limes is a must have for hot weather. By the way, the cooler that jeffers sells for vaccines? Best bottled beer cooler ever! Other than that, it's an easy boot, hoof pick, phone, G2 and a fruit crisp

[cowboymom]

A horse and preferably something on its head to steer with.

My husband has ridden his horse 10 miles down from hunting camp in the wilderness with nothing on her at all, not even a halter.

If I'm within a few miles of the trailhead I make sure I have a couple beers and my slicker is always tied on behind my saddle. If we're going out on a pack trip I usually have a leatherman, a lighter in my jeans pocket, a package of almonds or a cheese stick, and I usually have some benadryl in my saddlebags since DH is supposed to be allergic to bees.

If we're riding around the house nada. Generally don't even saddle up around the house.

[katarine]

blackberry brandy.

miss you :( :(

[cowboymom]

;)