EquiTravelsTravel Opportunities and Advice from Painted Bar Stables for Traveling with Horses in Tow
Advice
Homing Beacon Malfunctions
On April 4, 2019 by Erika EckstromRunning toward home like a freight train. The bane of the trail experience.
Advice
Riding in Open Fields
On March 12, 2019 by Erika EckstromRiding in wide open fields can be either a moment of glory or a terrifying hell.
Galloping across a field is one of the most amazing feelings but it can quickly feel like you’re riding a freight train with no breaks. And if you’re riding with a group it can turn into a stampede.
Advice
Finding New Trails
On February 27, 2019 by Erika EckstromThe whole point of EquiTravels is to explore new and beautiful destinations. However, by the very definition of that, you’ll be traversing unfamiliar territory. There’s many resources beyond the trail map brochures that can help you plan your route and get you more information about the topography and footing of your destination.
Advice
To Blanket or Not to Blanket
On January 20, 2019 by Erika EckstromWhy do some horses wear blankets and others don’t?! Well, some are chunky fluffers and their owners have decided they are not necessary. The fluffy hair in their coat is very insulating so long as the hair is allowed to stand up. A horse’s winter coat is also naturally greasy, which helps it repel snow,
Trivia
On Horse or On Foot?
On January 7, 2019 by Erika EckstromA group of us were recently posed the question: Is it harder to run or ride 1000km? Backstory of Man vs. Horse Argument The original “Man versus Horse Marathon” is an annual race of 35km (just over 22 miles) where runners compete against riders on horseback. The race — a shorter distance than an official
Advice
Saddle Fitting: The Campaign for Lady’s Saddle
On December 28, 2018 by Erika EckstromDo you have a horse that’s hard to fit a saddle to? Some horses are simply easier to find a saddle that fits properly than others. And it is of utmost importance to have good saddle fit. While a “decent” fit will often have minimal effect on short rides, when you really start to add
Past Trips
2018 Finale FLX EquiTrek
On November 11, 2018 by Erika EckstromThe final ride of the 2018 peak season was a 33 mile loop to the Fingerlakes Mill Creek Cabins and back. Late in the fall season, we ended up having our trek on one of the coldest days of the fall possible. Temperatures were below freezing but what really chilled us were the bitter winds.
Past Trips
East Coast Mountaineer Women: Three Mares and Us Ladies
On October 28, 2018 by Erika EckstromJust the three of us and our mares headed south. This time we impromptu decided to skip the endurance race we intended to go to in Virginia and keep driving south for adventures along the Virginia Highland Horse Trail and Mount Rogers. The trip had a bit of a strange start. After a long day
Past Trips
Hope4Horses Biltmore Endurance Race
On September 26, 2018 by Erika EckstromI probably don’t have to keep repeating myself, but a trip to the Biltmore is basically the best trip. Ever. This time we headed down south for not only the travel adventure but to ride in the Hope4Horses fundraiser endurance race and to witness the AERC Endurance National Championships. Going with me this time were
Advice
Advantages of Traveling to Endurance Events
On September 20, 2018 by Erika EckstromIn addition to being able to camp with your horses during the race, there are many other huge advantages of EquiTraveling in conjunction with an endurance. For all of these reasons I always strongly suggest doing a travel vacation that includes an endurance race or competitive trail event because even if you just mosey down
Advice
Winter Riding: Horses are for Always
On November 18, 2014 by Erika EckstromWhile many people pack up their horses and riding ambitions for the winter, we actually kick it up a notch!