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Outpost:  Cross Country Horse Pack Trip  |
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Prairie Princess
True Blue Farmgirl
1075 Posts
Jodi
Washington
USA
1075 Posts |
 Posted - Apr 27 2007 : 06:41:36 AM
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I am in the middle of planning what could turn out to be the craziest journey of my life, and I have never been so excited about something before!! It's a two-month long ride in the wilderness of Idaho, Wyoming, and Colarado with a small group of people who are all out for adventure and comraderie. Has anybody done something like this before, any tips or pointers, ideas, suggestions? There are so many things to consider! I'd appreciate any input from y'all!!  |
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Marybeth
True Blue Farmgirl
6418 Posts
Mary Beth
Stanwood
Wa 98292
USA
6418 Posts |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Apr 27 2007 : 07:30:28 AM
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Oh my gosh...sounds so exciting!! I can't wait to hear all about this trip..lucky you!! It makes me miss my horse...Old Mick and I never went on any long trips..but still..just miss him.
Jenny in Utah
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Apr 27 2007 : 7:12:34 PM
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Jodi-
I have never made a trip like that via horseback before. Let me just say- I am _so_ jealous! I hope you have tons of fun! I know you will see some amazing sights and probably will be in amazing shape by the time the ride is over!
Alee |
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Sarah Blue
True Blue Farmgirl
172 Posts
Sierra Mountains
California
USA
172 Posts |
Posted - Apr 27 2007 : 7:53:36 PM
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I'm so jealous too, even though I would never survive that much riding! I don't have any tips or advice. I just know that you're embarking on an adventure you'll remember for the rest of your life.
"i believe in god, only i spell it nature." - frank lloyd wright
http://www.myspace.com/svgrrrl |
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mom2knk
True Blue Farmgirl
321 Posts
Blanche
So Cal
321 Posts |
Posted - Apr 27 2007 : 8:41:27 PM
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| It sounds like it will be an amazing journey!!! |
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Libbie
Farmgirl Connection Cultivator
3579 Posts
Anne E.
Elsinore
Utah
USA
3579 Posts |
Posted - Apr 28 2007 : 11:19:40 AM
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How absolutely wonderful - an adventure of a lifetime for sure!!! I'm so excited for you - be sure to keep us posted on your preparations - be SURE to take a camera!!!
XOXO, Libbie
"All through the long winter, I dream of my garden. On the first day of spring, I dig my fingers deep into the soft earth. I can feel its energy, and my spirits soar..." - Helen Hayes |
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Prairie Princess
True Blue Farmgirl
1075 Posts
Jodi
Washington
USA
1075 Posts |
Posted - Apr 30 2007 : 11:12:31 AM
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| I will definitely keep you posted on preparations and plans, that will be half the fun! I'm not sure I'll survive a trip like this, I've never gone such a distance on horseback, a week has been the longest I've been out, too. But I know I will come back with memories a plenty, and I am certain it will enrich my life and my soul! This week I've been making packing lists, and I think I've come across a dilemma...how to pack clothes and shoes for two months when weight and bulk must be kept at a minimum...this female stared at the contents of her closet for hours and still couldn't decide what to do! Lol, this trip will straighten out my priorities if nothing else! I'm definitely using Mary Jane's foods, they will pack easy and keep cooking super-simple. |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Apr 30 2007 : 6:18:40 PM
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I assume you all are going to be roughing it? I would take layers if I were you. Most of the weather you are going to experience will probably be dry and hot, but be prepared for cold at night and rain or even snow. I would have a pair of light weight long underwear, 2 pairs of synthetic fabric jeans (cotton can wick away body heat really fast!) 2 long sleeved shirts and 2 short sleeved shirts, a jacket and a heavier coat. I would say only one or two pairs of shoes should be needed since you will be riding most of the time, but I would pack lots of socks! Another idea would be to talk to your expedition leader about what they suggest you bring. I am sure they prefer that people ask questions rather than hit the trail under or over prepared :)
And you are totally in luck with MaryJane's food! Nothing could be simpler or yummier and she just came out with 11 new food packages!
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Prairie Princess
True Blue Farmgirl
1075 Posts
Jodi
Washington
USA
1075 Posts |
Posted - May 21 2007 : 07:02:18 AM
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| Thanks for the suggestions for packing, do you have any ideas where to get jeans that would be comfortable for riding the distances that aren't cotton? The only synthetic riding wear I've found are English-style pants, and most of us ride strictly Western. We may have to set aside our pride, lol. As for talking to our expedition leader, we're planning this ride ourselves, doing it privately. Maybe we're in over our heads, but life is always a bit more exciting when it's slightly out of control. I have a total of five people going, which is a good size, not too big, but enough of us to stay safe. I'll probably put a limit at 6, but I'm not sure who else would go. We've shortened it to one month, aiming for about 500 miles. I'm getting excited! Right now I'm working on finding maps and trails between Boise and the Grand Tetons, and rounding up horses for those that don't have their own. Anyway, an update!! :) |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - May 21 2007 : 09:17:46 AM
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Oh! I wish I could go! I will look into finding some synthetic pants for you. When was a few pounds lighter, had these amazing black cargo pants that were light weight synthetic material. They felt like micro suede on the outside and there were two layers and a smooth side next to my skin. They were perfect and I would really suggest something like that for the ride. There weren't any rough seams to give me saddle sores and since they were synthetic they were awesome for a really extreme backpacking trip I went on.
Alee |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Jun 03 2007 : 3:52:28 PM
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How is the trip planning going?
Alee |
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Prairie Princess
True Blue Farmgirl
1075 Posts
Jodi
Washington
USA
1075 Posts |
Posted - Jun 29 2007 : 2:28:14 PM
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Planning and plotting has slowed down dramatically, since I have found myself in the middle of moving. I'm settling in, getting used to my new enviroment (city, I'm afraid. I miss the country) and new job. But soon and very soon HP trip planning will resume! Alee, did you ever find any good riding pants? I should check with a friend who does endurance riding and see if she has any recommendations if you haven't come up with anything. If you did, maybe you can email me the info for them. I find time to check that more than the forums now. :)
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Jun 29 2007 : 2:57:14 PM
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Jodi- the ones that I used to own were just a fluke that they turned out to be the pefect pants :) I am still looking :)
Alee
The amazing one handed typist! One hand for tying, one hand to hold Nora! |
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brightmeadow
True Blue Farmgirl
2045 Posts
Brenda
Lucas
Ohio
USA
2045 Posts |
Posted - Jul 06 2007 : 10:12:05 AM
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Oh, geez, I wish I could go with you! What fun! But I still have to work...
I was noticing a pair of pants in the Junonia catalog (plus-sized only) that might be good for trip like this - the bottoms zip off, so they convert from slacks to shorts (less packing, more functionality) Don't know your size but if you need smaller, I am sure something similar is available at outdoor outfitters like Campmor.
You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands - You shall be happy and it shall be well with you. -Psalm 128.2
Visit my blog at http://brightmeadowfarms.blogspot.com ,web site store at http://www.watkinsonline.com/fish or my homepage at http://home.earthlink.net/~brightmeadow |
Edited by - brightmeadow on Jul 06 2007 10:12:47 AM |
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Prairie Princess
True Blue Farmgirl
1075 Posts
Jodi
Washington
USA
1075 Posts |
Posted - Jul 10 2007 : 12:27:00 PM
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Thanks, Brenda! I checked out Campmor.com, and I found several good possibilities. I guess I'll have to 'test ride' some to make sure I could go miles in them. I hadn't thought of doing the convertible pants, that zip off into shorts. That would be nice for packing, I like the idea. However, I'm wondering if they might rub, if the zipper would create pressure points. Has anybody ridden in them??
Jodi :) |
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goneriding
True Blue Farmgirl
1599 Posts
Winona
Central Oregon
USA
1599 Posts |
Posted - Jul 23 2007 : 06:24:14 AM
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Well, I'm jealous but in a good way. Hope all is still going well or maybe you're already off in to the wilds??
Winona :-)
Don't sweat the small stuff...
http://goneridingagain.bravehost.com
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Prairie Princess
True Blue Farmgirl
1075 Posts
Jodi
Washington
USA
1075 Posts |
Posted - Jul 23 2007 : 11:31:47 AM
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Actually, the trip is scheduled for early next summer, since my life went topsy turvey this year. So I'm still dreaming up things to make this the best trip ever! It would be fun to have a horse pack trip planned for any farmgirls to participate...we could get together, make new friends, and ride to our heart's content! Just an idea!
Blessings,
Jodi
"Women are like teabags...you never know how strong they are until they get into hot water." Eleanor Roosevelt |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Jul 23 2007 : 9:52:41 PM
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Oh that sounds like so much fun Jodi!
Alee
The amazing one handed typist! One hand for typing, one hand to hold Nora! |
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DaltonLisa
Farmgirl in Training
14 Posts
Lisa
Dalton Gardens
Idaho
USA
14 Posts |
Posted - Aug 22 2007 : 12:49:27 AM
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Hi Prairie Princess,
I was going through older posts (being that I'm new and all) and I saw your post about your cross-country trip....how incredibly fun and exciting. I love that you're doing it "guideless" (makes it seem more old west) and wow!-a month. That would be a dream vacation for me. With 4 kids at home it won't happen anytime soon, a weekend is all I get away for now, but there's nothing better than horseback! Happy adventurous trails to you :-)
Having ridden many miles at a time with an endurance rider, I would recommend riding tights (they do have thicker weight ones) I am a stickler for jeans but riding with this girl convinced me that comfort was SERIOUSLY important. (I did end up with the nickname Rawhide for awhile there) Please keep everyone posted on the plans as we are living vicariously through you on this |
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ColdAntler
True Blue Farmgirl
89 Posts
Jenna
Sandgate
VT
USA
89 Posts |
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Prairie Princess
True Blue Farmgirl
1075 Posts
Jodi
Washington
USA
1075 Posts |
Posted - Aug 29 2007 : 11:10:08 AM
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I've been thinking about going for riding tights, lol. I've reached the 'rawhide' status myself before, and I don't think that would be fun for such a long ride... I'm still determined to do this, for the spiritual benefits of being out in the wilderness with the horses, for photography and journaling oppurtunities, and just a chance to push myself to the limits. However, the people I had lined up to go with me will no longer be able to do it, and if I evaluate the situation wisely, lol, it's not an adventure I should take on by myself. So I'm hoping to find somebody as crazy as me who can fit it into their lives. But my filly goes to the trainer at the end of next month, if all goes according to plan! Get lots of trail miles on her between now and next summer. So I'll be moving towards the goal in that area! She's a great horse, I'll find out if she's got the makings of a good trail/endurance horse. She's half Arab, and half Blazer, so she's got gobs of potential! I'll try to post pictures of her on here soon! :)
"Women are like teabags...you never know how strong they are until they get into hot water." Eleanor Roosevelt |
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DaltonLisa
Farmgirl in Training
14 Posts
Lisa
Dalton Gardens
Idaho
USA
14 Posts |
Posted - Aug 29 2007 : 11:28:10 AM
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| Yes! Do put a picture of your filly--Arabs are stunning. I have a walker/quarter that has rough trot, but a huge heart and has kept up well with my endurance friends' arab. My other horse is a "mutt" mustang/morgan/? that is a sweetheart. If I could get away I would absolutely go with you!! :-) |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Aug 29 2007 : 11:28:18 AM
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Jodi- I would love to go, but it will be at least 3 years before my filly will be ready to be saddle trained and I am not sure if I can leave my baby for a month! It would be great to do a weekend ride though!
Alee
The amazing one handed typist! One hand for typing, one hand to hold Nora!
http://home.test-afl.tulix.com/aleeandnora/ |
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Prairie Princess
True Blue Farmgirl
1075 Posts
Jodi
Washington
USA
1075 Posts |
Posted - Aug 29 2007 : 12:13:15 PM
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Hmm...I'm off and thinking up another ride now, lol. We should coordinate a weekend ride for farmgirls...who all would be interested??
"Women are like teabags...you never know how strong they are until they get into hot water." Eleanor Roosevelt |
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DaltonLisa
Farmgirl in Training
14 Posts
Lisa
Dalton Gardens
Idaho
USA
14 Posts |
Posted - Aug 29 2007 : 1:10:02 PM
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| I'd be game! I've been looking for riding buddies around here cuz I don't like going alone--but a Farmgirls ride-Even better! Where are you located? Boise area? |
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Outpost: Cross Country Horse Pack Trip |
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Cross Country Horse Pack Trip
