Some people complain that it's "always about me, my, and I." Who the hell else would I be about? I can't speak for anyone else and I can't live for them either. They're just mad because it's not about them and what they want.
I am not a historical re-enactor. I am a simple woman, working hard so that I can enjoy my life a bit more throughout the year. Although I have now hit "middle age"(I am now an official member of AARP), my definition of cowboy camping is a bit different.
Modern adventurers like to say that cowboy camping is about sleeping under the stars with no tent. Well, that's part of it, but what it really means is camping with horses (and sometimes other animals) out in the wild places of the world. Contrary to popular opinion, it often includes a tent. Cowboys did have them and used anything they could, including horse blankets, other blankets, and sometimes their own bed rolls or coats. It is a myth that they never used shelters.
Cowboy camping is more difficult than you might think. Firstly, it's slow going. Forget about romantic notions of galloping across the landscape. It's hard work, and you will most likely be leading another pack horse, mule or burro.
With modern horses, you cannot go as far as you would like, often 10-15 miles maximum. The reason for this is weight and stamina. Pleasure horses, as opposed to working horses, may not have the stamina for longer distances. Especially while carrying a rider and their gear. No one should be running their horse into the ground.
It's true that gear is almost always minimal, and usually serves dual purposes, out of necessity. Space is limited, and carrying it gets heavy, even for pack animals. Most can carry only 1/3 of their total weight and that's only if they are in great condition. Most horses can only reasonably carry 20% of their body weight including the rider and even that is heavy for them. Go as light as possible.
One of my dreams is to do a horse packing camp adventure in in the US, Canada or elsewhere that I can afford. It's expensive and requires a lot of planning, and ingenuity. I think that's what I like about it - ingenuity. You have to get creative with solutions to problems.
I work full time, and do not have a horse right now. I had to sell him to survive. I would like to own a mustang/wild horse, and train for the trail. Right now, I am camping with my iron horse, my Chevy AWD and minimal gear, practicing my skills. I hope you learn something here.
Currently, I am training my cat to camp. Don't ask. I am also the author of 3 books/novels and look forward to my next one, featuring cowboy camping. Thanks for visiting and if you like, write to me. I enjoy hearing from other people and reading about their lives and ideas.
Your pal on the trail,
Lily
No comments:
Post a Comment