2008
ALABAMA WAGON TRAIN'S
28th Anniversary

A Few Basics
"RIDE TIPS"

BACK

LEAVE HALTERS ON DURING THE RIDE.....

     We have found that you can save yourself broken reins and equipment if you leave your halter on your horse , with a lead line tied to the saddle horn, during the ride. If you make a quick trip to the woods (cowboy restroom )..... simply untie from the saddle horn and tie your mount up. The same thing for breaks and lunch break. When you do tie him up, tie his head above the height of the saddle horn. You will find that he cannot step through the lead rope this way. Let me say it again, when you saddle up in the morning, leave your halter and lead rope on your horse. It makes it easier for tie-ups during the day.
Not very dressy but it sure makes for a safer day.

HORSE CARE.....

     Most likely most of you have trail ridden quite a bit, but for those of you who haven't participated in a cross country wagon train, we offer a few suggestions..... We ride 20+ miles each day. 90% of the horses/mules are not used to this kind of endurance, even though we travel at a moderate pace. The feeding and watering of your horse or team is probably the most important things to watch. You may find this hard to believe but one of our main problems is over watering. A hot horse, inside, will colic when over watered or over fed. Several small drinks per day is far safer than a few "all you can drink" waterings. When you get to camp let your stock cool down before feeding and watering. Offer hay after they have cooled off, then feed and water.
VERY IMPORTANT:
Make sure you get up early enough to feed and water in plenty of time before the train leaves out. If you find you need vet supplies during the ride, come to the headquarters rig and see the trail boss. He has some vet supplies.

TACK and EQUIPMENT CHECK.....

     Check and double check all of your tack and equipment before you leave home. We do have a tack trailer with us, but he is located in camp. If you break tack or equipment notify a scout and they will do their best to help you. Teamsters check your tack also, hard to find a "TACK" service station nowadays.

RED RIBBONS FOR KICKING HORSES.....

     Our scouts and officials will have red ribbons for all horses that are subject to kick. That red ribbon is supposed to signify you may have a kicking horse, not that you don't want someone following you closely. So PLEASE DO NOT put a ribbon on your horse if he isn't prone to kicking.