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  Discussion on Taking a yearling on overnight horse camping trip
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Posted on Saturday, Apr 6, 2002 - 11:37 am:

I'm not sure if I posted this in the right place.
I will be attending an annual 4 day trail ride in a few weeks. This will be my 9th year to attend, but my first time taking along a youngster. My two older geldings have a lot of experience. This ride has a base camp from which we ride out of and return to each evening. In the past, I've either set up an electric fence to house my horses, or placed them on an overhead picket line. The picket line is the easiest for me and what I would prefer to do this year. My concern is how much sleep does the yearling need? He's a great guy - he loads, trailers, ties well, etc. I've been ponying him for months and he's in great shape. I want to take him along for the exercise and the "exposure". (there's about 50 - 75 horses/riders who attend this charity fund raiser) I plan to introduce the yearling to the overhead picket line at home this week-end.

I set up my picket line overhead and attach individual lead ropes to the line. I tie the lead ropes with just enough length so the horses have to actually pull down slightly to reach the ground to eat and drink. This is so when they stand up from lying down, they can NOT step over their lead rope. This happened to me several years back. I awoke to find my oldest gelding standing with his head between his front legs, patiently waiting for me to come to his aid! I was LUCKY he didn't panic! Since then, I've been sure to use good rope that will not stretch and create slack.

I feel confident I can have all three horses safely on the picket line. I'm sure the yearling will figure out how to lie down by watching the other two seasoned boys. My question is - does the yearling NEED to lie out flat on his side to sleep, or is remaining in the "sternum position" to sleep okay? IF, because of his age, he needs more quality sleep, I can borrow some panels from a friend and set up a seperate stall just for him. Of course this will be more work and I would have to make a seperate trip to the ride site to haul the extra gear - both there and back. (I'm traveling about two hours, one way, to this ride.) This colt is growing and developing beautifully, and I just don't want to do anything to jepordize his health on this outing. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Posted on Sunday, Apr 7, 2002 - 9:05 am:

Hello Cathy,
I think sleeping sternally will be just fine.
DrO

Posted on Sunday, Apr 7, 2002 - 10:01 pm:

Thanks Dr. O,
The simplist set up for me allows more time to enjoy the entire ride. I look forward to this annual event all year. I'm glad to know the yearling will be fine picketed along with the two older geldings.
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