Deer Hunting

comfort and safety riding horses and mules

A lot of things can fall through the cracks on the best planned hunt. Either on the part of the hunter or the outfitter. Most foks that ride horses or mules on an expensive hunt in the mountains have little or no experience with stock. These are some suggestions that involve both safety and comfort that the guides may overlook.
Don't ride the horse or mule with a tight rein. If the rider is holding the rein tight with the rein in a straight line from the bit to the riders hand this will cause extreme discomfort to the animal The hand should be on the animals neck in front of the saddle horn. Allow four to six inches of slack in the reins causing the reins to droop. In other words don't ride the brakes.
In the saddle the riders should flex their back at their belt with just a slight slump. If the rider attemps to sit up straight all day while riding the riders back and the animals back both will be sore long before time to dismount.
Do some stretching exercises before mounting and each time you have a chance to dismount.

I teach horsemanship having retired from hunting. My "safety with horses seminar" has been used by the U. S. Forest Service to certify their stock handlers in safe stock handling. If you have any questions or feel the need for clarification on any of these suggestions please feel free ask.
George Dickerson