I have been photographing the West for so long, that, at 55 years of age, I have decided to learn horse-back riding. My question is: has anyone here carried lar ge format equiptment on horseback? What do you use to carry your equiptment? Wha t kind of riding do you do when you carry it? I am primarily interested in Trail Riding.
Thanks, Bill
check out http://www.photoartssantafe.com/
tim a
You'd be amazed how small the demand is for pictures of trees... - Fred Astaire to Audrey Hepburn
www.photo-muse.blogspot.com blog
Since that image was made in the early 1980s, the science of packing gear for protection and easy access has evolved. I would if I were you take a hard look at the modern cases from Lightware (my favorite) at www.lightwareinc.com or Tenba.
I haven't. But Ansel Adams used to use pack mules.
Bill-- you did not say if you plan on having a pack animal as well as your own steed. If you have a pack horse/mule, then you can take your "castle" with you. The horse packing industry has radically improved upon their packing equipment, ie, canvas, plastic--various sizes, covers, etc--a western horse/hunter outfitter store would be a good source to check out--if you're close to Denver for example, there is the IWEAEM show usually in Jan every year--elsewhere as well---(internat.western/english/equipment/equipment/market, however, one would need proper credentials to get in. Call Colorado Saddlery Co., a very old denver est. Perhaps western stock photographers like Dusard, Stocklein(sp) who do horsey stuff et all would be another source of info.
if your planning on carrying the "stuff" yourself on your own steed, it may not be wise to carry a backpack on your back--a waist pack yes, but I see "danger & harm" if your carrying a large pack on your back while in the saddle. Tally ho! and gettie up!
Ah, here is a subject that is up my alley. Having grown up in Montana, I have come to the realization that while horses are very noble animals, they can be as passive as a teddy bear and as dangerous as a loaded gun all in the same trip. While I would not call them dumb, they are very powerfull animals that deserve respect. Having said that, they can afford you the ability to get to places that you otherwise may not be physically able to get to. I would strongly recommend starting out at a lodge in the mountains that rents horses for trail rides and also has a wrangler willing to show you the ropes. Start out with modest distances and times to see how you do. Your knees, back and buttocks will surely get tested because it is not something you can prepare yourself with any other activity for. Since it sounds like you are not interested in owning any horses, I would not suggest renting an horse on your own because of the liability issues and the risks. If the horse gets hurt or lost, you are responsible for it. Going with a wrangler and renting stock that that person is familiar with reduces these risks to a managable level. Now as far as taking photo equipment with you on the horse you ride on, you have the opportunity to use two saddle bags and a bag that can be attached behind the saddle or you can ride with a backpack on. I will tell you that the saddle bags are not very spacious as they usually get a slicker for the possible rain and a lunch/beverage placed in them. I have taken non-framed backpacks with equipment when I am only going for the day, but you need to be carefull because sometimes having backpack straps on can be uncomfortable. If you are serious about taking large format equipment into the back country, you should consider an additional horse to use a packing saddle and pannier bags for your gear. I have several books that I can recommend on the subject of horses and packing if you are interested. Another option that I have found works great, particularly when I am going into the backcountry for an extended period is to lead a horse into where you are interested in going and let the horse pack your gear. That is how Ansel Adams used a pack animal. Any equipment that gets anywhere near the horse better be cased in hard plastic and foam just in case. If you are in Colorado or Montana, I can recommend several lodges that I have used in the past.
Happy Trails....
If you are going to use an animal to carry your equipment sooner or later someone will suggest that a llama will be better than either a horse or a mule for this purpose.
If you are carrying much equipment you might be even better off to use two of these fine animals, but be careful of getting a mother/son or mother daughter combination as sooner or later one of them will prove recalcitrant and you'll find yourself scratching your head and asking yourself "Is the llama mama bad?"
I've been on a few fishing trips in the high country on horseback ...and a good mountain horse is amazing. It really is worth the experience just to ride atop one of these sure-footed creatures over a steep incline of mossy shale. It'll amaze you and probably scare the life out of the inexperienced. I was raised on quarterhorses but even so, I was thrilled at every step.
Pack mules fart alot and for that reason alone I'd rent a four wheeler. You can learn how to ride one in a few minutes and the fall isn't so drastic as that from a decent sized horse. I'd suggest you do this, especially if you aren't very familiar with the horses or the particular stables you'll be using. If you must take a horse then make sure and pick the oldest one to ride... chances are the horse will be gentle and know the trail so well that you can literally let go of the reigns. I've never really been on the tourist kind of trail riding but I'm sure those horses are so tame that you needn't worry... I doubt you'll get the opportunity to unload your view cam and shoot though...
good luck,
trib
oh and Michael refers to an old song up yonder when he forewarns you of the pains...it goes, "'cause my legs ain't bowed, and my cheeks ain't tanned"... the last line is doppleganger. Translated it means you won't feel much pain in your legs and lower back. It's called saddle-sore and buddy, you're in for a treat.
"Whoaaa, Wilbur!" - Mr. Ed.
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks