Elkhntr4,
Joe's got it about right - the breed's not what is important - the individual horse is, the main thing is to have a horse that is tame, reliable, and won't go bronc on you. I see folks with "flatland horses" in the mountains all the time and they seem to do well. A good part of that is that if you bring your own horse, then the horse and you know each other well BEFORE the hunt. Just make sure your horseshoer doesn't skip any nails and that he doesn't trim too much of the back of the hoof - might work on the flats but not in the mountains and the rocks.

I would say if your friend has little or no experience with horses then don't go it alone with horses up in the mountains. The mountains are one of the worst places imaginable to try to tie together safety, hunting, and horse issues - good way to plumb ruin an elk hunt! I grew up on a ranch and our horses were tame and reliable. Don't live on the ranch anymore, so we rented horses for my first elk hunt seeing how I had "so much horse experience." Made the mistake of filling out the application with the rental company saying I was very experienced and wanted strong horses that wouldn't wear out! Big mistake! I hadn't been thrown off a horse in 15 years until then, happened the second day. If anything, understate your ability and strive to get tame, reliable stock! Dude ranch horses are far better than a bunch of broncs just rounded up off of summer range two weeks before the season. Horses are not a guaranteed advantage in elk hunting.

Renting a horse isn't cheap either! We pay a 300 deposit plus 325 for the season. If everyone in the group gets one its expensive and you'll need a "wrangler person" just to take care of the stock. Unless you are hunting way back in, consider getting one horse for the group. Take turns riding him as you scout prior to the season. On the opening day leave him in camp, go hunt, and if you shoot something come back and get the horse to haul out the meat.

Our rental horse of choice is a draft horse - not real pretty to look at but very tame, unflappable, and gentle spirited but strong. Here are a few do's and don'ts I "lifted" from an old thread.....

HORSES - DO's:
1. If you are renting horses, then as soon as the driver unloads them, tighten up the cinch, lead them over to where the moles have churned up the ground, have someone hold on to the head and get on. If you have a bronc in your group then a) you may as well find out about it on soft dirt instead of rocks, and b) you can tell the driver to take that horse back and bring you a replacement.

2. Same as 1. above, but if you are going to pack elk on your rental horses, then while the driver is still there put the panniers on them and some bulk weight and a lashing rope and see if you are going to have a rodeo. Lead them back into the trees and arrange an opportunity for the pannier to rub against a tree - some horses will come unglued at that point. If they won't take a pannier and behave send them back with the driver for a replacement.

Obviously, this only works if you ordered your horses with some lead time, since replacements may not arrive until the next day.

HORSES DON'T's:
1. It's great for everyone to saddle their own horse, but if you have a hot head in the group with a short temper a loud voice and no tolerance for animal behavior, then keep him away from the horses at all costs. On the opening day you don't want him to throw a fit, shout, curse and swear and have the whole herd break loose and go running off into the trees! (seen it happen).

2. Horse feed, if you are renting horses, ask them to deliver the feed necessary to feed them during their time with you. The last thing you want to do is change their diet when you're working them hard and have them get the cholic. Make sure you water them plenty, two preferrably three times a day.

Horses can be a blessing or they can completely ruin an elk hunt. When you are renting them you are more at risk for the latter, the trick is to preempt as many problems as possible!

EKM



Good judgment comes from bad experience! Half of elk hunting is knowing what NOT to do!