(upd 3/31/17) Got Horse? - Think about getting one, or more, if you can.

[TWP]

First, I'm not a "horse partner" and the apartment just isn't built for it either.

I've never been an 'owner' of a horse but I'https://survivalblog.com/equestrian-survival-for-bugging-out-recon-rescue-projection-of-force-or-hunting-part-4-by-r-m/ve known several and called at least one a real friend.  Don't assume that everyone who has a horse Should have a horse...

Horses are very (emphasis) intelligent, understand human spoken languages and are able to make decisions when working along side a human.  If they like you...  so don't cross a horse if you want their help.

My opinion is that horses are roughly twice as smart as dogs and cats and all three animals are self aware, just on different levels.  For instance, a horse will understand that the field you are asking them to plow will yield food for them later.  Dogs and cats? not so much, but dogs and cats will guard you and be friends.

You must decide if you can work with a horse in your group, because they are completely able to contribute and understand.  If you're not a "horse person" then please just avoid horses, they will pick up on your ambivalence and won't work well with you either.  That was not a joke.

But from a prepping standpoint, horses have some serious advantages but carry an obligation in return.

I'll follow this multi-part article and update this post as more parts are released

Part 1)  https://survivalblog.com/equestrian-survival-for-bugging-out-recon-rescue-projection-of-force-or-hunting-part-1-by-r-m/

Part 2)  https://survivalblog.com/equestrian-survival-for-bugging-out-recon-rescue-projection-of-force-or-hunting-part-2-by-r-m/

Part 3)  https://survivalblog.com/equestrian-survival-for-bugging-out-recon-rescue-projection-of-force-or-hunting-part-3-by-r-m/

Part 4)  https://survivalblog.com/equestrian-survival-for-bugging-out-recon-rescue-projection-of-force-or-hunting-part-4-by-r-m/

[edit] This link is to a letter from a reader of the main article.  It specifically addresses (and DOES NOT RECCMMEND) the use of Saddle Soap on any leather product.  It also contains a recommendation for a leather treatment which can be purchased in most leather outlets.

https://survivalblog.com/letter-re-equestrian-survival-part-4/

DO READ the letter for the reason why Saddle Soap is NOT recommended.  I think it makes sense...  Saddle Soap is NOT a leather treatment and will, in fact, cause leather to deteriorate in a fairly short time.

[WolfBrother]

One other note about the 4 part series:

https://survivalblog.com/letter-re-equestrian-survival-for-bugging-out/

Howdy,

I enjoyed reading Equestrian Survival For Bugging Out, Recon, Rescue, Projection of Force, or Hunting- Part 1, by R.M. and am looking forward to the remaining part(s).

If you’re serious about such you might want to find, download, print, read, study, and learn the info in FM 3-05.213 (FM 31-27) Special Forces Use of Pack Animals

My Dad was raised in West Texas in the 1920’s-40’s. This was long before rural electrification and other such luxuries. He cowboyed for his boyhood friend’s Dad for several years as a pre-teen and teenager. Dad and his friend, R.L., did it the old fashioned way, on the back of a horse.

I gave Dad a copy of the manual about 14 years ago and had him read it. His opinion – “worth the read, worth the knowing, and a good start.”

His final statement, “A book on mule skinning, a mule skinner does not make. You have to be hands on.” – WolfBrother

I worked two summers for R.L.  He took me to the bunkhouse they had and told me to use a specific bunk.   A couple of weeks later, Dad came by to check on me and told me I was in his spot.

I learned a lot. 

Dad said he couldn't speak about using dogs or llamas or elephants but the donkey/mule/horse parts of the manual are spot on.