Springtime in New York

The Otter Creek Horse Trails offers hitching posts conveniently located at each picturesque vista along the trails.

When the snow melts here in Ontario, Canada, and the bright colors of spring begin to paint the landscape, all I can think of is hitting the trails. For me, spring means getting my horse back in shape for the long rides ahead.

I especially prepare for my annual spring-camping week at the Otter Creek Horse Trails, just a half-day's drive away. This system of 65 miles of interlocking horse trails is located on both the Independence River Wild Forest Unit of the Adirondack Forest Preserve, and the Independence River and Otter Creek State Forests on the western border of the Adirondack Park in Lewis County, New York.

Consult a trail map before you leave on your ride.

Careful Preparation
Seemingly small preparations can make or break my spring getaway. First, I thoroughly clean my trailer. This year, the electric brakes were malfunctioning. Thankfully, the problem was simply dirty buildup that corroded the connection. I fixed the problem inexpensively with a new plug.

Getting the kinks out of my trusty steed is next on the list. I'd just purchased an Appaloosa gelding, Bailey. To prep him for our trip, I took him on 20-minute trailer rides to Ontario's Ganaraska forest, riding with a different group of horses each time.

Even though Bailey is one of the quietest trail horses I've ever owned, I felt more at ease getting him used to the sound of the hook-and-loop fasteners on my saddlebags while on the trails near home.

Bailey's previous owner had warned me of his fear of water, but with the help of the older, more experienced horses to guide us through streams and horse-eating puddles, it didn't take long before we were tromping through water without the snorts of fear and side-stepping up the banks. This proved to be very helpful for what was in store for us in Otter Creek.

An appointment with the veterinarian and Ministry of Agriculture is a must; a current health certificate and Coggins certificate (showing that your horse has tested negative for equine infectious anemia) are necessary when entering the U.S. border from Canada.

Soon, the day to leave was upon us and the trailer-packing was to commence. The Assembly Area at Otter Creek features small, covered tie stalls that house up to a hundred horses. The wide stalls are open in the back; bumper bars help contain the horses.

I've learned to cut waste and keep things neat by hanging the hay nets, and feed and water buckets. So begins the list: feed and water buckets; hang ties; everyday tack; extra tack; extra lead ropes; halters; girths; reins; and even an extra stirrup leather.

Why a stirrup leather? While riding at Otter Creek, bees once attacked my mare. She dumped me and ran off into the wilderness. I managed to salvage all the tack with the exception of one stirrup leather. You can't be too prepared.

Of course, I also bring food, first-aid equipment, and fly spray. Then I throw in lots of fly wipes to use on rides when my horse sweats off the spray applied earlier.

As I'm not lucky enough to have a living-quarters trailer, a tent and cooking facilities round out my list.