* Partner Post
The occasional trail rides and camping trips can help you rid yourself of the tedium city life brings. Taking some time off to bask in the freshness of nature can be rewarding as long as you know where you are. There have been several instances of harmless camping trips and hikes turning into rescue missions. These instances show us that there is no reason for you to believe that your upcoming horseback ride and camping trip will not end in one.
How do horse riders lose their way in the wild?
Sometimes, we stray from the trail or campsite in search of something more beautiful. That can be a threat to our safety. Often people head out on horseback into the wilderness without maps and compasses. The phone GPS is of no help since there is no connectivity deeper in the woods. During such times, it is natural to panic. We can give you a list of five things you can do instead of panicking –
- Master a plan
- Take a count of the resources you already have
- Find resources critical for survival including warmth, shelter and water
- Get a grip on the feelings of despair and fear
- Pay attention to your horse's needs and don't let him or her stray. (Bonding with a horse while you are anxious is not going to be as easy as you see on TVG).
Let people know when to call for help
You need to believe that you are going to be alright and that people will come looking. Always inform your friends and family about your plans. Leave them information of specific contact points where they can reach you. If they fail to contact you from time to time, there is a likelihood of them approaching the search and rescue parties for your interest.
Make a shelter
While your friends and family meet their responsibility, you must keep yourself safe and secure. In the wild, you run a high risk of hypothermia and dehydration. Ration your drinking water for your horse and yourself. Build a makeshift shelter that can shade you from the elements. If you do not know how to build one, stay close to your horse for mutual warmth. Do not take your clothes off. It is easier than you think to lose body heat.
Building a fire
Look for dry leaves, dry twigs and larger pieces of wood for making a fire. You can start the fire with the help of matches. Start with the leaves and twigs. Once they catch fire, it is easy to light the bigger chunks of wood. You can use batteries from your torch and steel wool to start a fire. Rubbing two sticks together, as we see in the survival movies, may not be the easiest thing to do in the wilderness, while you are already freezing.
The fire and the smoke can act as strong signals. Rescue parties can determine your locations from the source of the smoke. Light the fire in a place with a light canopy, so the smoke remains prominent. Surviving in the wilderness for a couple of days need not be a challenge, especially when you have your equine friend close to you.
