Here's How:
Go With an Experienced Outfitter
You want an outfitter who has been in the business for a long time and has a good reputation. If you’re working with a travel agent, get the names of the companies under consideration and talk to the outfitters directly.
What Does the Outfitter Provide; What Do You Bring?
Ask each outfitter is provided and what you have to bring? Do they provide tents, sleeping bags, ground cloths? What's the quality level of their equipment?
How’s the Weather?
What kind of temperatures should you plan for when packing clothes? Will it be hot during the day and very cool at night? A wardrobe of clothes that can be layered, such as a t-shirt, fleece top, vest and windproof/waterproof jacket, might be your best bet.
What Kind of Terrain?
What type of terrain will you be riding on for most of the trip. Are you going on trails through the woods, riding in ocean surf, or climbing high above tree lines and scrambling on scree? Once you know, decide if you really have the riding skills to take and enjoy this type of trip.
Will You Be Allowed to Run the Horse?
Ask if it’s strictly a walking trip so everyone stays in a single line and keeps up with the horse’s tail in front of you. Or, will you have a chance to let the horses trot or even run in fields or pastures?
What Are the Guides' Gualifications?
What are the guides' qualifications for leading a trip, as opposed to just riding and wrangling experience.
What Are the Potential Dangers?
Will you be riding on rough terrain where someone might fall off a horse and get hurt? How does the outfitter handle the situation when a guest gets injured? Do they offer a medical insurance policy for the trip or should you get a policy from a company that offers travel insurance?
What Will You See?
What can you expect to see while riding? The ocean, mountains or various animals?
Going On a Cattle Drive or Roundup?
If you’re going on a cattle drive or roundup, ask how much training you get before you’re allowed to be near the cattle. What exactly will you be doing when around the cattle? Will you be on your own or with a wrangler most of the time? How many hours a day will you be sitting in the saddle?
Who Takes Care of the Horses?
What will the wrangler do and what are you expected to do when it's time to take care of the horses at the beginning and end of each day?
