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We now have horses that will sidle up to a tree (after circling it only two
or three times till we get the point across that "beside" is the optimum
term here) and with only minimal threats to life and limb will stand stock
still for at least a full 3 seconds - which should be ample time for one to
tie that ribbon such that it will stay put for all the world to see <g>.
Note: limbs for tying are game for eating as well - you must be able, in
some cases, to secure your limb for tying before your horse eats it. Our
horses have 71/2 hours of marking time to their credit (author's note: about
3 hours more than we intended <g>).
They seek out the best trees/limbs to hang ribbons on and make sure we mark
all the turns well. They are masters at blasting from one marking point to
another at a full-trot - only taking 50 ft or so to stop for the next one.
They will even brave the dangers of getting <gasp!> off the trail to find
just the perfect tree.
Marking trails involves several skills aside from those mentioned
already....you must be able to handle massive amts of survey ribbon that
unroll like spaghetti as you are trying to tear it into appropriately sized
pieces while holding onto reins of a fidgeting horse wanting to graze in
addition to catching your rain ponchos that are slowly coming untied from
the back of your saddle. Eating while marking trails is a whole 'nother set
of skills as well - let's just say that we have that mastered also.
(Author's note - if you want to keep peace in the family - just give it up
and let your mother have your piece of chocolate too....)
Sometimes marking trails also involves the flip side of the coin -
unmarking. This is generally not called for in the same day unless a slight
mix-up in directions occurs <g>. Unmarking goes much faster and only
requires the horses to get within a foot or so of the tree long enough for
you to grab the tail of the ribbon. For this your horse must be able to
tolerate having pulled ribbons tied to saddle, hanging out of pockets, and
flapping in the breeze from all sides as you rush from one ribbon to the
next. Even the flightiest of animals will tolerate these things after enough
hours on the trail.
To be really effective at this you must also have a dog along that lays in
mud puddles, comes over to investigate while you are "taking a break behind
a tree", and generally provides a little diversion from this high stress
environment.
We are available for your trails too - just call 1-800-MarkItRite to
schedule us for your next ride.
Tina and Company
hickst@nichols.com
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