Mapping the Sheltowee

Hillbilly Wanderer2 · cub Joined: 19 Nov 2011 Posts: 8

I have been wanting to do some type of long distance ride on horses for some time and looking to get started this year. Have read several posts on this forum and looking foward to the trail guide due out 2012. Plan on just hitting different sections throughout the year with a long term goal of riding start to finish. I realize sections will have to reroute but thats why im here. If anybody else is interested just let me know. Look foward to meeting people and being a member of the ST community. Considering the ST Challange, however feel I am way to inexperienced for that at this time.

jbd · Posted: Sat Dec 10, 2011 12:00 pm Post subject:

HW2,
I don't know all the ins and outs of horse back riding the Sheltowee Trace but hiking some portions of the Sheltowee Trace via participation in the Challenge might give you a better idea of what you will need to do to accomplish your horse trek of the Sheltowee. It might enhance your camping skills in prepartion for your horse trekking adventure if you don't have much camping experience.

I've not really thought of the logistics of horse trekking so I'm not too sure sure how backpack camping would play into the horse trekking experience. How would you deal with food and water for the horse over a several day trek if that is your plan?

Hillbilly Wanderer2 · cub Joined: 19 Nov 2011 Posts: 8

Very similar in some aspects of the long distance riding/camping deal. If you have pack animal, more room for more stuff, however more to take care of as well. Weight will be issue for traveling light and longer distances. Hiking really interests me and plan to do some hiking to better my knowledge and skills along the trail. Life gets in the way, very busy schedule, little free time, too many hobbies. Get it in where I can. Hoping to meet people that can help me in figuring out routes to get around the trails that are closed to horses. Can travel main roads but only if I had too. Like to stay in woods as much as possible. Very eager to help out with the ST, volunteering where I can and hopefully establish a horse trail from start to finish for others to enjoy. Not many long distance trails for horse people out there. Thanks for your reply.

Traildust · Posted: Sun Dec 11, 2011 5:18 pm Post subject:

There is a small group of horsemen who plan on attempting a end to end ride of the Sheltowee Trace in the spring. The leader is Dr. Bob Coleman of Lexington. He has a a stable called Smokey Valley in Carter Co. Years ago he rode the Jenny Wiley Trail on horseback. He is the reason we are doing the guide which will have the work arounds.

For the record, the state parks are the only areas off limits to horses. There are, however, many places on the Sheltowee Trace that are not advantageous to horsemen. These reroutes etc will be in the book.

traildust

jbd · Posted: Mon Dec 12, 2011 1:30 pm Post subject:

Hillbilly Wanderer2 · cub Joined: 19 Nov 2011 Posts: 8

That will be the plan for all areas where horses are not allowed. Im sure the trails are all ready there, just need to find them by talking to the local residents. Planning on hitting the trail as soon as possible, will ride what is for sure thing then at end of horse trail talk to locals about how to get to the next section that is open to horses. Live in eastern ky so will just hit the trail at different locations keep maps and notes put it all together then do a thru ride asap. However talked with traildust other day, all this may allready be done for me before I get to finish it. If so that be great. Just want to get out there doing something I truly enjoy: camping, riding horses, and being in the woods.

Traildust · Posted: Tue Dec 13, 2011 10:29 am Post subject: