What to Bring
GEARIN' UP TO HIT THE SADDLE
A Guide to Help You Prepare for Your Horseback Adventure Experience
Pre-Trip Preparations:
This is a summary of some preparation tips that we want all of our guests to know about before their equestrian vacation. This information will increase your odds of an enjoyable vacation and reduce the number of negative factors that can affect it. It is very important that you read and study this information carefully and completely before beginning your horseback adventure. Call if you have any questions or need anything clarified.
Physical Conditioning:
You need to be in above average physical and mental condition and lead an active lifestyle to ride successfully on a Blue Sky Sage horseback adventure. We highly recommend workouts that include Pilates and/or yoga, to build your core and breathing. Extensive walking, 5-10 miles per week at a brisk pace will help you get into shape, as will bicycling. Both of these activities will work some of the same muscles you will use while riding. A pair of form-fitting Lycra-blend biking shorts or leggings worn under your jeans often help reduce chafing. Being overweight by even 20 pounds will make it more difficult for you to ride successfully and can actually cause injury to our Horses.
If you have any medical problems or physical limitations, we need to discuss these issues with you before you choose a ride. Let us know of any dietary needs or special medical conditions you may have. A reasonable exercise program, starting now, will help you avoid many sore muscles as well as prepare you better for the horseback riding you will be doing. We want you to be healthy and happy when you are on vacation here. There is more information regarding physical fitness and riding skill level on the website.
Horses:
Because we are Cowgirls and Cowboys here at Blue Sky Sage, we ride Cowboy Horses. Our saddle remuda is composed of ranch-raised Quarter Horses that are gentle, sound and active animals. These Horses are intelligent and wise, and are not the stereotypical "dude horse." They are all well-suited to the faster paced riding in rough country that our experienced riders engage in, yet quiet and gentle for the less vigorous pace that we start out at with for everyone. There are no gaited horses used in this operation, however we do have a few Quarter/draft crosses also, which are quite enjoyable as well.
For years, Blue Sky Sage has practiced and promoted a "native horse" philosophy, which is used continuously in our year 'round Horse operation. It provides a safe and effective environment for both humans and Horses. This philosophy is a blending of the horsemanship methods of Ray Hunt and Buck Brannaman, as well as a good sprinkling of open range Cowboy practices. This style of horsemanship creates a well-mannered, safe, willing and enjoyable trail and ranch Horse and a willing and effective human riding partner.
For mental preparation, we recommend you read any books by Ray Hunt, Tom and Bill Dorrance or Buck Brannaman.
While We Are In Camp:
The camp is your home while you are out here. Please keep litter, cigarettes and other trash picked up and placed in trashcans. Fire safety is a critical point in our area, as the country is dry with much grassland, sagebrush and some timber that can go up in flames fast. Smoking is not permitted while riding or on the trail; smoking is allowed during a lunch break or in camp. Please extinguish the cigarette or cigar properly and put it in your pocket or saddlebag to be disposed of in a trashcan back in camp. Please do not throw cigarette or cigar butts on the ground anywhere. The same goes for trash - carry everything you take out with you back to camp and dispose of it properly. Non-burnable items are to be disposed of in the proper trashcans in camp.
Shuttle Transportation:
Round trip shuttle transportation between the tent camp and several hotels in Jackson Hole, Wyoming is provided by Blue Sky Sage and is COMPLIMENTARY. The shuttle will depart from the last pickup by 8:00 a.m. on Day 1 for the camp and at 8:00 a.m. on Day 7 from the camp back to Jackson, arriving around noon. All guests must ride the shuttle, as the camp is remote and the gravel access roads are not suitable for rental cars. We recommend guests fly into the Jackson Hole Airport no later than the day before Day 1 of your trip with Blue Sky Sage is to begin and plan on spending the night in one of the fine hotels in town where we will pick you up. Return to Jackson on Day 7 will again be around mid-afternoon, so a return flight out of Jackson Hole at 5:00 p.m. or later is possible, though we recommend staying in Jackson that evening as well. NOTE: The price of your Blue Sky Sage trip does not include any pre-or post- trip expenses. These costs may include but are not limited to: airline tickets, vehicle transfers, rental vehicles, lodging or meals or personal items purchased.
Hotel Recommendations in Jackson:
We've discovered that only the really high-end places offer airport shuttle, so you'll have to catch a cab or the All-Trans shuttle bus to your hotel from the airport and back.
Angler's Inn: Off the Town Square a bit, quiet area, comfortable fishing lodge atmosphere, and very reasonable rates between $120 - $160, no breakfast. Call direct for 10% discount at 800-867-4667.
Sundance Inn: A small motel with a bit of European flair, reasonable rates, Continental breakfast. Right downtown. Summer rates from $139 - $199. 888-478-6326
Rustic Inn: Higher end place, exceptional breakfast buffet included in rate.
Jackson Hole Alltrans Shuttle: Transportation from the Jackson Hole Airport to your hotel, you can book online in advance.
The Cowboy Shop: Cowboy and Western Wear in Pinedale, Wyoming or call 1-877-567-6336
Flat Creek Saddle Shop: Tack, saddles, silk bandanas, riding gloves, in Jackson, Wyoming
Alcohol and Drinking:
It is perfectly acceptable for guests to bring their favorite alcoholic beverages and mixers into camp to enjoy while socializing. However, we draw a strict line as to when and where drinking will take place. Absolutely no alcohol is allowed while riding or in the field for any reason, by anyone. Camp is the only appropriate place to drink and only if you are done riding for the day and will not be going back into the field. All guests can enjoy a cocktail or a beer in the evening on occasion and we only ask that everyone practice moderation. The company does not provide alcohol to anyone and we reserve the right to take appropriate measures if someone gets out of hand due to drinking excessively.
Gratuities:
We are asked each year about the proper etiquette of tipping staff members. Gratuities are by no means required, however they can make up a substantial part of employee earnings for the short season worked. If you are inclined to reward any or all of the staff members for a job well done, it will most certainly be appreciated.
There are usually 3-4 staff members on each trip; the Cook, the Camp Jack and the Wrangler and/or Trail Boss. An appropriate range for gratuities for the service performed is between $25-$100 per staff member, per individual guest. These guidelines are just a range and are not set in stone. Individual guests may give gratuities to each person privately or the group may wish to pool the gratuities and have them divided among the crew members, relative to the services each performs. Either way is an acceptable option.
Emergency and Evacuation Procedures:
In the event of an injury or emergency situation arising while guests are in the field or in camp, and until emergency personnel arrive, standard accepted practices of emergency treatment by qualified staff members may be administered. If an air or ground evacuation is deemed necessary, the plan of action used by High Wild & Lonesome LLC (dba Blue Sky Sage Horseback Adventures) will be implemented and the proper authorities notified to request the evacuation. A cellular telephone is available in camp for emergency use only. All costs associated with treatment for injuries by professional, medically trained providers administering care after the Blue Sky Sage staff is relieved of their emergency duties, are the responsibility of the injured person requiring treatment. The costs of any evacuation are to be paid by the injured person or his/her legal guardian. All staff members have completed a minimum of a Certified American Heart Association First Aid course.
LIST OF CLOTHING AND PERSONAL ITEMS TO BRING
*NOTE: After much consideration, we have decided that we will no longer be able to allow the use of any saddles on our horses except our own. Proper saddle fit is just so critical to the comfort and safety of both horse and rider, and even the slightest discomfort causes problems for the horses. We provide a variety of good quality, comfortable western saddles that properly fit our horses and will be safe and reasonably comfortable for most riders; thank you for your understanding!
Jeans or riding pants, 2 pair. Jeans should have a smooth seam on the inside of the legs and should fit so there are no big wrinkles or bunches around your knees or on the leg. Wrangler Q-Baby women's jeans are a new option that are fantastic, as are Aura by Wrangler. There are also several types of riding pants that are fitted smooth to the body that won't gather or bunch. Any kind that does that will cause chafing and "hot spots" around the knees and thighs. Good quality riding pants or jodphurs are acceptable. *Special tip: thong underwear are not recommended / BW
Cowboy boots or riding boots, with slick leather soles (not a rubber or composite sole) and a moderate riding heel. English riding boots are acceptable. Please do not bring any other footwear for riding. Roper brand "Horseshoes" and Ariat brand light hiking-style boots that are advertised as riding boots (NOT!), anything with a lug sole, and any type of shoe are not acceptable. True riding boots have smooth soles so you can grip the stirrup without your foot sticking and plenty of heel so they won't go through the front of the stirrup. They may not be the best for walking, but you will be riding with them and safety dictates that only a true riding boot be used. READ THE BLUE SKY SAGE RIDING BOOT OPINION HERE
Other items to bring are:
Long sleeved, light colored cotton blend shirts/blouses with a stand-up collar, 4
Flashlight & spare batteries
Heavy shirt or sweater
Camera & film
Heavy fall jacket or coat
Socks (2 pair per day)
Sunglasses
Warm gloves & riding gloves
Hat with a wide brim & stampede (tie-down) string
Camp shoes (sneakers)
Bath towel
Swim wear for the river
Rain gear (good quality, no ponchos, we do have some for you to use, no charge)
Sunscreen
We provide good, clean sleeping bags, so save the space in your luggage! Do bring a sheet liner and pillow
Necessary medications
Toiletries
Knit stocking cap (for chilly nights )
Sweat pants & shirt, shorts, camp wear
Sport Bra (highly recommended for women)
Lip sunscreen
Cotton bandanas
Blue Sky Sage will provide bottled water for the trail.
Optional Items:
Binoculars Chaps (English half-chaps or chinks like we wear out here)
Riding helmet Personal snacks & beverages
Lycra bike leggings (to wear under your jeans, help prevent chafing)
For June and September you also will need the following, in case of chilly weather:
Long Underwear Winter hat
Warm winter gloves Winter coat
Chaps or wool pants recommended
Extra warm socks that will fit in your boots
A private shower tipi is set up for bathing in camp. Range tipis accommodate one person comfortably, with a foam mattress for your sleeping comfort. We do have larger tents for couples or those who want to share a tipi.
Some Other Important Things to Know:
It is the desire of the Blue Sky Sage owners and staff to do everything we can to provide you with an enjoyable, safe and exciting adventure. If, during the course of your stay you become dissatisfied with any aspect of your trip or if you have any complaints, please come to the owners immediately and tell them what is on your mind. Many times when problems arise, they can be resolved quickly and easily with prompt attention. There are also many safety and management issues out there that are probably not specifically mentioned here. Our intent with this publication is to help you gain a good understanding of the scope of the experience you are about to participate in. As is true with any outdoors adventure, there are risks involved that we all assume, guest as well as staff, and it is important for everyone to understand that fact.
