9. Restrain your stock for low impact. Stock restraint in the backcountry must be secure-a walk all the way to the trailhead isn't appealing-but also light on the land. Here are pros and cons of each method.
Leaving them loose isn't practical. Some outfitters still turn their strings loose to graze where legal, the wrangler keeping one horse close and rounding up the string each morning. This method isn't practical or advisable for recreational packers, and it leaves your animals vulnerable to straying and possibly to injury.
Tying to trees is a "no-no" and should be limited to very brief stops (perhaps when a pack must be adjusted) and to emergencies. The lead rope damages the tree bark, but more serious is the cupping of soil at the base of the tree, caused by impatient pawing.
Hobbling where grazing is legal is relatively light on the land and furnishes some restraint, although savvy horses can still cruise. Don't hobble all your horses! Keep at least one completely secured.
Picketing (by a front foot-teach this at home) allows grazing and offers more security than hobbling. Move the picket stake frequently so your horse doesn't graze an unsightly circle.
Highlines offer the most secure method of tying short. Build yours over a high, rocky area if possible, move it frequently, and use tree savers (or extra cinchas) on each end to circle the trees and protect the bark. When you disassemble the highline, scatter manure, and restore the area with your shovel
Portable electric fences allow grazing where legal, are light on the land, and are easily moved. Their biggest drawback is that elk, moose, deer, and bears can walk through them and turn your horses loose. Don't trust electric fences at night or when you're away from camp.
10. Dispose of waste properly. In developed campgrounds, restrooms are furnished, but in the backcountry the "cathole" method is usually recommended. Go to a high, dry location, dig a hole one shovel-blade deep, and use only plain, unscented toilet tissue. Replace the sod.
Dan Aadland (http://my.montana.net/draa) raises mountain bred Tennessee Walking Horses and gaited mules on his ranch in Montana. His most recent books are The Best of All Seasons, The Complete Trail Horse, and 101 Trail Riding Tips. Sketches from the Ranch: A Montana Memoir is now available in a new Bison Books edition.
