If you ride in the backcountry or off the main roads you'll likely encounter wildlife, large and small. You'll pass most critters without incident, but some encounters can pose a danger to you and/or your horse. Small animals may spook your horse; large animals, especially predators, can be more threatening.
It pays to be prepared. Here, we'll cover four wildlife categories: (1) snakes/reptiles; (2) small mammals/birds; (3) deer/elk/moose; and (4) bear/mountain lions/wolves/coyotes. We'll go over the critters' habits, the potential danger they pose to you and your horse, how to prepare before you leave home, what to do if you encounter them on the trail, and what not to do. We'll also give you riding-group safety tips and explain how to remove skunk odor from your horse's haircoat.
Snakes/Reptiles
Most reptiles aren't dangerous, but their sight and sound can frighten your horse. And, of course, a bite from a poisonous snake, such as a rattlesnake, can inject venom into your or your horse's bloodstream.
Habits. Most snakes flee when startled, but when shedding or mating, they may strike out at anything that approaches. Rattlesnakes' striking distances vary. Sidewinders in the desert Southwest can lunge farther than the smaller prairie rattler. The latter can usually strike about two-thirds of its own length, unless it's uphill from you - in which case the strike's momentum will carry it farther.
Snakes are most aggressive when emerging from their dens in early spring (except on cold days when they can't move very fast), or in early fall, during their mating season. If you ride near a den site in spring, you may stumble onto a large number of snakes in a small area. In August, you're apt to find snakes in pairs. If you step back from one, you may bump into the other.
Snakes and any other reptiles are most active in warm/hot weather. Being cold-blooded, their body metabolism slows in cool weather, preventing fast movement. In the evening, after sundown, you might see snakes lying on the trail or roadway, soaking in ground warmth. During the heat of the day, they're more likely to lurk in tall grass, in the shade.
Danger to you/your horse. Your horse may spook, throwing you to the ground. Your horse may suffer injuries due to a spook, spin, and/or bolt. A bite from a poisonous snake can be life-threatening to you. Most rattlesnakes, except for the very largest types, don't have enough venom to seriously affect your horse, unless he's bitten on the nose/face. A facial bite will swell, which may close off air passages, causing suffocation. A bite on the leg, by contrast, may create swelling and possible infection, but isn't life-threatening.
How to prepare. If you'll be riding in rattler country, pack a snakebite kit, which contains suction bulbs for drawing venom out of a bite wound. Also pack a small container of DMSO gel, which will help prevent excessive swelling and tissue damage. DMSO is especially useful if you're bitten on the hand or leg, or if your horse is bitten on the nose.
What to do if encountered. "If you see a snake in the trail, stop, and wait for it to move off," advises Steve Nadeau, State Large Carnivore Manager of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. "Don't walk over it with your horse, or he may get bitten. If the snake doesn't move, dismount, and prod it with a long stick to encourage it to leave." Never get within striking range. And be aware there may be more snakes in the area. If your horse is bitten on the nose/face, run cool water over the bite site, then apply DMSO. Slowly proceed home or to your trailer, then call your doctor or veterinarian. (If it's a life-threatening human emergency, call 911.)
What not to do. Don't pursue and attempt to kill a fleeing snake; a cornered snake may become aggressive. If you or your horse is bitten, don't rush home; the increased blood circulation will pump more venom through the body. Don't slash the bite area with your knife and suck out the venom, as was recommended in the past; this may lead to further tissue trauma or excessive bleeding. And don't ice the bite site "to localize the poison"; ice can also cause further tissue damage.
Small Mammals/Birds
Skunks, raccoons, badgers, foxes, jackrabbits, wild turkeys, grouse, and other small animals can frighten your horse if you come upon them unexpectedly, or if they emerge suddenly into your path.
Habits. Many small mammals are somewhat nocturnal, so you're most apt to see them at dawn or dusk. Most birds roost at night and are active during the day.
Danger to you/your horse. You and/or your horse may suffer injuries due to a spook, spin, and/or bolt. Unlike a larger animal readily seen from a distance, a small animal may suddenly scurry (or fly) right under your horse's feet. Small animals rarely pose a direct danger, but some (such as skunks, foxes, and raccoons) may carry rabies. Keep your distance if you see an animal wandering in the open during the day, staggering, and moving erratically; it might have rabies, which is transmitted via a bite.
How to prepare. At home, introduce your horse to a wide array of unusual/sudden sights, sounds, and movements on the ground and when mounted. For help, consult a certified riding instructor or reputable clinician or trainer. Put trail miles on your horse. Once you and your horse trust each other, he'll be more apt to stop and listen to you, rather than spinning or bolting when something startles him.
What to do if encountered. If your horse spooks, relax, and try to keep him calm and in control. If you're relaxed, your horse will be more apt to relax. He takes his cues from you just as he would any herdmate. Speak soothingly to him, rub his neck, and assure him there's nothing to fear. If the animal doesn't flee/fly when it sees you, go around it, giving it a wide berth. Don't get too close to a skunk to avoid a spray. On a narrow trail, resign yourself to following very slowly behind it or staying put until it returns to the brush.
What not to do. Don't corner an animal. Don't try to get a closer look. Even a small creature, such as a fox or badger, may try to attack if it feels threatened.
