Horse camping involves either a weekend or longer out in the back country with your horse.
  Horse camping can also be your vacation, being out one or two weeks, with multi-day riding.
  I have taken trips of seven days to three weeks duration.
  Keep  your horse on it's regular feed, and fine-tune it for the extra work you are asking from your horse.
  With over twenty years experience of taking vacation with my horse, here are my best tips.
The Forest Service now requires certified weed free hay for national forests and wilderness areas.
  Check what is required for the area of your planned trip.
  Feed stores carry weed free hay.
  It is identified with a specific color of twine, so be sure you keep that with your hay bale.
  You might be inspected while out horse camping.
  Start feeding your horse the weed free hay three days before leaving on your trip to acclimate him to a different feed.
I recommend taking grass hay, with a bale of alfalfa to mix in.
  I mix a conservative amount of alfalfa with the grass hay.
  Take hay cubes for the trail.
  You cannot count on graze at higher elevations.
  It's nice to have a few hay cubes for your horse, along with a few carrots, when you stop for lunch.
  I always take an apple to share.
  Supplement your horse as you would at home.
  I use rolled oats, and I give an extra ration when horse camping.
  I add the usual vitamins, and carrots.
  I add some mineralized loose salt on the side.
  The horses like this with the extra trail riding miles, and it is easier for them to assimilate it when loose instead of a salt block.
  I always purchase mine from the vet.
  The vet has informed me that the salt they carry is a better quality.
  Check with your vet for their recommendation.
  In review, keep it simple and  similar to your usual routine.
  Your horse will appreciate the thoughtful extra additions for the extra work he is doing for you.