It is definately a good ideao to setup the tent near the horse first.  As far as were you sleep that is really up to you!!! The biggest issue that most people have is proerly securing your horse while over night.  Have you decided how u are going to do that???

Kristen

Camping with horse is very popular out here in california.  I personally sleep in my trailer but I know people who sleep in campers and tents.  Be sure to take a blanket for your horse if your going somewhere that the weather will be different.  Check into whether or not there is a water supply for your horse... you may have to haul your own water in.  Also look into how far away the water is.... I usually bring a long hose just in case. 

You can either tie to the trailer or high tie.  In either situation make sure to bring a hay net so your lead doesnt have to be long enough for them to reach the ground.  Also bring something to tie a bucket high enough for them to reach also.  If your going to high tie you can tie to a tree branch but its more likely they will get tangled with the tree.  I usually tie a long rope above their head between two trees or poles.  You can then tie them to that so there is nothing for them to get tangled in.  It allows for more movement too. 

Bring plenty of hay.... after riding all day they will need extra food.  I avoid bring grain and sweet feed becasue it can attract critters. 

Have fun and let us know how it goes!

  Your horse is quite beautiful, Alana.  Thanks for the advise.  I didn't think of the feed as attractive to the 'coons and other nocturnal critters.  I've shelved the idea of camping any more this year.  Temps are in the '40's now, and even down into the high '30's.  Too cold for me.  I'll practice with Ming adjusting to a high tie.  That seems to be the safest option, other than a portable fence.  (which I don't have)  She is really a scardy-cat, so I'm working on her being calm and accepting.  I have a lot of work to do with her.  She doesn't trust me yet.  Bummer.  Well, Rome wasn't built in a day...

Sounds a little cold for horse camping.  I'm spoiled here in california... the only reason we have to stop camping is because the sites close for a few months out of the year.  It is loads of fun though. 

If your horse is a scardy cat try to bring another horse that is calm and cool.  Also bring a knife so you can cut your horse free if he gets tangled and scares himself and a basic first aid kit for the occational bang up.  I have never had a problem with my horses.  I have been a few times when a young horse has tangled himself up in the rope... but its not very common.  99% of the time everything goes just fine... even with the ones your not sure about.  I'm sure your guy will do just fine. 

Plan getting there early so you can take a decent ride.  He'll be a little tired and less worried about whats going on around him when you tie him up for the night. 

Thanks for the compliment on my girl Miss Alana Bey.  She is the love of my life (and super spoiled)  She has been camping a few times.  I still havent convinced her that the ocean won't eat her.... but every time we go she gets a little bit closer.  Maybe when she's old and senile she will finally decide its ok to take a swim

Your guy is very handsome.  Why do you say he doesnt trust you?

Thanks for the compliment.  There are many things that make Ming nervous.  For an 8 year old, she is really timid.  I rode her in a empty (harvested) bean field last night.  She snorted before we even got close.  I'm talking a wide-open field.  I think if she trusted me, she would believe that if I ask her to do something, she would feel it's safe.  I have never asked her to do anything that is even remotely iffy.

   Going on a trail ride, she gets nervous when we move from a semi-open area to a part of the trail that's shaded - not where trees are close, but just shaded.  But you know, I've only had her since February.  I think maybe in a year's time, she will be more trusting.  And I know the reason she was sold was that if she didn't want to do something, she would life her front feet - I call them "baby rears".  She doesn't go high, but obviously she intimidated her rider.  I wonder if she didn't psych herself out at the same time, when she refused her rider.

     I can't wait to try horse camping.  Tomarrow is gonna be in the 60's.  I may trailer to the camping sight, so she gets acquainted with the area.  That is, if the pulling truck isn't needed for harvest.

   How old is your horse, and what breed is she?  Have you ever camped by yourself with her?  I often have to ride alone, as the 4 people I ride with have different schedules.  It's hard to find someone to go along.

Sounds like your mare just needs to bond a little more with you.  On a side note have you had her eyes checked?  I wouldn't make any special appointment (since its unlikely that thats what the problem is) but it might be worth having your vet take a look the next time he/she is out.  I had a horse that reared like yours.  He had the type of personality that didn't deal well with stress and that was his way of dealing with it.  He got much better over time with training but it never went away completely. 

I don't go camping by myself since its not the safest thing to do.  It probably wouldnt be too bad around here since there are so many people who use the trails.  Even when I go with friends I always take my cell phone with me. 

Alana is a 9 yr old Arabian mare.  I have had her since birth and still own her mother.  She is the love of my life.  She is trained for western pleasure and huntseat but I don't have time to show these days... so she has become a trail horse.  That was an interesting transition.. she was a little bit if a freak for a while but is now doing great

Anyway.... let us all know how your adventure goes if you end up going