Equine Niagara News

Otter Creek: Camping with the Horses

by Debi Katsmar
Photos courtesy of Victoria Wickabrod

What do I need? What does the horse need? Oh my, so much to do, so much to get and pack? So many questions about a simple road trip camping with my horse. It was quite stressful at the time packing and getting everything ready for a week of trail riding and camping at Otter Creek.
With the generous help of the Upper Canada Equestrian Club members, I was able to get all my health papers in order for my horse, pack what I needed and follow those that new the route to Otter Creek for an adventure like no other I had experienced. I couldn't get over the fact that camping at Otter Creek was free of charge. The only requirements: bring your own feed and hay, take out what you bring in (garbage that is), and a negative coggins for your horse. Could it be that simple? Why can't Canada have a place such as this? Or maybe we do, and I haven't found it yet.
Travelling the highway to Otter Creek was picturesque enough, but I was overwhelmed with the scenery upon arrival at the park. Trails here, there and everywhere, lush greenery, well-maintained roads, a large camping area and it appeared well-marked trails. Each camping area is set up with barbecue pits, picnic tables, covered stalls for the horses, access to water, a manure dump, a dumping station for the trailers, two stud stalls and a washroom for us humans. What more could you ask for? Well, maybe showers. Not that I needed one, my trailer is equipped with all the necessities of home. Besides, we're camping - who needs showers?
So after parking the trailer, securing my horse in a stall and setting up camp, it was time for a brief ride around the camp area. Everyone was very friendly and had story after story to tell. There were people there from all over the U.S. and Canada enjoying their horses and the beauty of Otter Creek State Park.

Up at the crack of dawn the next day - usual for me. Only two others were stirring. With most of the camp still asleep - oh man - please wake up so I can start the generator - I need my coffee! So no coffee yet. Off I go to help the other two with stalls in between chatting about this and that and back to the trailer for that long-awaited coffee and breakfast. The day was looking pretty overcast and threatening rain. By the time breakfast was done and all the camp was up and functional , sure enough the rain came. So off to town we went for groceries and other supplies.
By the time we returned from town, the rain had stopped. So tack we did and off we set into the park for a short ride. The trails being mostly sand were already dry making for a very enjoyable ride.

ottercreek2 otter creek

    The next few days produced much of the same, friendship, food, trail rides, rain and more rain. Thankfully, it stopped raining each day long enough that we could get a ride in on the beautiful trails. It is a good thing the park provides a map of the trails. With over 65 miles of trails, one could easily get lost. The trails are well-marked and easy to manipulate whether in a large or small group. Easy foot work for your mount in most cases as well.
    I think the best day we had was when we set out for the local restaurant and pub on our horses. A two-hour ride normally, ours was a tad longer than that due to one girls stopping for nature calls every fifteen minutes it seemed. I think too much partying the night before maybe? We laughed and joked about it all day.
   So this little venture proved very challenging for me as I have never done this kind of ride in the past. The trails themselves - not a problem. The river crossing are what got me. My horse - could care less. Me on the other hand - oh my!

When we arrived at the first river crossing everyone (those that have been to Otter Creek in the past) was shocked at how high and fast the water was. So off they went into the river, stopping to water their horses and across - being pushed down stream as they went. I took what look at the river and thought I was going to pass out. Luckily for me there was a bridge. So rather tentatively, I crossed the bridge, hanging on to my horse for dear life.
The problem - I have Multiple Sclerosis and although it has been in remission for about 13 years, my balance has never returned to what it once was. Not to mention the vertigo I experience. The bridge unnerved me, but I did it.

molly

    Once the horses were all watered, we set off to continue our journey to the restaurant. All the while watching the clouds get darker and darker, listening to thunder rolling in and wondering will we make it before the rain starts. We travelled a trail appropriately called "blueberry trail" where wild blueberries grew along the path on either side. Of course, we had to stop to enjoy the fresh fruit, all the while keeping our eyes out for bears. They love blueberries too!
    As we got closer to the restaurant the rain started lightly and by the time we secured our horses, the rain was a down pour. We arrived just in time. So inside we went to eat and have a drink or two, laughing and enjoying each other's friendship. The restaurant was rather busy with other trail riders having found the place as well. It took a while to get our food and drinks, but in the end -it was all very good and well worth the wait. After all, we were camping - there was no hurry!
    By the time lunch was finished the rain had stopped. It was quite the wet ride back not due to more rain, just the moisture dripping from the trees. The fresh moisture and cloud patterns made for quite the scenic and eerie ride back. Taking a different route back, we came upon another river to cross and much to my dismay - no bridge this time. It wasn't as fast moving, but it was deep. So now what? I'll be in trouble attempting this one on my own. So explaining my situation to the others, a solution was found. They simply took my reins and ponied my horse across, while I sat on him, eyes closed and holding on to the horn for dear life - trusting that I would make it across safe and sound. Of course I did! My nerves were not so bad after this one, but the vertigo was getting worse by the hour.
    Continuing on our way and after one wrong turn, yet another river. This one I handled on my own. It was fun - rather shallow but crystal clear. And through it we went back to camp. Some of the others wanted to go for a swim at the watering-hole so to speak. Off they went only to return saying the water was too fast for the enjoyable swim it is most years. Off we went in the truck to check it out. And sure enough what I am told is a nice place to swim with a small down-grade for tubing was literally white-water rapids. I guess that's what happens during a year with a lot of rain. It was a beautiful sight however. Too bad all the pictures I took disappeared when the disk in my camera lost it's data.
   Each day was filled with trail rides, friendship, food, drink and lots of fun. It was a sad day when the end of the week came so quickly. We discussed staying a few more days, but unfortunately, I had to be back for a show the following day. So after packing up, off we set for home….
    For my very first experience trail riding so far from home, camping with my horse, I had a wonderful time and especially loved Otter Creek State Park, vowing to return again this year. But - that was not to be. Many of my friends will be there again next week, I unfortunately couldn't attend - maybe next year. For my next adventure however, I will be off to Sandaraska next week - my vacation and the next trail riding story….
    In the meantime, here are the links to other articles written about Otter Creek for your reading and informational pleasure….
• Otter Creek horse trails in Adirondack State Park, New York