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Get Fit
Aerobic conditioning, starting early.
Months before we reach Cimarron, the work starts. Fit riders have more fun — and stay safe at altitude.
Condition your body, learn the horse, beat the altitude, and lock down your paperwork.
Aerobic conditioning, starting early.
Horsemanship & saddle time.
Hydrate & acclimate.
Health record & certs.
Cavalcade riding is strenuous. You'll be in the saddle 3–8+ hours a day, plus side hikes on layover days. Regular aerobic exercise is highly recommended.
There's a huge difference between eight hours on a Philmont trail and an hour at the local stable. Come with a positive attitude, a willingness to learn, and respect for the animals.
Philmont highly recommends every rider complete the Horsemanship Merit Badge. It's the single best way to prepare for the trek.
Get real saddle time. After instruction at the ranch, each rider saddles and unsaddles their own horse and helps pack the string.
Practice these before we leave — animatedknots.com is the recommended resource.
Attach a halter to a horse's head.
Tie a horse to a post or tree.
Secure saddle bags, jackets & feed bag.
Set up the dining fly.
Hang the bear bags.
Secure crew gear to a pack horse.
Philmont sits above 6,500 ft — all of it qualifies for Acute Mountain Sickness. There's 20–35% less oxygen than at sea level, and teens have a higher incidence of AMS.
The AHMR physical is valid for 12 months — schedule it so it's still current in June 2028. Confirm your tetanus is within 10 years, keep blood pressure under 140/90, and pack all emergency meds in original containers.
Good camping and cooking skills are still essential on a Cavalcade. We'll run practice campouts to sharpen cooking, camp setup, bear-bag hangs, and teamwork — the Patrol Method in action.
New Mexico high country can hit 90°F+ by day and drop to freezing at night, with sudden afternoon rain, hail, or even summer snow. Durable rain gear (jacket and pants) and warm layers aren't optional — pack for all of it.