Comments/advice anyone? LONG

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  Ok...here's the story. I bought my Arab stallion nearly 2 years ago. He's a 
coming 7 year old (now just 6 1/2). I had him gelded in May. He's now the 
sweet guy I always dreamed he would be. Ground manners..impeccable. 
Temperment--awesome. Willingness--he'll try anything. Rather than spook, he 
just wants to SEE what's going on, no matter how loud and horrible. This is a 
BOLD horse who likes to ride his own ride. I should mention that he either 
likes to be in front, or wants to go on his own trail. He has now been ridden 
exactly 7 times and loves to see what will happen next; he loves to have a 
job. While a MAJOR greenie, this horse has an incredible mind. Of course he 
doesn't know anything really. Now, get ready for the question of the day.
  I'm shooting a program for The Outdoor Channel that involves a 5 day 
hunting/pack trip into the Colorado wilderness for elk, deer and bear. My 
husband, who is host of the show, and I are going with a very experienced 
outfitter. I'm a good rider and feel pretty confident about my guy...the 
horse, that is. (Well, husband too if that matters.)
  We'll be packing 12 miles in on horseback with pack mules for the full 5 
days. I want to take my young gelding on the experience that will set him up 
as my next competitive horse. I'm a lightweight rider with this guy who is 
15.1, 900 lbs., pure Polish, strong and powerful. He's out on 35 acres of 
pasture year-round and gets plenty of exercise, although NOT what I would 
call formal conditioning. 
  My other gelding is 15 years old, just my size, but who spooks at the sun 
rising. And, while he's more well trained, I still have this thing about 
taking my young guy on this trip. I actually think he's more stable.
  So, here it is...am I nuts?
  He carries me in a very well-balanced way like I'm a knat on his ass. 
Saddle weighs 20 lbs fully rigged and fits him supremely. 
  Should I be as bold as he and take him on this trip? He doesn't even know 
how to trot under saddle yet, (we'll just be walking it all anyway) but 
somehow, I think this trip would be the chance of a lifetime in terms of 
on-the-job training. Remember, he's steady as a rock and we love each other 
to pieces. He's a good boy.
  Anyway, I'm hoping you guys all jump on this one. It's a unique situation 
and one that could be a wonderful, but huge learning experience.
  I didn't do much with him before this summer because he had a job, then 
needed to dump all that lovely testosterone. I just don't want to overwhelm 
him with too much. He is fully mature now however, physically and mentally. 
And personally, I think he'd really love getting his "hands" dirty.
  Look forward to hearing from everybody. Any and all comments welcome! We 
leave on Thursday morning for the 5 hour drive. Which guy do I take (besides 
husband)?
  Laura