"Anyone have
any ideas for riding in the dark in areas with cougar activity. My husband
is gone all week and it's just me and the critters. I am surrounded by National
Forest and BLM...closest neighbor one way is 1.5 miles...the other way 15
miles....and there are only 5 houses on the eight mile road I live
on"
Hi Martina,
Get a good dog to go with you. A good dog will take
care of you and will deter most of the big cats. They are looking for easier
targets.
A Ridgeback comes to mind initially. Tough, strong
and agile dogs. Not aggressive but sure look that way. But, I'm not sure where
you are located. I have a cattle dog. She's not so agile anymore to be able to
go out with me at speed. But, she will go out if I walk.
A Dalmatian also might be a good choice. But, they
require a bit more training. Otherwise, stick to a lone (rather than
pack) hunting hound or a herding dog.
You can get good conditioning during the week by
walking if you pay attention to how you walk. Many of the old classical masters
will tell you that you can fit up a horse at the walk for the airs above the
ground.
