I understand that horses do well at high altitude but would 11,000 ft cause a problem if packing up the mt.?

Question

I understand that horses do well at high altitude but would 11,000 ft cause a problem if packing up the mt.?

Answer 1

just as in humans a horse can suffer from altitude related problems.the lack of oxygen at higher altitudes is a lot less than that of lower altitudes and horses that come from lower levels will tend to sweat more and can experience dizziness and fatigue.i have had several what we call "mountain horses" that were born at high altitude and they have been great working horses.i live at 6800 feet and i have no problem going up to higher altitudes with my horses but i still will watch out for signs of altitude sickness with my horses.

Answer 2

It depends on the altitude you are at now.. if your at sea level.. its probably not real wise to work them hard, I would do lots of rest breaks.  

My guys are at 5K feet so going into 11K wouldn't be that much more of a big deal.

Its possible but definately rest them alot.

Answer 3

Shouldn't if they are acclimated to high altitude...born and raised at higher elevations or have spent years in the high country.  (I had a couple of beautiful experiences in the Rocky Mountains of WY a few years ago.)

Answer 4

Hello,

My input:

Horses can handle HIGH altitude just fine, but the MUST get acclimated to it.  You can not just travel up several thousand feet, especially at that height without having some issues.  

They like people won't be able to perform or catch their breath easily.  We always give supplemental electrolytes too when hauling our horse to camp at a higher altitude.  

So if you are planning on hauling your horse and packing him up to the extreme high altitude of 11,000 feet, you need to consider the altitude difference and conditioning him for it.