What are the risks of bringing a horse to high altitude?

Question

my parents want to take me to taho camping with my quarter horse and im wondering if its safe we will go on really long 12 mile rides

Answer 1

There is no danger taking your horse up to a higher altitude. They actually adjust better then we do! The horse's system will  respond by manufactuing more red blood cells to carry oxygen within the first day or two. If your horse can do twelve miles at sea level, it can do twelve at altitude. The most famous endurance ride in the world is the 100 miles in one day Tevis Ride, held between Tahoe and Auburn every year (July or August).All the horses arrive between Wed and Fri and start on Sat, finishing 24 hrs later (Sun).And even tho the majority of horses in the ride are arabians, I believe the horse with the most finishes ever (15 ) is a quarter horse mare !!!

Have a good ride!

Answer 2

If your horse is at sea level now, you might want to take it easy the first couple of days.  You should also take it easy until you adjust to the higher altitude.  

If you are both healthy, it shouldn't really hurt either one of you.