The great state of Nevada is made up of two deserts: the Great Basin and the Mojave. These ecoregions contain a dazzling variety of plant life. When you think of the Great Basin, picture plains of sagebrush and forests of pinyon and juniper trees. When you think of the Mojave, picture a drier landscape dotted with Joshua trees and creosote. The Great Basin and the Mojave may be distinct zones, but one thing they both have in common is cactus. Nevada is home to more than 20 native cactus species and they can be found throughout the whole state.
In northern Nevada, the cactus varieties tend to be small and sparse. You may not even notice them unless you are really paying attention to the ground. As such, they tend to not be much of an issue for trail riders. But, as you head south, the cactus get bigger and meaner. If you ride in the Mojave, sooner or later you will have a close encounter with a cactus. It is important to know how to safely ride in cactus country but, more importantly, how to handle an inevitable run in with them.
Know Your Terrain
Cactus tend to grow in rocky, well drained soils. They don’t like a lot of water so you won’t find them in a lush meadow. (That’s where the ticks hide!) Nevada’s cactus varieties range from small and soft to big and ouchy. Trail riders should be most aware of the ouchy ones. Of these, the most common is cholla.
You will find cholla growing throughout southern Nevada. There are several varieties, but they all have long segmented arms full of barbed spines that are tenacious in their goal to embed in skin, shoes, and clothing. Other ouchy cactus species in Nevada include barrel cactus, prickly pear, and fishhook cactus.
Barrel, prickly pear, and fishhook cactus tend to stay low to the ground and mind their own business. But, cholla can grow quite tall (leg and chest height) and has a way of grabbing on to you or your horse much more aggressively. Their arm segments are easily broken off – all it takes is lightly brushing by.
Riding cross-country increases your chance of navigating cactus minefields. But even designated trails can be overgrown on the sides. You may not be able to avoid areas with cactus, but if you can recognize them you can adjust how you ride.
Ride With Awareness
Most run-ins with cactus can be avoided with simply a little extra attention. Keep your eyes on the surrounding terrain, not just the trail in front of you. Notice if cactus are starting to become more abundant or crowd the edges of the trail. If the trail starts to narrow and cactus is overgrown, slow down and help your horse to make careful decisions about footing.
Try to keep your horse centered on the trail in these high risk areas. Even a small drift to one side can be enough to brush into cactus. When riding with others, put some space between each other and call out hazards as you see them. A simple “cactus here” and pointing can go a long way.
It is also really important that your horse is responsive to leg pressure and can yield his front or hind end calmly.
When It Happens
Even with the best awareness, it still happens. Your horse might accidentally step sideways or brush by a hidden cactus. You will probably know right away as most horses will give a quick jump, head toss, or sudden hesitation. The most important thing to do is stay calm, dismount, and assess the situation.
If your horse is not calm, you may need to make an emergency dismount. Try to avoid the cactus on the ground! You should be able to see any large cactus segments immediately. They are usually on a horse’s leg, side, or belly. Sometimes they get caught in a horse’s tail. If you’ve been letting your horse eat along the trail they might be on their face or mouth.
Once you have stopped and assessed the situation, the goal is to handle it calmly and efficiently.
How to Remove Cactus from Your Horse
1. Move to a safe spot
If you can, guide your horse a few steps away from the cactus so you don’t risk more attachments.
2. Keep your horse calm
Speak softly and move deliberately. If you are riding with someone else, you might have them hold your horse while you work.
3. Take a safe look
Stay out of the strike zones as you look over your horse. Even the nicest horse can kick out from pain.
4. Use the right tool
Always carry a small multi-tool or pliers in your saddlebag. You cannot use your bare hands to remove cactus! Use a tool to grip the cactus barb firmly (close to the skin) and pull straight out.
5. Remove the big pieces first
If it’s cholla, you’ll probably have a segment that’s attached. Once that’s removed, you can look more closely for smaller spines left behind.
6. Check carefully
Some cactus, especially cholla, leave behind fine barbs that can be quite difficult to see in horse hair. Take a moment to look over the area and brush lightly with your hand to feel for small barbs.
Do not be alarmed if your horse bleeds a little after you remove barbs. It should stop quickly. Once you’ve removed everything, ask your horse to move forward quietly. Most horses should be ready to continue once the cactus barbs are gone. Most horses will learn to avoid cholla after a few encounters!
Aftercare
Back at the trailhead or at home, check the area again for any missed spines. Watch for signs of irritation, swelling, or sensitivity. Most minor cactus encounters resolve quickly, but deeper or more sensitive areas may need extra attention. If cactus gets into the eyes, mouth, or deeply embedded in soft tissue, or if you notice any signs of infection, call a veterinarian.
Don’t Forget About Yourself & Dogs
If you’re riding in cactus areas, be sure to periodically check yourself too. It is very easy for your shoes or pants to pick up spines if you graze a bush. Handle these the same way: use a multi-tool to pull out any segments or barbs and toss them well off the trail. Dogs usually pick up barbs in their feet. Often they will try to get them out themselves with their mouth, which can transfer the barbs to their mouth. If you choose to bring a dog on a trail with cactus, keep an eye on them and be ready to dismount to help them remove any stray barbs.
