Introducing Prepping to skeptics

Our Government says we should ALL prepare for disaster and even provides a website (Ready.gov) to tell us how.  To promote this, they have declared that September is National Preparedness Month.

Yet, we all know someone we care about who is not a Prepper or even thinks it is foolish.  These people fall in to three groups:

1. Likes the idea of prepping, but doesn't' have time, money &/or doesn't think it is urgent.
2. Not interested in prepping and even resents the idea if presented with it too often.
3. Thinks prepping is crazy and Preppers are lunatics; that a crisis will not happen, at least not one that will ever affect them.  Or if a disaster happens, the Government will take care of things. Despite our Government Recommending everyone prepare, these people think it is foolish. 

When one of our loved ones is like this, how do we handle it?  What can we do to help them?

The answer depends on what group they are in.

Group 1 is willing but just needs encouraging or help.  Having lunch with them, go hiking, camping, fishing or something together that you both enjoy.  Talk about prepping, tell them about a few basic preps that you have or would recommend to them.  Help them get started. Invite them to go to a camping store to buy a back pack, a.k.a. Bug Out Bag. Either that, or give them your old one. No one wants to have an empty Bug Out Bag; once you have it, you immediately want to start getting things to put in it. Share the Beginner Prepper List. Next trip together, go get a Water Straw or a fire starter, or something else.  Each month go do this.  Introduce them to the Rule of 3 to help set their priorities;  even better, the Step by Step Prepper Plan.

Group 2 requires a more strategic approach.  The first step is to realize how important it is to NOT push to hard nor too often.  Speak to them one on one, never as a group where you are out numbered.  Speak with love in your heart and avoid confrontation.  Back off if they resist, regroup and try another day and another way.  Gentle persistence over time is the key.

Giving strategic gifts that help them be better prepared is a good start.  For example: A good set of MURS Walkie Talkies for the nephew, kids or grand kids so they can play in the neighborhood and communicate. Play with the new toys with them. Pick “our channel” so they will know how to use them in the future if an emergency occurs.  

Give them a Crank Flashlight / radio and pretend a hurricane has taken out all communications and you are in the dark. Some of the Group 3 ideas below are also good for Group 2 and vice versa. If they start becoming responsive, send them a bucket of Beans, rice and oats and then share a prepper link and then back off for a while.

Group 3 is most likely impossible to reach.  They will be calling Preppers lunatics until a disaster occurs and then suddenly they wish they had listened. There is an old saying that you can't help someone who doesn't want help.

So your options are limited to Stealth Prepper Gifts and buying extra stores of your own so you can provide for them.  Even that may not work if they miss the Red Flag Warnings and wait too late and are lost before they can get to you.  Best case scenario, they are close to you and your preps.  If they are far away, you could lease a mini-warehouse near them and stock it with supplies.  This is not practical for most of us on a tight budget, but there are other less costly options.

Do NOT buy them a Gas Mask or other "Kook" preps (yet) as this will cause a major push back.

Start out giving them something sensible like rechargeable batteries and a nice charger, but also include a Solar Charger for when there is a power outage.  Another sensible gift are solar powered Lawn lights which provide "attractive highlights to the yard," an added element of security AND can double as indoor lights or solar battery chargers during a power outage.  After giving these gifts, allow them a chance to come in handy so that they see the value of having a few preparations.

If a Winter Storm is coming, loan them a Propane Heater or even a generator. but conveniently never get around to getting it back. IF they give it back to you while you are visiting them, set it somewhere it will be easy to "forget" and leave it at their house.


For each group, you can help in stealthy ways like this.  When visiting for a weekend BBQ, carry a large box of Strike Anywhere Kitchen matches to light the fire. When finished using them, put them away in their kitchen.  Also bring a manual can opener (not electric) and put it away in one of their kitchen drawers.

Take them to the shooting range/lessons, or buy the kids a BB Gun or Air Soft gun so they can learn shooting basics.  Be sure to give them Gun Safety Lessons.  Take them camping and supply them with a sleeping bag, a pack and the usual Camping Gear.  Teach them how to find a good camp site.

Later as they have come to recognize the benefits of a few of your gifts, ship them (direct) some water treatment or a months supply of food like beans, rice and oats. Or get the premium meals if you can afford them.

There are an endless number of ways you can help without ever mentioning the word Prepare.  I'm sure you can come up with some good ones; if so, please share them with us using the comments option below, or e-mail us using the form at the right, or visit us on facebook. 

For additional information see the following links:

Blog Table of Contents
US Government Recommended Preparations;

List of Top 10 Lists 

Top 10 Prepper Websites 

Top 10 Posts 

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Over Population

With our population growing exponentially, the earth is becoming infested with Homo Sapiens yet throughout history, Mother Nature had no problem keeping things in balance.

From movie What Happened to Monday

It is unlikely that humans can control population growth which will leave it up to Mother Nature.  But how will she do it? Don't think she won't; it's only a matter of time.

In the past, the increase in the population of natural predators was an effective control, but currently the only predator for humans are other humans.  So a violent uprising is a possibility.

Starvation from crop failures or food shortages  or another catastrophic event is a possibility, perhaps a Solar Flare or Mass Coronal Ejection sending an EMP from the Sun to the Earth causing a long term Power Blackout.

Another likely option is a Pandemic.  With the abuse of antibiotics, biological warfare research and increasingly resistant germs, this possibility increases each day.  Infertility, is another possibility....  as humans become unable to conceive.  The rise of homosexuality may be a leading indicator of this.

Some suggest that Homo Sapiens will be the cause of their own extinction, either through genetic engineering, climate change, pollution, nuclear war, or artificial intelligence.  With our massive growth of scientific knowledge, these options increase each day.

What do you think will get the human population under control?   

For additional information see the following links:

Blog Table of Contents

List of Top 10 Lists 

Top 100 Prepper Websites

Top 10 Prepper Handbook Posts

Corn Fritters

The simplest pioneer bread was the corn fritter.

Ingredients

1. Corn Meal - Two (2) Cups
2. Boiling Water - Just enough make a thick dough; boil 1-1/2 cups and use part of it.
3. Salt - One half (1/2) Teaspoon 
4. Optional Spices - peppers, onions,  corn kernels, etc. 
5. Shortening, lard, beacon grease, bear fat or any type of cooking oil
6. Cast iron skillet - 11"-12" diameter, or dutch oven

Procedure

1. Mix the corn meal, salt, spices and water thoroughly with a spoon until it becomes a thick dough
2. Form the dough in to thin patties about 1/4 to 1/2" thick and about 4" diameter to pan fry.  Form in to 1" diameter x 5" long bread sticks for deep frying.  Avoid over packing both.
3. Heat the cooking oil over a stove burner or open fire till hot.
4. Cook the patties in the skillet, turning occasionally until light brown on both sides.  Deep fry corn bread sticks in the dutch oven. Roast on a flat rock beside the campfire. 

For additional information see the following links:
Blog Table of Contents
Complete Sustainable Living Plan
Blog Table of Contents
Acorn Flour Pancakes
Pemmican Recipe
Hardtack Recipe
Corn Bread
Sour Dough Bread
Corn Fritters
Apple Cider Vinegar
More on making Vinegar
Backing Soda vs Yeast
Baking Soda uses

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Defensive Shotguns

When it comes to shotguns for self-defense, the old adage, “I’d rather have more ammo and not need it, than need the ammo and not have it.” can be liberally applied. The DP-12, with its 16-round capacity raised the bar, but manufacturers are again pushing the limits with magazine-fed shotguns and capacities reaching 25 shells. Here are our top high capacity shotguns for 2018.

DP-12

Double-barreled pump-action shotgun DP-12

Who can resist 16 rounds of 12-gauge shotgun in a package that isn’t even 30” long?

The first of its kind, a premium defense, double barreled, pump, 12 gauge shotgun that quickly fires 16 rounds. The DP-12 is designed for the most discerning shooters who demand extreme firepower and require consistent reliability. The stock has a QR code you can scan with your smartphone or tablet to download the manual and other information. The DP-12 includes a Lifetime Warranty, please be sure and fill out the warranty card and send it in to Standard Manufacturing.

The spreader choke tubes are designed to shoot a devastating pattern at 25 yards. The choke tubes have Tru-Choke thread patterns. Breeching style chokes are sold separately.

The DP-12 provides accessory rails and slots that allow you to customize it with your own accessories. Please see our website to select your accessories; lights, lasers, sights, scopes, muzzle breaks and more.

Specifications and Features:

DP-12 Double Barrel Pump Repeater DP12ODG

• Pump Action Shotgun
• 12 Gauge
• Fires 2 3/4 or 3″ shells
• Two 18 7/8″ barrels
• 29.5″ overall length
• Unloaded weight is 9 pounds 12 ounces
• 16 Round capacity, 14 rounds in the magazines and two rounds in the chambers
• Two shots with each pump
• Single trigger
• Machined from aircraft grade 7075 aluminum
• Thermal coated receiver
• Inline feeding
• Ambidextrous safety
• Ambidextrous pump slide release
• Two Picatinny rails for accessories; seven slot rail on the bottom by the fore grip and a 13.75″ 34 slot rail on top
• Co-Molded non-slip rubber grip
• Slots to attach MOE rails
• Shell indicator window
• Shock absorbing spring loaded recoil mechanism
• Synthetic stock
• Rubber recoil pad with dual spring loaded recoil
• Both barrels include spreader choke tubes with Tru-Choke thread pattern
• Choke tube wrench
• Heavy duty lock
• Instruction booklet and warranty card
• Composite foregrip
• .125″ Front sling attachment (The attachment point is smaller then the standard size)
• .125″ Sling swivel attachment on stock (The attachment point is smaller then the standard size)
• Ergonomically designed to balance the weight of a loaded gun for quick and efficient handling with minimal recoil

Kel-Tec KSG

Kel-Tec KSG shotgun, gray

The KSG-25 is the innovative 12 gauge pump-action shotgun from Kel-Tec! Designed primarily as a defensive shotgun, it features a single 30.5″ barrel fed by two separate magazine tubes. A manual selector lever behind the trigger guard allows you to select which tube is feeding the hardened steel receiver. The KSG ejects downward to clear the chamber to give you more reliable operation when you need it most. The dual tube magazines hold an impressive 20 rounds of 3″ shells (10 rounds each) giving you some serious firepower.

The KSG will hold 24 rounds of 2-3/4″ shells (12 rounds each) and its simple reliable action can cycle shells as small as 1-3/4″ if you want to hold even more shots. A familiar cross bolt style safety, a pump release lever located in front of the trigger guard and the ability to clear the chamber without feeding a round are important safety features in any home defense shotgun. The Zytel synthetic fore-end and pump have top and bottom picatinny rails for mounting lights, optics, and accessories. The synthetic stock has a nice thick soft rubber recoil pad to tame the recoil of this powerful shotgun. Take it to the range for shooting fun during the day and sleep peacefully at night with the KSG by your side.

Specifications and Features:

Kel-Tec KSG-25 Pump Action Shotgun KSG-25 BLK

• 12 Gauge
• 30.5″ Cylinder Bore Barrel
• 3″ Chamber (Accepts 2-3/4″ or 3″ Shot shells)
• 10+10 Rounds of 3″ Shells Per Tube or 12+12 Rounds of 2-3/4″ Shells Per Tube
• Hardened Steel Receiver
• Dual Tube Magazine
• Feed Selector Lever
• Cross bolt safety
• Upper and Lower Picatinny Rails
• Synthetic Stock
• Sling Loops
• Magpul MBUS Front/Rear Sights
• Magpul RVG Rail Vertical Foregrip (Picatinny Compatible)
• Overall Length 38″
• Overall Weight Unloaded 9.25 lbs
• Black Finish

This is an excerpt from: Top 5 High Capacity Shotguns for 2018 By Dave Dolbee published on February 1, 2018. To read the balance of the article click on the Cheaper than Dirt blog link.

For additional information see the following links:

Blog Table of Contents
Double Barrel Defense

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Active Shooter

You are alone (no family with you) in Wal Mart and hear obvious gunshots and screaming.
You're packing your 9mm, WHAT DO YOU DO?

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has clear instructions to answer this question, but lets discuss the basic options.

OPTION 1 - Run away from the gun shots or 
OPTION 2. - Try to save lives.

First let's talk about Option #1 above. This is a big place, there are many exits so getting out should be easy. But who is to say that there are not shooters at the other exits waiting to shoot you.  According to an FBI study of 160 mass shootings, there is only one shooter, 98.75% of the time, but don't take it for granted.

Do you draw your gun? What's to keep another citizen, or the police from shooting you?  Answer: Keep your gun readily available but not visible.

The DHS instructions are Run, Hide, Fight.

1. RUN
• Have an escape route and plan in mind
• Leave your belongings behind
• Keep your hands visible

2. HIDE
• Hide in an area out of the shooter’s view
• Block entry to your hiding place and lock the doors
• Silence your cell phone and/or pager

3. FIGHT
• As a last resort and only when your life is in imminent danger
• Attempt to incapacitate the shooter
• Act with physical aggression and throw items at the active shooter

CALL 911 WHEN IT IS SAFE TO DO SO

A mass shooting in a Wal Mart is an unlikely scenario because most all mass shootings are in Gun Free Zones, but only 28% of mass shootings are stopped by Law Enforcement officers. Which brings us to our next option (2).

So now lets talk about Option #2, try to save lives.

So you are the heroic type.  I know listening to people get shot by some Sicko and doing nothing would be hard. There may be legal ramifications for your actions, especially if you are in a state like CA, MA, NJ, NY or DC and if you accidentally shoot one of the good guys.   Reconsider your actions; do you have family or loved ones who depend on you?  What is the shooter carrying, and how will your few rounds of 9mm stack up against it? Reconsider. I would suggest that you could help others get out safely, thus saving lives without endangering yours.

Hopefully you have enough training to know the difference between concealment and cover, and that most rows of store goods won't stop a bullet and only provide concealment. IF not, RUN, as this should be a major consideration in any rescue plan you might come up with. You can only approach the shooter from a direction that will provide cover, like from behind the freezers or dog food isle.  If the shooter is near the front door, exiting the building and approaching from the rock wall entrance area might be an option.  Staying low, perhaps crawling is the best mode of moving.  Can't crawl on your belly?  Run away then.

I would suggest calling 911 and telling them you are inside, armed and what you look like.  They won't believe you 100% but dispatch may relay the message to officers.  Let them know that you are hiding, and where you believe the shooter(s) is located.  Your inside presence could provide them valuable information, and knowing you are there and what you are wearing could prevent them from thinking you are one of the bad guys and shooting you.  Regardless, when under fire, they may shoot first and ask questions later. Make sure you don't shoot another heroic type like yourself. If you find one, collaboration might prove beneficial.  Perhaps you both start shooting at the killer from different directions at their next reload.

Most Mass Killers, select their targets randomly, planning only to inflict the most casualties possible.  This would likely mean that a Killer would enter during a busy time and open fire as they work their way along the front where lots of people are working and waiting in line to check out.  I might parallel their travel, getting ahead of them, then hide and wait behind something that provides cover.

If you get into a position to take a shot, and can positively identify the shooter, I suggest two quick taps and then back behind cover and moving to another location quickly.  This conserves ammo and if the shooter charges your position, you won't be there.  The second shot makes it harder to detect your location and increases the chance of hitting your target. Do NOT shoot an innocent person who has just taken the gun from the killer. Note, I am not a law enforcement officer, nor military and have only researched and thought about the topic.

HERE is some good advice from a Police Officer on what to do.

Hopefully, we see you being interviewed on the news, modestly telling how you did what had to be done to save your own life and the lives of others.

For additional information see the following links:

Blog Table of Contents

The Best Gun
Best Handgun Selection Criteria
Group Security Drills 

Urban Survival Perspective
Urban Survival Plan
The right amount of Ammo
 
Passive Layered Security
Country Home Security Plan
Home Invasion Response Plan
 
Intruder Detection
Riot Preparations
Double Barreled Defense
 
Modern Home Security
Sustainable City Survival
BB Gun
 
Top 5 Combat Rifles
Best Prepper Dog
Random Security

Budget Garden Preparations

During World War II, the United States was forced to ration food. It was the family Victory Gardens that pulled the hungry nation through.
 
IT CAN HAPPEN AGAIN!
Two percent (2%) of the US population feeds the other 98% as well as millions of other people around the world.  This makes our food supply chain very fragile.  Many things could disrupt it.

Every adult who is responsible for the lives of others should have the following gardening preps:

1. Garden Hoe - top quality and sharp - $57
2. Round point shovel - no plastic nor fiberglass - $40
3. Garden Rake - 16 metal teeth - $30
4. Vegetable Heirloom Seeds - sealed and kept frozen; rotate them each year - $16
5. Fertilizer - use compost or 10-10-10 sparingly - $12
6. Quality Garden Hose ($35) and metal water sprinkler ($8) IF you don't have one already.
7. Gardening Book -  The Vegetable Gardner's Bible is a good choice - $20

All tools should be good quality, heavy duty, with hard wood handles that can be easily replaced and no plastic. Preferably Made in the U.S.A.  The hoe is the tool you will use the most so having an extra one is a good idea.  Doing so will also allow two people at once to work in the garden.

I recommend alternating your seed source each year to provide diversity.  Date each container of seeds when you put them in the freezer.  Don't discard old seeds as they are good for 2-5 years although the germination rate decreases.  I plant or spread my old seeds some where, in the woods, in a meadow, along the back roads, creek or river in hopes of having a hidden food or seed supply in the future, if ever needed. Some plant seeds or plants around their apartment hedges and in the flower beds with a small stake so the lawn care people don't pull them up.

Compost is a great natural fertilizer, but if not available, a commercial time release 10-10-10 fertilizer is good for beginners as it will reduce the risk of burning your garden up from over fertilizing.  Experienced gardeners will use different fertilizers for different vegetables and based on the results of soil tests.

There are a number of good Gardening books on Amazon.  Get one that is rated four stars or better with a low percentage of 1 star ratings.  The more ratings by verified buyers, the more reliable the rating. Get a hard copy book, not an electronic version. 

The one time investment for quality tools is less than $200, then $15 for fertilizer and then less than $20 per year for the seeds for a operating cost of $35 each year for a productive hobby and hundreds, if not thousands of dollars worth of fresh healthy food.

Beyond this, an electric Garden Tiller is a great addition to help prepare your soil.  Start breaking up your garden plot by February before the grass and weeds start growing, then again a month later.

Don't wait! Enjoy fresh grown vegetables this year.

For additional information see the following links:

Blog Table of Contents

Gardening Links
Gardening 101– Soil Basics
Green House for year-round food supply
Vegetable Planting Dates
Vegetable Days to Harvest

Seeds for Survival
Preppers Garden
Aquaponics
Prepper Livestock series
DIY Solar System

List of Top 10 Lists 

Top 10 Prepper Websites

Top 10 Prepper Handbook Posts

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Random Security

The biggest weakness of any security plan is predictability.  WARNING:  This post represents the harsh reality of Anarchy if our fragile society breaks down. 

Prior to an attack, an enemy will access your security to find an opportunity to penetrate it undetected, capture or kill your people and steal your supplies. During the dark ages, it was called rape, pillage and plunder.  The point is, your security plans are important. 

They will scan the radio frequencies to see if you are using them for communication, and if so, which channels.  Then they will listen to everything you are saying, learning more about you and your group.

Using binoculars, they will watch for days (or even weeks) from a distant vantage point (that you should be watching) to determine:

1. How many armed capable people (threats) you have?
2. What your shift change schedules are?
3. What are your lookout vantage points and what views and area can they see and protect; more importantly, where they cannot see nor protect.
4. Which of your security teams are not alert and could be easily eliminated?
5. Do you have roaming security patrols, if so, where do they cover, how often, and how long does it take before they come back around again.  Do they use a "Leave Behind' person at times?

They will develop a plan and probe your defenses to test your ability to detect them and your response, IF you do.

Attacker plans are likely to include a range of things:

1.  Lure your Security Team away (via a diversion), or into a trap. 
2. Quietly snipe your security one at a time with a cross bow, or several at once with sound suppressed fire arms; most likely at night, using night vision when others are sleeping and they can sneak in undetected.  Once security is taken out, they storm your central Command Post. 
3. They may use smoke, tear gas, pepper spray or fire to flush people out and shoot them when they run out.  Fire is less rational as it burns valuable supplies, but may be used by hot heads.
4. Snipe some of your people when out working, or snipe some of your equipment; when your people come out to work on it, snipe them.
5. Capture your group's children, women or leaders as hostages to have an inside spy, who will allow them in, or hold them for ransom/barter. When group family members "leave" (read disappear) unexpectedly, certain security must be put in place to watch the remaining family members who may become hostile to save their hostage family member(s).
6. If your enemy is smart, they will keep your hostages after taking all your guns & ammo, then require regular payments from your group of food and any supplies you can salvage. They will bully your group, harass your women and hurt or kill one of your strongest members occasionally to keep your people in line, just like on one of the Top TV Series (#4).

For these reasons, it is critical that you develop randomized and unpredictable security plans such as those outlined in the Prepper Handbook and that you know what to expect to develop the best plans possible. These plans should be unpredictable so that even your security team doesn't know what the plan is until they report for duty.  Your Security Team Leader should have someone (friendly) probing your defenses often, to determine weaknesses and keep your Security Team alert.

For additional information see the following links:

Blog Table of Contents

Search: Security

Modern Home Security 

Sustainable City Survival

Country Home Security Plan 

Home Invasion Response Plan

Intruder Detection

Group Security Drills

Urban Survival Perspective

Urban Survival Plan

Passive Layered Security

Red flag warnings its time to Bug Out

Riot Preparations 

Double Barreled Defense
Security Patrol Pack (or Bug Out pack) 
Prepper Training Drills 
Home Security

Create a home defense plan that works 
Home Defense Preparation 
Infiltration
Active Shooter
    

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Power Outage Heater

Its freezing cold and the power is out for who knows how long.

Even if you have solar power with a battery back-up it won't last long using an electric heater.  A 100 Ah 12 VDC Battery will run a 1,500 watt heater for about 48 minutes. So here is what the author of the Prepper Handbook recommends.

This is a top rated heater that doesn't use electricity. It is safe for indoor or outdoor use.  This Mr Heater is one that I've tested and found to work great during cold winter nights.  I even used mine in a car when my heater was out. 

It uses these small propane bottles below  One bottle will last 6 hours on low and 3 hours on high, and produce about 2.6 times more heat than a 1500 watt electric heater.  Walmart sells these fuel bottles for $3.50 each.You can often get a multi-pack for even less per bottle.

Six of these cost about $21 and will keep you warm for 24 hours. This makes a good Prepper Gift for someone who does NOT have a fire place AND wood or natural gas.  If they have a fire place and NO wood or natural gas, they need help. They are also good for running a cooking stove.  For under $150, you can stay warm and cook your food.  These are also great for camping. 

For more information:
Blog Table of Contents
Power Outage Preps
Power Outage Heater
DIY Solar System 
The SHTF Day One
Survive a 2 week Power Outage

List of Top 10 Lists 

Top 10 Prepper Websites 

Top 10 Posts 

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Pioneer Recipes

Complete Sustainable Living Plan
Acorn Flour Pancakes
Pemmican Recipe
Hardtack Recipe
Goulash
Texas Brisket
Corn Bread
Sour Dough Bread
Corn Fritters
Apple Cider Vinegar
More on making Vinegar
Backing Soda vs Yeast
Baking Soda uses
Best Foods to Store

For additional information see the following links:

Blog Table of Contents
Building your food stores the right way
Emergency Water Supply
Complete Sustainable Living Plan

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Prepper Livestock - Horse

Through out history, horses have proven to be reliable transportation and a strategic advantage for those who have them, yet most people don't even know how to ride.

In our BEST Prepper Transportation post, a Horse was one of the highest rated. They are:

1. Quite - No loud exhausts that will attract danger.  In fact, few modes of transportation are quieter. No headlights to give away your position when you ride at night.  Using Night Vision or Thermal Vision while riding can be a huge advantage.
2. Security - they are alert, can smell and hear danger at great distances.
3. Reliable - Low maintenance, no maintenance, rarely break down. EMP hardy with no electronics.  Horses can also reproduce so they are sustainable long term.
4.  Street and Off-road capable - Ability to go places many vehicles cannot go. When being pursued, or trying to stay off the beaten path, you can ride through a field, the woods, a narrow alley, foot trail or down the train tracks, which is a big advantage.
5. Carrying Capacity - Sufficient capacity for your individual needs. See Rule of 3's to prioritize the supplies you pack.
6. Long Travel Range - A horse is excellent for a Nomadic life style and great for regional scouting.  You can get where you are going without running out of fuel.

But horses are useful beyond just transportation.  They can carry/pull heavy loads, including wagons, plows or a travois like the Native Americans used.  They make good companions and provide security as well as a large amount of meat as a last resort, i.e. much more versatile than cows.

Travois

While soft earth tone horses blend in to their surroundings better, Native Americans preferred horses with a pattern.  This provides a decorative value but also a broken up pattern is harder to distinguish lines and see vs. a solid color as shown below.

 

Wild horses were hunted for food and appeared in Paelo cave art as early as 30,000 BC, New DNA testing suggests they were domesticated starting 8,000 BC or over 10,000 years ago.  Solid evidence suggests they were clearly domesticated by 6,000 years ago. 

The point is, the Horse has been tested and proven reliable for thousands of years. Take riding lessons and consider horse riding as a hobby.  Perhaps this will evolve into owning your own horse some day.  Popular Breeds include:

1. Arabian - is one of the oldest breeds, known for its spirit and endurance. They are versatile, intelligent, and loyal. Suitable for advanced owners and generally healthy.
2. Quarter Horse - is arguably the most popular breed in the United States and the American Quarter Horse Association is the largest breed registry in the world. Known as the fastest breed of horse over short distances (up to 55 mph), they are used for pleasure riding and western events such as barrel racing, roping and cutting, but they can also make excellent hunting mounts and even racehorses. Suitable for slightly experienced riders and known to have below average health.
3. Morgan - compact, brave and agreeable, best known for its versatility. Small in stature but big in heart, they are used today as a riding horse and cart pulling horses. Suitable for slightly experienced riders and known for being healthy with no genetic diseases.
4. Appaloosa - were developed by the Nez Perce Native Americans They are genetically diverse, versatile, tough, independent, hardy and sure-footed, with big bodies and sparse manes and tails. Appaloosas are often used as stock horses and pleasure mounts, and also make excellent trail horses.  Suitable for Slightly experience riders and known for being healthier than average. This would probably be my first choice as a Preppers horse followed by a Morgan.

Here is a Horse Breed Selector this is obviously biased to a POA breed but also suggests an Appaloosa, Paint and Quarter Horse are ideal for me which is confirmed by my own personal research.  I've included links on each breed above to help you select one.  IF you already have horses, I'd be anxious to hear what breed you like best.

Good luck and may I also suggest visiting our Livestock link below.

For additional information see the following links:

Blog Table of Contents

List of Top 10 Lists 

Top 10 Prepper Websites 

Top 10 Posts 

Prepper Livestock series 

Best Prepper Transportation

 

See similar topics by clicking on the labels below