Step 1 - Research a location
Keep these things in mind:
Will it be easy to get to? - If it is only a few yards from a trail head, there's a big possibility someone may plunder it. Try to find a location that will take some time and be fun to ride to. Thirty minutes to two hours out will give most searchers an adequate experience.
Is it easy to find? -Don't make it too visible, or too close to busy roads, trails or camp areas or there's chance someone may find it without searching. Most people who find caches are nice enough to leave them there (or participate). But don't make it too difficult! The site should be no more than ten feet from the horse trail and accessible from horseback.
Will you hide on private or public land? - Unless the private land is open to anyone that rides horses, never place a cache on private land! If you place the cache on public lands you will need to contact the managing agency to find out about their rules. Many are posted on their websites. The cache MUST be placed on established horse trails or trail areas permitting horses. It is a violation of federal regulation to placing a cache in any area administered by the National Park Service (US). The National Park regulations are intended to protect the fragile environment, and historical and cultural areas found in the parks.
Will your cache location cause unnecessary concern? - Use common sense when choosing a site for your cache. Do not place your cache in any location where it could be confused with something more dangerous.
You are responsible for your cache so be sure you know the rules for the area where you are placing your cache.
Ultimately you'll want to place a cache in a location that is unique. A big reward for Equicachers, other than finding the treasure, is the location and the trails going to it. A special camping spot, great view, unusual location, etc. are all great locations to hide a cache.
Be respectful of the area you are thinking about placing your cache. If it's the location of a protected species, or off-trail with plant life, remember that others will be searching in these areas. If you stick with authorized horse trails, you should not be encrouching on areas under protection. If an area where you have hidden a cache becomes off limits or protected, let Equicaching.com know so we can disable the cache location on the web.
Step 2 - Preparing the Cache
First, decide on a container. Water resistant, snow resistant, etc are good but geocachers have had good success with plastic buckets, tupperware (or rubbermaid) containers, ammo boxes, or unused sewer pipes. You will want some zip-loc baggies to put the items into for extra protection in case the container leaks. Zip-loc baggies alone are good for a log book only cache.
No matter what you choose for a container, make sure you mark your cache so if it is found by someone not equicaching they will understand what they have found. Many mark their containers with "equicaching.com", the name of their cache, and any necessary contact information. The more information the better.
You will need a logbook and a pencil. A small spiral notebook will work fine. Make sure to put a pencil in the cache also. Pens tend to freeze or dry out.
It is recommended to have a welcome note to the cache finder.
Last but not least, you can put goodies in the cache. This is recommended, but not essential. Here are some ideas for cache items:
A disposable camera - Put one in and ask everyone to take a picture of themselves and horses and replace it in the cache. When the camera is full, you can develop the photos and publish them on the web.
Inexpensive toys - play-doh, silly putty, action figures, etc.
CDs, DVDs, VGA Cards, gift certificates, dollar bills, gold bars, etc.
It is your decision what you want to put in your cache, budget permitting. It is only salting the mine. Seekers can leave treasures of small or large value.
Do not put food in a cache! Animals will destroy the cache to get at the food. Bottled water is a good alternative but in some locations can freeze and break.
No alcohol, tobacco, firearms, prescription or illicit drugs. Keep this safe and legal!
Step 3 - Placing the Cache
When you reach the location you want to place your cache, the hardest part will be getting exact coordinates from your GPS unit. It depends on how visible your cache is, but the coordinates need to be as close as possible to the cache. Logbook caches and other small caches can be hung from tree limbs.
The best suggestion is to take a waypoint, then walk away from the location, and return and take another way point. Do this 7-10 times, then pick the best way point. Some units will do the averaging for you as a function.
Once you have the waypoint, write it in permanent marker on your container, on the log book, and make sure you write down the waypoint yourself. Write a few notes in the log book if you like, place it in a zip-loc baggie, and place it in the container, or in its location. Make sure to secure the container or bag with a rock, etc, or tie it to something stationary, to decrease the chance of it blowing, floating, or being carried away.
Do not bury the container or bag. If the cache is far enough away from high traffic areas, your cache should be fine. Most trail riders not seeking a cache will ride right past your cache.
Step 4 - Report Your Cache
Fill out the online form
EXTRAS:
Download a PDF file of the Equicache Logo and web site address. Print your own labels or use inside your cache box to help identify your cache as an official EquiCache.
Download a PDF file to print and place in your cache container that identifies the cache to accidental finders.