EquiCaching
the gps horseback adventure
How to Equicache...
To participate, you will need to know how to
enter waypoints into your GPS unit. Your GPS should come with
instructions on how to enter a waypoint.
The rules are very simple:
When you find the cache
1. Take something from the cache
2. Leave something in the cache
3. Write about it in the logbook
How to place a cache: more information
A cache can come in many forms but the first item should always be a
logbook. In fact a cache can be just a logbook and pencil inside a
zip lock bag. The logbook contains information from the hider of the
cache and notes from the cache's finders. A logbook can contain
information about nearby attractions, coordinates to other unpublished
caches, and stories written by other finders.The least you should leave
are the date and time you visited the cache. Larger caches may consist
of a waterproof plastic bucket or food container placed tastefully
within the local terrain. The container will protect the logbook and
any number of more or less valuable items. These items can turn the
cache into a true treasure hunt. You never know what the founder or
other visitors to the location may have left there for you to enjoy.
Remember, if you take something, you should leave something in return.
Items in a bucket/container cache could be: Maps, coupons, prize
tickets, books, software, hardware, CDs, DVDs, pictures, money,
jewelry, tickets, antiques, tools, games, etc. It is recommended that
items in a cache be packaged in a clear zipped plastic bag to protect
them.
Do not place explosives, ammo, knives, drugs, and alcohol in a
cache. Respect the local laws. All ages of people hide and seek caches,
so use some thought before placing any item into a cache.
Food items
are ALWAYS a BAD IDEA. Animals have better noses than humans, and in
some cases caches have been chewed through and destroyed because of
food items in a cache. Please do not put food in a cache.
There are also "Experience caches". These are way points that will not take you to a physical treasure, but to a breathtaking location or view by horseback.
The location of a cache is usually the most entertaining part of the sport. The location of a cache MUST be accessible by horseback. It should never take the horse or rider into a known dangerous situation or location. Keep it fun! Keep it safe! This is a great family activity. Some National Parks and Forests prohibit the hiding of caches, so check the rules of the place you intend to hide a cache. The cache should be no more than ten feet from an established horse trail. We do not want problems with riders pushing into the landscape off the trail and causing problems with the parks. The cache should not take the horse and rider into too much brush or bad footing. It is recommended that once the seeker thinks they are close to the cache, that they dismount to continue their search on foot. NEVER bushwack or cut across a trail as a shortcut! Stay on the trail and keep the trail managers happy with horses and Trail Ride and Seek! Remember if a sign says "No Horses," it does not mean you can ride your mule there. Be responsible and respectful of the trails you ride any time, caching or not.
Always remember to take any trash out with you!
Remember that even a small logbook cache may have a hundred dollar bill in it or a map or certificate to a greater treasure.
Don't move the cache! Put it back where you found it. Responsible cache owners check on their caches occasionally. If you visit a cache location and the cache is missing, always make sure to log the cache as "not found" on the web site so the cache owner knows. If you notice that the logs show an unusual number of "not found" logs, please email us so we can check on the cache page. The cache can be temporarily disabled until the cache owner can check in on it. If the cache owner cannot be contacted we can either allow someone to adopt the cache or we will remove the cache from the site.
You can have a traveling item, which is an object that you can move from cache to cache. All you need to do to create a traveler is to attach a note to it asking finders to move it to a new place. It is helpful to have enough room on your note to have the relocators keep track of who they are and where they found or left the traveler item.
Caches can be permanent, or temporary. Some will depend upon their location and the impact on the surrounding area, It's up to a cache owner to periodically inspect their cache and the area to ensure that impact is minimal. When you find a cache, it's a good idea to let the cache owner know the condition of their cache. Equicaching.com cannot guarantee that a cache will exist at any given time, but we'll do our best to ensure the list is as current as possible. Floods, fires, and other natural changes can move or destroy a cache, not just human intervention.
Each new cache will be reviewed by a volunteer, so it can take up to 7 days to have your cache posted to the web site. Usually it will take much less time - but be patient! Someone will approve your cache shortly. It will take longer on the weekends
VISIT THE EQUICACHING BLOG!
Join the FORUM to discuss Equicaching with other Equicachers!