It sounds like your mount at least stuck around.What knife do you carry for trailridiing? I just replaced my Spyderco with the new neck Knife by Myerchin.If you have to cut a cincha or latigo it is superb. I never ever carry anything near my waist riding! This is how William the Conqueror died. I saw a huge trophy buckle lacerate the proud wearer's liver when the horse reared at a ghost.A surplus,wool blanket @ 5lbs. is very usefull.Horses don't mix well with space blankets.You can improvise hobbles,cinches,blinders and its fire retardant.I shove my survival items in my vest and chap pockets,with the knife and whistle hung under my neck ragg.I hope you've practiced 'kicking out' of a hung stirrup.I use split reins so I wont get tangled up with a pencil bosal as a halter.I tuck tthe mecate into my waistband and can grab it if thrown.A lightstick spun on a string is a very effective night signal and my local coyotes and mountain lions shy away from the sight and sound(I attach a small bullroarer to the string.)<br><br>