2022 Horse and Mule Packing Class

June 7 – 11, 2022

lllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll

This Class will include: horse and mule trail riding ~ mule packing ~ wilderness skills ~ stock management ~ food preparations and cooking ~ and backcountry ethics.

lllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll

When the Wilderness Act of 1964 was passed into law by Congress, its intent was to preserve an enduring Wilderness for future generations. Essentially, a place set aside to preserve the natural character of a special landscape, not significantly altered by man, so that future generations can experience a wild and natural environment.

Wilderness was specifically designated to keep mechanized use limited to emergencies only. The only ways to access Wilderness is on foot, by horseback or floating. Using Stock in Backcountry and Wilderness requires specific skills. Our goal is to provide them to you.

BMWO Wilderness Training Center focuses only on “Equestrian” horse and mule use in the wilderness. Our “Hands On” classes are designed to build your confidence and teach horse owners, or future horse owners, how to trail ride, pack mules, safely camp, recreate responsibly in Wilderness and care for stock while in the remote backcountry or Wilderness areas.

PARTICIPANTS WILL:

• Learn to trail ride on mountain trails.
• Learn the basics of packing mules and horses for extended backcountry trips.
• Learn all aspects of camping, including food planning & menu’s, food packing, food storage in bear country and backcountry cooking.
• Learn responsible methods to minimize your impacts and protect the resource.
• Learn backcountry stock management including; feeding, highlining, hobbling, and vet care.
• Learn trail clearing and hazards using primitive tools, i.e., crosscut saw, Pulaski, saddle saws, axes, etc.
• Learn safety for yourself and stock.

WHO BENEFITS FROM THIS TRAINING?

• Anyone who has a desire to take livestock into the backcountry and wants to build their personal confidence and skill levels.
• Anyone who wants to be a responsible backcountry user with stock.
• Anyone who wants to learn how to plan, prepare and cook backcountry meals.
• Aspiring Outfitters and Guides who need to develop these skills.
• Anyone wanting to learn more about Wilderness.

llllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll

Cost is $1795.00* per person. To reserve your place we require a 50% deposit ($897.50).

* If you have taken a class taught by Smoke Elser and/or Jordan Knudsen, as you already have the basics and just need a refresher and to apply your learned skills on a bonafide pack trip, your cost is $795.00 per person also a 50% deposit is required ($397.50).

(Printable PDF Flyer 2022 Wilderness Packing Skills and Wilderness Ethics Class)