Join us for this unique 4-day horse and mule packing clinic with outfitter and horse trainer Spencer Dominick.
Includes:
- An intro to backcountry shoeing, vet care and animal restraint.
-A half- day horsemanship with clinic with Spencer Dominick, geared towards backcountry travel with stock.
-Loads and hitches with decker and sawbuck systems.
-A two-night pack trip through the prairie on southwest Montana ranchlands.
-Prepared meals included so you can focus on learning.
During this experience, you will gain knowledge of frequently-used hitches, ponying stock, stringing together pack animals, camping and animal restraint, and balancing loads. You will also learn to balance the hard work of packing stock for recreational use with the fun times that these amazing animals bring us.
This class is intended for riders who want to gain confidence as they get more recreational packing experience under their belt, with a goal of self-sufficiency, building confidence, and safety. You will have opportunity with repetition of the basics both on and off your saddle horse so you can develop your own feel to pack safely. With packing two nights out at camp, we will progress to two different camps to get more practice loading, unloading, and setting up and breaking down camp. Although we will introduce you to mantying cargo, we will generally use basket hitches with iron cloth bags; box hitches using lash cinches around panniers; both with and without top loads.
Maximum of 6 people: the small group size allows for 1:1 help and direction if you are seeking help with specific skills. Bring your own horse, or use our seasoned stock!
Start time: 1pm arrival at the ranch June 13th
End time: 5:30 pm June 16th, with the option to stay over with meals provided until the morning of July 17th.