This year’s schedule continues to be updated as events are added/confirmed.
Training is free to current BRBCH members, unless otherwise indicated.
The public is welcome to audit the Defensive Horsemanship Trainings, no charge.
Want to assist with a program? Contact Bonnie Morgan at
Miscellaneous
Want to see if your training is current? Click here
Defensive Horsemanship (DH) cards are necessary to bring stock to trail clean-up/ projects. To earn a DH card, attend the Defensive Horsemanship Demonstration Clinic and a Defensive Horsemanship Riding Clinic (see below). DH cards are good for 3 years.
First Aid/CPR
First Aid/CPR certifications are usually good for 2 years (check your card)
First Aid/CPR: Two dates available: March 16, 30, 2024, 9am-3pm
Location: Stevensville Rural Fire: Westside Hall, Kinsman Dr, Stevensville (behind Subway building at Stevi Wye)
This certification is required for those hoping to earn the chainsaw or crosscut saw certification. At least one BCH member with current First Aid/CPR certification is needed per work project. Priority will be given to chainsaw or crosscut sawyers who need certification. Contact Bonnie Morgan at or 406-381-9021.
Chainsaw and Crosscut Saw Training
Crosscut Saw and Chainsaw certifications are good for 3 years
Chainsaw Training: If interested, need to sign up beforehand.
Contact Bonnie Morgan at or 406-381-9021.
- Chainsaw Renewals Only: TBD
- For First Time Chainsaw Users: under the 2016 FS program: 6 people only: TBD
Crosscut Saw :
TBD, All Day. If interested, need to sign up beforehand. Limit of 15 per date, first come basis. Contact Bonnie Morgan at or 406-381-9021.
Defensive Horsemanship (DH)
Defensive Horsemanship cards are good for 3 years
Any person wishing to work on official trail projects with your horse needs to complete the course. DH is not required for chapter rides nor working on a project, but not around horses.
- To renew for three years, attend any one of the clinics.
- For new cards, you must attend the Demonstration Clinic and one riding clinic.
Defensive Horsemanship Demonstration Clinic: March 23, 2024, 9am – 2pm
C-Max Stables on Bass Lane, Hamilton. Instructor: Bonnie Morgan.
Demonstration Only. Do NOT bring your stock to this workshop. Based on USFS outline. Required for anyone needing new or renewal Defensive Horsemanship card. Learn packing skills, Equine First Aid, and several other topics of interest to safe trail riding.
Check your Training Certification Stats to see if you need this course. If you plan to work on projects either riding your stock or working around stock, put this date on your calendar. Bring a lunch, chair, and dress warmly if it is cold.
Riding Clinics
One riding clinic is required for new or renewal Defensive Horsemanship card, but strongly encourage all to participate, whether or not card is needed. The number of stock will be limited, so be sure to sign up with Bonnie Morgan: 406-381-9021 call or text, or .. Current chapter membership required.
Defensive Horsemanship Obstacle Trail Riding Clinics: April 6, 2024.
Two sessions (9 AM-noon, or 1-4 PM by appointment) will be offered, with 8-10 people in each session.
C-Max Stables, 657 Bass Lane, Hamilton. Instructor: Bonnie Morgan.
Limited spots available for each class. Required for anyone needing new or renewal Defensive Horsemanship card. Preference given to riders who have not completed the program. Please contact Bonnie Morgan for more information and to sign up: 406-381-9021 call or text, or .
Please bring your own chair in case the weather is bad and we have to use the indoor arena.
This is the riding part of earning a Defensive Horsemanship card and you will bring your own horse, mule, or donkey. While first time card applicants will get first choice, there is generally room for current DH card holders to participate for a “spring tune-up.” Emphasis on ground work, tune up, safety, and obstacles. Open to BRBCH members; feel free to bring your stock to this workshop.
Day Ride and Horse Camp Out at Lake Como Rock Creek Horse Campground:
TBD, perhaps May 11-12, 2024
Limited campsites available. Wanting to get familiar with camping with stock? This is a great opportunity to give it a try. Camp preference given to members with limited camp experience, but others encouraged to fill the remaining camp sites and help provide guidance. Come to socialize, come to share. Please contact Bonnie Morgan for more information and to sign up: 406-381-9021 call or text, or .
Location/Directions/Questions:
C-MAX STABLES. Some Horsemanship training / clinic sessions may be at C-Max Stables, 657 Bass Lane, Corvallis, unless otherwise shown above. Directions to C-Max Stables: From Eastside Hwy (south of Corvallis, north of Hamilton), go east on Bass Lane. Turn left at t-intersection, follow road as it jogs to the right. C-Max will be on your right.
ROCK CREEK HORSE CAMP at Lake Como Recreation Area. Rock Creek Horse Camp is located within the Lake Como Recreation Area. It features 11 tent and small trailer campsites, handicap accessible vault toilets, gravel surfaced roads, garbage service, and stock facilities, such as hitch rails, stock ramp, and feed bunks. A few trails leave from the horse camp. The trailhead is equipped with an accessible horse mounting platform. Campground can accommodate RV’s or trailers to 40 feet. Directions: From Darby, MT travel north for 4 miles on Highway 93. Turn west (left) onto Lake Como Rd. Follow for 3.5 miles. Turn east (left) into the campground (located on stretch of road between beach turn off and boat launch turn off).
For further information contact Bonnie Morgan at 406-381-9021 or
Be Safe.
Bonnie Morgan