Training

This year’s schedule will 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:  January 25, 2025 and February 15, 2025 (9am – 3pm)
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.

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 8, 2025 – 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. Lunch will be chili lunch/potluck. Bring a potluck item, chair, and dress warmly if it is cold. 
     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. 

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:  March 29 and April 5. Two sessions each of these dates (9 AM-noon, or 1-4 PM) will be offered, with max of 10 people in each session. 

** Membership must be up-to-date by March 6 for the March 29 clinic, or by March 20 for the April 5 clinic. 

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. 

Chainsaw and Crosscut Saw Training

Crosscut Saw and Chainsaw certifications are good for 3 years

Chainsaw Training: Instructors Dan Brandborg and Brad Pollman.

If interested, need to sign up beforehand. Contact Bonnie Morgan at or 406-381-9021.

  • For First Time Chainsaw Users:  under the 2016 FS program: 6 people only:   Date TBD

  • Chainsaw Renewals Only:  Date TBD

Crosscut Saw:  Instructors: Ed Duggan and Travise Grinnell.  If interested, need to sign up beforehand. Limit of 15 per date, first come basis. Contact Bonnie Morgan at or 406-381-9021.

  • For First Time Crosscut Users:  Date TBD, All Day. 

  • Crosscut Saw Renewals Only:  plan to attend a project with Ed or Travise.  

Packing Clinic:

Ed and Christy Duggan have planned a 4-day packing clinic for people wanting to learn more about this amazing skill. They have selected 4 Sundays:  May 4, 11, 18, and 25. Clinics to be held in Stevensville. More information will be shared at the meetings, or contact them directly. 

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