Judith Basin Back Country Horsemen

November 4, 2024 Elections for 2025 Officers and Positions
2024-10-19 08:00 - 17:00 UTC
Elections will be held on our November 4, 2024 meeting with the elected officers beginning on Jauary 1, 2025. All officers and chapter director positions are open and are a 1-year position. The officers and chapter directors are listed on our website.

December 2, 2024 -- 6:00 PM Christmas Party Potluck
2024-12-02 18:00 - 20:00
December 2, 2024 6:00 pm Lutheran Church, 604 West Evelyn Street, Lewistown MT. Potluck with a full kitchen at our disposal at the Church again this year. Bring a gift to exchange during our party for our traditional and fun “steal” gift exchange.

Bright Country Nights- Central Montana Fairgrounds December 6-8
2024-12-06
We will set up on December 1 at 1:00 pm and the all go to lunch afterwards to warm up. Our JBBCH display will be lit up for the community event December 6-8.

December 6-8, 2024 Bright Country Nights Display at the Fairgrounds
2024-12-06 08:00 - 2024-12-09 17:00
The JBBCH will have a Bright County Nights display at the Central Montana Fairgrounds! Friday 6-9 Pm; Saturday 5-9 pm and Sunday 5-8 pm! This is a wonderful light exhibition which celebrates different local organizations and promotes a celebration of winter and activities to come! If you want to come and help set up we are meeting at 1:00 pm December 1 at the Fairgrounds and then we will go and have lunch together afterwards.

JBBCH Monthly Meeting 6:30 Education, 7:00 Membership Meeting
2025-02-04 18:30 - 20:00
We meet in the Sherif’s complex conference room, downstairs. Our Educational component will consist of learning about the Highline and how to Highline stock safely. Presented by Sue George. Our membership meeting will follow.

JBBCH Monthly Meeting 6:30 Presentation by Weston Hersel, 7:00 Members Meeting
2025-03-03 18:30 - 20:00
We meet in the sherif’s complex, Lewistown, downstairs. Our 2024 JBBCH Scholarship winner, Weston Hersel will present on his educational experience in the Agricultural Industry. The press are invited. The Scholarship application for 2025 will be available soon. Contact Judy Fossum at 406 380-0075 for an application. The application will also be posted on this website soon!

2025 JBBCH Scholarship is NOW AVAILABLE
2025-03-04 08:00 - 2025-05-01 17:00
Judith Basin Back Country Horsemen (JBBCH) was founded in 2000 and is part of the national organization whose roots go back to Montana’s Flathead Valley. The principal goal of the organization is to protect access to public lands for recreational use by horses and mules. The group works at the local, state, and national levels with land managers, lawmakers and other user groups to preserve the horsemen’s rights to recreational use of stock on public lands.
Other services provided by the JBBCH include assisting private and public agencies in trail maintenance and management, assisting other clubs and organizations with a variety of community service projects and organizing rides.
The JBBCH is offering one $500 scholarship to an individual who resides within Fergus County or Judith Basin, age 16-25, who is pursuing college or training resulting in certification or degree, in the agricultural field. The “agricultural field” refers to the practice of cultivating crops and raising livestock on land, encompassing multiple activities like planting seeds, tending to crops, managing livestock, harvesting produce, and managing soil health, essentially any activity related to producing food and other agricultural products on a farm or ranch. This includes but is not limited to educational experiences which are equine related, forestry related, or ranching industries.
With questions please contact Judy Fossum, JBBCH Scholarship Committee Chair 406 380-0075 or jvfossum@gmail.com
Follow this link for the 2025 JBBCH Scholarship Application and Instructions.
https://1drv.ms/w/c/86deb1105c054c88/EYDyGmodM6RKk4bwhlJKvmwBfUoB8jY0_6Qrr_gnRMkwUg

JBBCH Monthly Membership Meeting
2025-04-07 18:30 - 20:30
JBBCH Monthly meeting at the Lewistown Sherifs complex, downstairs conference room. We begin with an educational component from 6:30 to 7:00 pm. Then at 7:00 pm we have our membership meeting. On the agenda we will be discussing the summertime rides, our clearing the trails projects, our stewardship projects including Sharing the Trails event April 16, 2025. We are encouraging anyone who is interested in joining us for rides or membership to participate.
While we encourage you to come to our meetings, we have a Zoom link: https://us05web.zoom.us/j/84893454974?pwd=[REDACTED]

April JBBCH Horsemen-Group Location TBA
2025-04-12 10:00 - 13:00
The Judith Basin Back Country Horsemen are planning our first ride of the year! We will finalize the details of location on April 7th during our membership meeting. The first ride is usually easy going and an introduction to the season! Plan to be ready to ride at 10 am! Everyone is welcome to join us for a 2 ish hour ride!

Sharing the Trails Education Day- Central Montana Fairgrounds
2025-04-16 08:00 - 17:00 | Central Montana Fairgrounds, Lewistown Mt
2025 Sharing Trails Education Day: April 15th (Tuesday event set-up) and April 16th (Wednesday event) for the event. A more detailed schedule will be presented at a later date.

Arena Ride and Conditioning- April 17- 4:00 PM to ?
2025-04-17 16:00 - 19:00 | 265 Lone Pine Lane, Lewistown, Montana, 265 Lone Pine Lane, Lewistown, Montana, 59457
The Judith Basin Back Country Horsemen are planning a group arena ride, which is a great opportunity to get your horses used to hauling and being with others while you work patterns in the arena! The ride is held at 265 Lone Pine Lane, Lewistown (off of Scott Crossing Road). As details unfold, we will update you! In the meantime, call Judy Fossum at 406 380-0075.

Spring Trail Ride- Karen's Coulee- Upper Spring Creek April 26th 10:00 am
2025-04-26 10:00 - 13:00
The Judith Basin Back Country Horsemen have scheduled their first ride of the year! If you would like to join us, meet at Upper Spring Creek Road, turn off for the trail head that includes a bridge walk over an old rail car! Be ready to ride at 10:00 am. This is an easy ride with some hills and creek crossings but some hill areas are shaded and could be slippery so shoes are recommended. This ride is about 2 hours and can be longer if we decide to add on to it, so bring a lunch or shack! If you have questions text or call Judy Fossum 406 380-0075.

Group Ride- Limekiln Trail 10:00 am
2025-05-17 10:00 - 14:00
We are hosting a JBBCH group ride on Limekiln trail with ready to ride 10:00 am. This ride entails switch backs and some side of the mountain semi rugged trails with horse shoes a must, along with basic safety gear. Be prepared for beautiful views and laughter! We typically stop for lunch to enjoy the fantastic views surrounding Fergus county- so pack a sandwich and ride with us! Everyone is welcome! For questions contact Judy Fossum 406 380-0075.

Trail Ride- Lime Kiln- May 17- 10:00 am
2025-05-17 10:00 - 14:00
The Judith Basin Back Country Horsemen are planning a ride around Lime Kiln trail just east of Lewistown. This ride is medium difficulty with switch backs and some steep terrain. Shoes on your horse are recommended. This loop is broken up with a lunch stop which overlooks Lewistown to the west, so pack a lunch and spend at least 3 hours with us! This ride is a favorite of many horsemen! Be ready to ride at 10:00 am. For questions call or message Judy Fossum at 406 380-0075

Wade Murphy Horsemanship Clinic June 7,8,9 2025 at the Stanford, Montana Fairgrounds
2025-06-07 - 2025-06-09 | Stanford Fair Grounds, Stanford, Montana
The Judith Basin Back Country Horsemen have scheduled a 3 day horsemanship clinic with Wade Murphy at the beautiful Stanford, Montana Fairgrounds. This wonderful opportunity is open to JBBCH Members and interested parties.
The morning class from 9am-noon all three days and will be essential groundwork. MOST ANIMALS AND RIDERS STILL NEED THIS.
The afternoon class from 1-4 will be mostly in the saddle.
•Learn how to be the leader your animal wants you to be.
•Learn the basics of centered riding.
•Gain a new level of confidence for both you and your animal.
•Build a solid foundation of fundamental skills for preparing for your ride.
•Learn solid tools for gaining and maintaining confidence in the saddle.
•FEEL– learn about feel, how to apply it and why it is so important.
Cost:
$250 for all 3 sessions of one class. (BCH Member price $225)
$450 for all 6 sessions. (BCH Member price $405)
Spectators $20 per day or $40 for the entire event.
A 50% Deposit is required to hold your spot.
Please Mail your checks to Wade Murphy JBBCH Event
Wade and Lonnie Murphy 406 431-1717
If you have more questions and to register please contact Rosalie Morse at 406 350-2606.

Annual Ride and Camp Out June 21
2025-06-26 - 2025-06-27
Annual Ride and Campout at Middle Fork Trailhead in the Little Belts. Camping, cooking, laughing and riding!

SCHOLARSHIP $500
2026-03-05 08:00 - 2026-05-01 17:00
2026 Scholarship
The Judith Basin Back Country Horseman $500 scholarship application is now open!
It is available for residents of Fergus, Judith Basin, Wheatland, Petroleum, Musselshell, Golden Valley or Choteau counties, ages 16-26 for certification or degree in any farming/ranching related field, including becoming a farrier!
Deadline is May 1, 2026
Contact Judy at 406 380-0075 for more information!

Judy Fossum
406 380-0075

BCHMT State Convention
2026-03-27 08:00 - 2026-03-29 17:00
Montana State BCH Convention will be held in Bozeman and eight voting members have signed up to attend this year’s convention! What a wonderful show of support and commitment by our members, so we thank you! A reminder that everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend. JBBCH will host the convention in 2030. This year a welded and fabricated fire pit using a wheel hub, T-Posts and used horse shoes will be the live auction item donated by our club! If you would like more information about the convention contact Judy Fossum.

JBBCH Monthly meeting May 4th 6:30 PM
2026-05-04 18:30 - 20:00
We will meet at the Lewiston Sherriff’s office downstairs. Training topic TBD. Meeting at 7:00 PM.

YARD SALE- for the JBBCH Scholarship fund! May 23!
2026-05-23 09:00 - 17:00
The 2nd Annual Yard Sale is scheduled for May 23rd beginning at 9:00 am at Judy Fossum’s in Moore, 102 B Street West. Donations are sought, and there is room in a bunk house if anyone needs to bring over items prior to the sale. We will meet at Judy’s house at 4;00 Pm on Friday to set up weather permitting. You may take back any items that do not sell.. All monies are donated to the JBBCH scholarship fund. We need members to help set up Friday and to also be at the sale on Saturday to help with the sale. And then we need members to help clean up from the sale and to organize left over items for further donation or to take them back if they do not sell.
Call or Text Judy at 406 380-0075.

Defensive Horsemen-Klakken Ranch May 30th
2026-05-30 08:00 - 17:00 | Defensive Horsemen and Trail Ride, 1222 Penny Lane, Grass Range, MT
May 30, 2026. Shane Klakken has offered to host the Defensive Horsemen training on his father’s land near Grass Range in conjunction with a chapter ride.
The Address is 1222 Penny Lane, Grass Range, MT. , Head South from Grass Range about 3 miles and then turn west on Bench Road. Turn Left at the T which is Tyler Cutoff. Drive 8 miles, over 5 cattle guards. After the 5th cattle guard, you are on the Klakken Ranch. Less than one mile, the driveway turns to the left, at the bottom of the valley. The cabin is 1 mile east of Tyler cutoff. Judy will send out directions and times via email and the turn off will be marked. If you have questions contact
Training and trainer categories are:
John George: Loading and Unloading
Sue George: Tying a horse to a trailer
Brad Fogle: Trailer Maintenance and tire safety
Rose Dover: Trail Etiquette
Greg Morse: Preparedness for the unexpected
The spring ride has been scheduled concurrently and will follow the training. For questions call Gregg Morse 406 350-0190

Think Like a Horse: Obstacle Course Clinic Candy Philips- Grass Range
2026-06-06 08:00 - 17:00
Candy Phillips is planning an obstacle course clinic called “Think Like a Horse”, on Sue and John George’s land by Grass Range. Candy will have a trouble shooting clinic on Friday and the clinic will be tailored on Saturday to address the concerns. There is a fee and the clinic, with a discount for JBBCH members, and the clinic is limited to 10 riders. You may audit for $15 that will be donated to the JBBCH Scholarship fund. If you are interested contact Candy Phillips 406 940-5880 or by email at phillips1020@yahoo.com.

George family campout and ride in Grass Range- June 19-20th
2026-06-19 12:00 - 2026-06-20 17:00
John and Sue George will be hosting a campout and ride on their property which hosts miles of trails connecting to State land. This is an overnight campout with a potluck. There are miles of trails on adjoining State lands. More information will follow.The address is 605 Yonder Trail, Grass Range MT. Call or text Sue at 253-370-3244

Annual Ride and Campout at Middle Fork Campground in the Little Belts
2026-06-26 10:00 - 2026-06-28 19:00
We will have our annual ride and camp out again at the Middle Fork Campground in the Little Belts where there is plenty of trailer parking, camping opportunities and trails. We will provided more details later, but the cookout is on Saturday, after our ride, usually around 5:00 pm with Gregg Morse as our camp cook. It is potluck.
On Friday, June 26th, we will also be setting up our wall tent and always need volunteers to help “pitch it”. We arrive on Friday to set up the tent and to set up our horses and trailers for the night.
The group trail ride in on Saturday and we will be ready to ride around 10:00 am. The ride is typically about 4 hours.
There will also be a mini packing clinic on Saturday afternoon put on by Gregg Morse.
Sunday we bread down our tent and camp site and head safely home!
If you have questions contact Judy at 406 380-0075.

Judith Mountain 10 K Run - Equine Packing and Support from JBBCH Riders
2026-07-31 08:00 - 2026-08-01 17:00
Judith Mountain 10K
THE JBBCH will be supporting this event at Limekiln trail in the Judith Mountains by packing in needed supplies and water for the runners, hikers and walkers. We will do this the day prior to the run, also ensuring that the trail is cleared. We will need riders with pack stock to carry in supplies. More information to come.

From Judith Mountain 10K

Date Sat 1st August 2026
Time 8:00AM MDT
LocationLewistown, Montana
Price$38.53 – $49.11
Races2 races
Distances10km

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Event summary

Get ready for an exhilarating experience at the Judith Mountain 10K, taking place on Saturday, August 1st, 2026, in the stunning Judith Mountains near Lewistown, Fergus, Montana! Organized by the Judith Mountain 10K team, this premier trail race offers a thrilling 6.2-mile loop course that challenges participants with an intermediate level of difficulty and an impressive elevation gain of 1,280 feet. Runners will enjoy breathtaking views as they navigate through pristine single-track trails, making it a must-do event for outdoor enthusiasts.
