Please note that BCH Missoula is not a stable or horse-leasing organization. We welcome members from all experience levels but generally, we do not provide horses for clinics, trail rides, or pack trips (with limited exceptions).
Standing events
Board meetings are held the first Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m.. Membership meetings are held the third Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. except December, February, June, July, and August. The Membership Round Up fundraiser is held the last Saturday in February.
Upcoming Missoula Chapter Meetings & Events:
This list includes events hosted by our chapter as well as affiliate events, which are marked with an asterisk (*)
Wednesday, March 13, 6:30 pm: General membership meeting at Fish, Wildlife and Parks meeting room, 3201 Spurgin Rd. Dr. Tori Stierns from Western Montana Equine will talk about common injuries on the trail and what to do about them.
Saturday, March 16, 10 am to 2 pm: Saddle cleaning at the Fish, Wildlife and Parks meeting room. Please bring your tack, a tarp, a screwdriver, a bucket, rags and your favorite saddle cleaning soap and/or conditioner.
Tuesday, April 2, 12 to 1 pm, Mules on the Oval, University of Montana. Learn about summer courses available at UM, including our chapter president Dr. Maggi’s “Wilderness Policy and Packing”. Plus a demonstration featuring the U.S. Forest Service Northern Region Pack Train.
Wednesday, April 17, 6:30 pm: General membership meeting at Fish, Wildlife and Parks meeting room, 3201 Spurgin Rd. Dr. Judson Corn will talk about wilderness first aid, including stop the bleed and the log roll, followed by a hands-on demonstration and practice! Join us to learn more sign up for project trips, day rides and more!
Saturday, April 20: Defensive Horsemanship Course, beginning at 9 a.m, Harpers arena in Marshall Canyon. This clinic is recommended for new members or anyone who would like a tune-up. Contact Dan at 406-258-6467 for more information and to register.
Saturday, April 27: Horse Training Clinic, at Basham’s facility on Gardner Lane in Florence. Starts at 10 am. Board member Gary Salisbury will talk about how to prepare a horse for the trail and trail etiquette and saddle fitting, followed by a break for a potluck lunch. In the afternoon, Connie Basham will lead a trail ride down to the river, and Chris Basham will give a chiropractic demonstration.
Thursday, May 2, 6 p.m.: Weeknight obstacle course schooling at the Big Sky Horse Park. Put your skills to the test with jumps, water crossings and more! Please note that if you aren’t a member of the BSHP, you will need to pay a day use fee. Please be on your horse and ready to ride at 6 p.m.
Wednesday, May 15, 6:30 pm: Last general membership meeting before the summer break! Hear about the Burnt Trail Cabin project and sign up for this ride.
Sunday, May 19: Wildflower Ride at Marshall Mountain. Contact Dan at 406-258-6467 for more information and to register as there is limited parking.
Saturday, June 1: National Trails Day, clean up event at Blue Mountain Trailhead.
Packing Clinics with Smoke Elser
Smoke will offer two-day packing clinics at his iconic barn on the following dates. BCH Missoula members receive a discounted price! Contact Smoke at 406-549-2820 for more information.
Saturday, May 18 to Sunday, May 19
Saturday, May 25 to Sunday, May 26
Saturday, Aug. 31 to Sunday, Sept. 1
Pack and camping trips
Friday, June 21 to Sunday, June 23: Camp and ride rendezvous at the Blackfoot Clearwater Game Range, hosted by the Backcountry Horsemen of Montana. Contact Ken Brown with more information.
Wednesday, June 26 to Sunday, June 30: Trail project to re-strain the Burnt Cabin, leaving from the Monture Trailhead. Pack stock can be provided if you only have a riding horse. Contact Mark Wright for more information at 406-531-2455.
Friday, July 26 to Wednesday, July 31: Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation trail crew pack in, leaving from the Indian Meadows Trailhead (northeast of Lincoln, Mont.) Others are welcome to join for day rides and camping. Contact Dan Harper for more information.
Wednesday, Aug. 14 to Saturday, Aug. 17: Great Burn Conservation Alliance trail crew pack in. Leaving from the North Fork of Fish Creek. Contact Dan Harper for more information.
Sunday, Aug. 25 to Friday, Aug. 29: West Pioneer pack trip, led by Taylor Orr. Contact Ken Brown at 406-370-7374 for more information.
Thursday, Sept. 12 to Sunday, Sept. 15: Great Burn Conservation Alliance trail crew pack in. Leaving from the North Fork of Fish Creek. Contact Dan Harper for more information. Others are welcome to join for day rides and camping.
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