While we cover packing in many of our courses, we noticed a demand for a specific packing course. We developed this course that can stand alone, or be added-on to other courses such the wrangler training course. In our packing school, we address all the facets of how to pack mules and horses. Practice knots, hitches, and loading with us. Learn about the differences between Decker and Sawbuck pack saddles. Discuss the traits of horses in comparison to mules. Below, you’ll find more details on what’s included in our 6-day course. Students will need extensive horseback experience if they want to start with packer school, or consider taking the wrangler course prior to taking this packer course. Weight limit is set at 225lbs.

Horse Packing School Curriculum

Horse, Mules and Packing Techniques

Saddles and equipment: horse and mule behavior and behavioral issues: horse & mule care & nutrition and common health problems and how to treat with equine First Aid; trailer loading and transportation of stock; repair of tack/equipment; packing horses & mules with Decker & Sawbuck pack saddles; leading a string & common problems; basic horse/mule shoeing and maintenance of foot & legs; all aspects of riding including back country issues, common mistakes, working with green stock, lunging, natural horsemanship; defensive riding, teaching others how to ride & stay safe; riding in the dark and in serious weather conditions; all aspects of knots used for horses, mules and packing. innovations in packing; alternative methods of working with horses emphasizing gentling; equine dental issues; equine body work.

Outdoorsmanship and Woodsmanship

Orienteering including use of, compass, GPS maps, day/night/bad weather navigation; wilderness survival including safety and prevention of common maladies, emergency procedures & evacuation, emergency shelters and fire starting;

Laws, Rules and Ethics & Responsibilities

Laws & rules coverage from the perspective of the federal and state governments including private & public land use; legal & ethical responsibility of the outfitter and packer; Leave No Trace; conservation issues; resource scarcity, environmental concerns, activist group interaction, future impacts of further conflicts between groups; learning how to treat personnel and cultivate positive relationships with governing agencies.

Career Development

Creating an image that will get you hired and make you more money; creating a resume; thorough review of outfitter hiring behavior and how to make initial contact, follow-up and secure a position; realistic purview of length of employment and compensation; off-season opportunities and how to combat having this be a short-lived career; doing your due diligence; internet tools for finding a job; critical success factors to help you secure employment;

Health, Safety & Welfare

Wilderness First Aid versus standard First Aid; drilling down on all aspects of safety for client and staff; hunting in bear country; wilderness citizenship.

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