Horse and Mule Packing School - Experience the Backcountry!
When: January 15th - 16th 2011
Where: Sultan, WA
Place: www.thestillwaterranch.com
Contact: Dalton Sharpes 425.239.7270
Click here to download application.

Have you ever wanted to learn to pack your horses and mules for the backcountry? Get a hands on learning experience from this outstanding adventure and educational experience from two of Western, WA most knowledgable and professional packers, Aaron Shirley and Dalton Sharpes.

In this 2 day course you will master packing and outfitting skills with Aaron and Dalton; combined they have over 22 years of experience as professional guides and packers; they will teach you how to pack your horses and/or mules correctly with the proper techniques always keeping safety in mind.

ABOUT THE COURSE
Our packing school is designed for:

• Those who use their own stock for trail riding or pack trips.
• Those seeking employment in the commercial packing industry.
• Those administering or using livestock in wilderness areas.

TOPICS TO BE COVERED:

1. Saddling and handling horses and mules.
2. Planning and making loads for mules.
3. Pack hitches and how to tie on bulky items.
4. Riding and leading strings of mules.
5. Feeding in the backcountry—how to graze stock, when and how to picket, how to wrangle.
6. Methods in selecting horses and mules for back country use.
7. Nutritional needs of pack animals.
8. Selection of campsites.
9. Management of livestock to minimize impact on wilderness.
10. Planning and outfittng your own pack trips.
11. Selection and maintenance of camping equipment.
12. Knots used in packing.
13. The effects of altitude on livestock performance.
14. Maintenance of pack equipment.
15. Trail safety.

Additional topics covered, trail etiquette, how to be safe and prepared for the dangers that could arise as well as first aid for livestock. You will learn how to setup your camp, how to setup a highline to keep your horses and mules safe and secure and enjoy home made meals using professional dutch ovens.

Stay tuned for our Dutch Oven Schools we will be offering in the near future.

HANDOUTS GIVEN TO STUDENTS:

• A handbook of the above topics in detail with drawings and illustrations of knots, packs, gear and a whole lot more!

Everyone is welcome so please come join us for fun, great food and a once in a lifetime unforgettable experience at the Stillwater Ranch Trail Riding Company.

For additional information feel free to download our brochure and mark the dates on your calendar today! Click here to watch a slideshow from our last packing school.