Betty Applebaker & Carol Shoemaker----in Demo Area 4
Betty is a retired US Forest Service Packer, Leave No Trace Stock Master Trainer and has been active at all levels of the Back Country Horsemen organization. Carol is a backcountry packer, a member of the Back Country Horsemen and the past BCHO newsletter editor.
-Box Hitch & Diamond Hitch- Hands On
They will help you, on the pack barrels; learn to tie the box hitch or the diamond hitch. The box hitch is a great lifting hitch that gets your load away from hips and shoulders, preventing galls.
Dan Applebaker----in Demo Area 4
Dan was the Horse Packing and Wilderness Skills chairman for 15 years and is an avid backcountry packer. He has been active at all levels of the Back Country Horsemen organization.
-Manti Packing Hitches
Dan will help you learn to tie the basket and barrel hitches used with sling loads on the pack barrels. These versatile hitches allow you to sling almost anything on a pack saddle.
Dave Atwood----in Space #218
In 1980 Dave started blacksmithing to support the Wilderness and Trails Program for the USFS, Ukonom Ranger District. Since then he has gone from tempering picks and bars to creating life-like flowers and anything in between. He especially loves to share his craft with others.
-A Blacksmith Shop in Action
This is a live demonstration of a Blacksmith shop in operation. Watch Dave from Salmon River Forge demonstrate this old art of making tools and other useful items including real works of art. He will have a hands-on trail sign workshop showing how to utilize on site materials, prepare the board using simple tools and how to lay out the destination to Forest Service specifications. Branding the lettering will complete the project.
Mitch Benson, DVM----in Demo Area 2
Originally from northern California, Dr. Benson has been a practicing equine veterinarian for 29 years and an avid recreational trail rider and backcountry packer since his youth. Most of his packing experience has been in the Marble Mountain Wilderness Area. He and his wife are also breeders of miniature donkeys and miniature cattle. He is now practicing veterinary medicine and riding in the Medford area.
-Veterinary Considerations for Packing in Various Conditions
Dr. Benson will talk about animal health and safety concerns while packing, and cover the differences that occur in various weather conditions. Concerns on a summer trip might be very different than concerns on an extended hunting trip in the snow.
Mike Bryan, Bill Roberts, Manuel Rais----in Demo Area 3.
Mike is a rancher/packer from Scott Valley in Northern California. His great grandfather packed food and supplies to the miners in the 1850’s and 60’s. Mike had a commercial packing business for 19 years in the Marble Mountains of Northern California. Bill has been the USFS Packer and trails coordinator on the Klamath National Forest it seems like forever! Manuel also had a commercial packing business and builds Salmon River pack saddles.
-Salmon River Sawbuck Packing
They will be demonstrating how to pack on Salmon River saddles; the preferred saddle in northern California originally developed for packing heavy equipment to mines.
-Salmon River Sawbuck Hitches – Hands On– in Demo Area 4.
Mike, Bill and Manuel will help you, on the pack barrels; learn to tie the hitches that are used with this type of packsaddle.
John Carr, DVM----in Demo Area 2
An equine veterinarian for over 29 years, Dr John Carr has practiced in West Australia, Northern California, and Central Oregon. He currently resides in Bend with his wife Cathleen and two youngest daughters, Caitlin and Marie. He works with long time Pack Clinic speaker Dr. Tony Oddo, at High Desert Veterinary PC.
-Vaccines for Pack Horses and Mules
Going on a pack trip? Perhaps you will be showing, buying, selling, or breeding livestock. Choosing vaccines to suit your needs and determining when and how to administer them is the topic of this discussion.
Dave Clowes----in Demo Area 1
Dave owned a western store and saddle repair shop in Ferndale, California from 1979 to 2002, where he sold a complete line of western wear and tack. He moved his business in 2003 and now operates a small saddle shop on Hwy. 140 in Bonanza, Oregon. Dave has made saddles and gear for Don McLean (“American Pie” singer-songwriter). He enjoys doing pack trips here and there and “does a little cowboying” from time to time.
-Does My Saddle Fit My Horse?
Saddle fit is an important consideration when using your horse on long rides. Dave will talk about your horse’s conformation and how to know if your saddle is fitting correctly. Building a saddle with a tree that fits, is easier than buying a used saddle hoping it fits.
Michael & Brenda Cordonnier----in Demo Area 1
Mike Cordonnier acquired his first Dutch oven as a Christmas present and has been Dutch Oven cooking for family, friends, parties and camp trips ever since. Come discover how simple, fun and rewarding Cast Iron Dutch Oven cooking in the Front Country can be! Brenda Cordonnier will demonstrate how to cook in the Back Country using anodized Aluminum Dutch Ovens with emphasis on simplicity using pre-packaged grocery items and time saving tips from your kitchen at home to the campsite. Brenda, better known as “Brenda Crocker in the Wilderness” brings many years of catering, cooking for hunting camps, youth horse camps and wilderness pack trips.
-Front Country, Back Country Dutch Oven Cooking
Together join us for the fun, knowledge of Front Country and Back Country Dutch Oven cooking and sample some yummy food! Mike will demonstrate cast iron care, cooking a breakfast, dinner and dessert, and easy cleanup. Brenda will demonstrate aluminum backcountry cooking with cinnamon rolls, main dishes and hors d’oeuvres with preparation at home to save time in camp.
Arden Corey & Jim Kitzhaber----in Space #110
The Oregon Experience, a crosscut saw sharpening business, is owned by Arden who is a retired USFS Timber Manager. He has worked for years perfecting the saw sharpening technique. Also a world champion crosscut saw competitor in his collegiate days. Jim has a varied career background having worked for the USFS, ODFW and in construction. Arden and Jim teach crosscut saw skills and certify trail clearing personnel as far away as Yellowstone National Park. They work on trail contracts themselves as well.
-Cross Cut Saw Maintenance and Training
Learn how a crosscut saw is sharpened and learn to use the old misery whip while you’re at it. Misfiling a crosscut saw makes a good tool basically ineffective. A good sharp saw is an efficient tool and in some cases more convenient than a chain saw.
John Ellery, DVM----in Demo Area 2
Dr. Ellery has been a horse packer in northern California for 30 years, has taught horse packing at Shasta College, and was a founding member of and presently is president of the Shasta-Trinity Unit of Backcountry Horsemen of California.
-How to Avoid Horse Medical Problems in the Backcountry and What To Do if they Occur Anyway
This demo will offer a simplified, basic approach to medical problems of horses in the backcountry including prevention and treatment. Topics will include: preparation before going, how to avoid problems, colic, choke, eye injuries, rope burns, sore backs, snake bite, allergic reactions, lameness, serious wounds, broken leg and a proper approach to euthanasia.
Peggy Goshgarian----in Demo Area 3
Peggy lives in Siskiyou County and has camped with her horses in the local mountains and wilderness areas for 30 years. Peggy has traveled solo, long distance from the California/Oregon border to the Canadian border with her horse and a pack animal.
-Packing with a Single Animal
This session is for you if you want to take your horse or mule to the mountains, or if you want to go with one other person, or if you were thinking of taking your small family group for the weekend. Several ways to pack a single animal for a beginner will be demonstrated and discussed for advantages and disadvantages.
-Knots Used Around Stock
Knots are an important part of a packer’s trade. This session will teach common knots used when working with horses and mules like the half hitch, quick release knot, clove hitch, cavalry knot, bowline and square knot and examples of where they are used. Different ways to keep the ends of rope from fraying will be discussed. The value of splicing will be covered.
Ken Graves----in Demo Area 1
Ken graves grew up on a ranch in northern California, has packed for the Forest Service for 33 years, is a Leave No Trace Stock Master and the current Region 5 LNT coordinator.
-How to take a Wilderness Pack Trip
Ken presents how to safely take a wilderness pack trip with pack and riding stock in the Backcountry and Wilderness areas while preserving the Backcountry. Discussion and demonstration will start with planning, going through gear, packing methods and stock handling; taking you through the trip and safely back home.
Cheryl Henderson----in Demo Area 2.
Cheryl is the director and founder of the Oregon School of Natural Hoof Care. She specializes in research of the hoof and her contributions have been published in Veterinarian magazines. Her personal company ABC Hoof Care is located in Jacksonville, Oregon and her work can be seen at www.abchoofcare.com.
-Learn How to Trim the Hoof
Find out how to help keep your equine friends hooves safe and balanced. Learn the importance of a 1/3 - 2/3 balance to the hoof. Discover the where, what and why's of the bar, frog, heel purchase, internal structures and more, of the hoof.
-Learn How to Use Trimming Tools
This is hands on instruction with hoof tools. Learn which tools are best for trimming the hoof. Experience the use of hoof tools, including the rasp and hoof knife. This will be a fun session to learn about how to trim bars.
Mitch & JoLinn Hoover----in Demo Area 6
Mitch and JoLinn Hoover each have over 35 years experience training and coaching in the horse industry. Their background runs the gamut from ranching and running cattle in some of the most treacherous Northwest terrain to championships in the performance arena--all from the back of the seasoned all-around horses produced in their own training programs. It’s this practical experience, combined with their dedication to helping and encouraging other riders, that is the foundation cornerstone of their horse training and rider coaching programs.
The Hoovers have an uncanny knack for instilling confidence in both horse and rider through their eclectic teaching style that blends compassion with respect--knowledge sprinkled with humor. Preferring to be called teachers rather than clinicians, they study learning styles of people and horses and have developed a multitude of teaching tools to fit individual situations. Drawing on each other they present their students and horses with a combination of knowledge targeting all ages and disciplines of riders as well as all breeds of horses. Riders with fear issues and performance anxiety will find solace and success in the Hoover program. With their down-to-earth instructing style, quick sense of humor, and “if we can do it, you can do it” attitude, their techniques will leave you equipped with tools to tackle your next Trail Horse competition or recreational trail ride with confidence and ease.
-Mind Over Energy; Huh, What’s That?
Want to control and direct the energy of your equine? Understanding how your mental, emotional, and physical energy affects the energy of your equine is the most critical element in a safe & fun ride.
-High Energy Equines; On the Trail & Beyond
Jigging, lunging, buddy sourness, or just plain out of control equines are a danger to themselves, their riders and those around them. Learn techniques you and your riding partners can employ to help your high energy equine learn emotional control on the trail.
Don Howard, DVM----in Demo Area 2
Dr. Howard has been in veterinary practice since 1970 working on horses, dogs, and cats in Salem, Oregon with a mobile practice in Central Oregon, and will travel for specialty clinics. He is certified in Veterinary Chiropractic and Acupuncture and has a special interest in lameness and soundness issues. He put on a seminar in Lexington, Kentucky, last year to a group of veterinarians and animal chiropractors that will be closely related to this seminar.
-What’s Wrong with my Horse or Mule?
Many factors play into the performance and workability of the horse and mule. Identifying the underlying problem(s) and correcting the causes(s) of bad behavior, lack of performance and frustration can be very rewarding. This seminar Part I and Part II is designed to help identify these causes and correct them. Conformational defects, shoeing, trimming, saddle fit and nutrition are often times key components to preventing and correcting problems encountered in the use ability of the horse and mule. These areas will be discussed.
Casey and Phil Hufstader----in Demo Area 3
Seasoned Wilderness guides and packers Phil and Casey of Sawbuck packers and 3H Ranch are active members of BCHO in the Willamette Valley area. Casey is also a Master Leave No Trace instructor.
-All Season’s Packing Demo, Being Prepared & Hands On
They will provide the basic knowledge, skills and hints on how to go prepared for all season weather conditions while packing into the high country. Major emphasis will be placed on cross use of equipment and packing methods for all season packing trips. The two hour session will have hands on packing and opportunity to practice with mules.
Phil King----in Demo Area 4
Phil has 15 years experience packing into Hells Canyon, Cascades, and Eagle Cap Wilderness areas as well as several years contract packing for the USFS. He has packed everything from tools, drop camps, explosives, cable, to bridge timbers. He is a member of the Emerald Empire Back Country Horsemen.
-Walker Hitch- Hands-On
Phil will walk you through tying the Walker Hitch on the barrels until you are comfortable with it. This is a great lifting hitch that keeps the loads off shoulders and hip bones.
Barry & Amy Krohn----in Demo Area 6
Amy & Barry work together hand in hand with everything that is involved with their business, Valley Mule Company. They have a mule training program including mule clinics and lessons (teaching mules and their owners to understand each other), a breeding program with two jacks, mule sales, shoeing, and their own line of mule
saddles and tack that they have developed.
-Proper Tack Fitting
In this session, Barry will show you how to see the signs when tack doesn’t fit properly on your mule. His tack fitting will include halters, bits, pads, saddles and his pack saddle. Poorly fitting tack affects the animals comfort and disposition. Learn these important tips.
-Positive Behavior Management for your Mule-- Building a Relationship
Encouraging a positive relationship is the first step in behavior management. This discussion will cover building trust and a relationship with your mule and mainly abused and traumatized mules. Barry will focus on teaching, not punishment and how to be consistent in your training so to avoid the mule meltdown. YOU NEED TO TAKE YOURSELF OUT OF THE TRAINING SITUATION AND NOT TAKE THE MULES BEHAVIOR PERSONALLY. Be realistic in evaluating your mule’s current skills when developing a training plan. Also don’t be afraid to try something new when your current technique is not working, the TRUE DEFINITION OF INSANITY IN TRAINING, IS TO DO THE SAME THING OVER AND OVER WITH YOUR MULE, AND EXPECT A DIFFERENT RESULT.
Dan Marus----in Demo Area 5
Dan has been a member of Back Country Horsemen of California since 1996 and is the Education Coordinator for the Mother Lode Unit. He lives in Auburn, California and has been exploring and packing the Sierras on mule back for the past 20 years. He is trained as an Emergency Room RN and was director for paramedic and disaster management services. He is currently a Fire Engineer for the Roseville, California Fire Department and a member of their Technical Rescue Team. He was a member of the National Ski Patrol for 16 years and has taught avalanche, ski mountaineering and search and rescue courses. He also organizes packing seminars and has taught a variety of clinics for the back country stock user and is a regular presenter at the Western States Horse Expo and the Back Country Horsemen Rendezvous.
-Managing Back Country Emergencies
This presentation will focus on HOW to deal with an emergency situation that has occurred in the back country or on your favorite trail. Topics covered will include: What things should be done while planning your ride and what supplies to take. How to stabilize and evaluate a situation. How to make a “rescue plan”. Where and how to get help.
Eric Nusbaum----in Demo Area 5
Eric Nusbaum is the southwest regional agricultural water quality specialist for the Oregon Department of Agriculture. He lives and operates a small farm in the Applegate Valley in Josephine County.
-Mastering Muck: Managing Manure and Mud
This session will help you learn how to manage your farm to improve the health of your animals and pasture as well as ways to improve the water quality of streams and wells on your property. Agricultural water quality rules will also be covered.
Pete Schreder----in Demo Area 5
Pete is the Agricultural Agent in Lakeview and has an extensive background in range management.
-Identifying and Controlling Poisonous and Noxious Weeds for Pasture and Animal Health
Pete will investigate various forms of weeds and discuss their detrimental effect on your pasture and possibly your animal’s health. He will spend a little time on identifying some key poisonous plants and also discuss common ways to control these undesirable plants. Included will be a discussion of pasture health and weed seed transport and ways they invade. Time allowing there will be a few minutes for question and answer.
Pete and Marci Schreder----in Demo Area 1.
Marci was the Wilderness Foreman in the Eagle Cap Wilderness and Pete was the District Packer. They currently reside in Lakeview, working for the OSU Extension Service and the Lake County Watershed Councils.
-Manti Packing
Pete and Marci will show you how to tie the hitches used on the Decker saddle when slinging loads and tying cargo together, hands on practice will follow.
Shawn Steen----in Demo Area 3
Shawn, Outfitter /owner of Steen's Wilderness Adventures and Minam River Lodge, has been packing professionally for over 26 years in the rugged Hells Canyon and Eagle Cap wilderness in northeastern Oregon. Today with his wife Shelly, they run a successful business in the summer with the Minam River Lodge, and hunting seasons in the Snake River and Imnaha hunting areas. Shawn has been teaching packing clinics for over 20 years.
-Packing in a Comfortable Camp on Fewer Animals
Shawn’s packing technique revolves around boxes, bags and the box hitch. There will be lots of hands on and repetition, so when you leave you should be able to pack better, safer and with more confidence. What he will show you is what works best in his business, but may make packing easier for you too.
Jerry Tindell-----in Demo Area 6
Jerry Tindell's childhood links him to a time when mules and horses were a vital part of the American story. That connection shaped his life, and he has followed his love and respect for animals to build a successful career which now focuses on training both equines and humans. Knowing that teaching the animal won't stick unless the rider is also trained; Jerry's groundwork clinics focus on watching for the sensory cues the animals use to communicate. Knowing how to interpret these is a potentially life-saving skill set. Jerry's unique gift is the focus he can immediately bring to the situation at hand, and the way he can communicate the horse or mule's viewpoint to its rider.
-Difference between Training Horses and Mules
Jerry will address training in both horses and mules. The same ‘difference’ occurs whether training horses or mules: Movement, natural abilities and resistance. The handler must learn to see the natural tendencies of each animal, for example, how athletic are they? how do they move? in order to determine what job would best suit that animal. Learning to read the stock and note an animal’s natural traits enables you to better assess what you are likely to get and not get. Trainability is also related to the breeding of the animal, an important factor when developing a realistic and effective training program. You may not be able to “make a silk purse from a sow’s ear” but you can sure “make a pouch to carry things in”.
-Building Softness and Body Control in the Saddle Horse and Mule
Learn to ask the horse or mule to perform maneuvers (back-up, shoulder control, forward with flexion, hindquarter control, stop, stand still) while mounted and in frame. Learn how to develop the flow of energy to the animal’s feet by breaking down the steps of each request; Using your legs and seat for body control while maintaining your hands in a soft, supporting position are skills covered in this session.
Dennis Worden-----in Demo Area 5
Dennis has been involved with Search and Rescue for over 20 years performing searches on foot, by ATV or horseback. He was the training officer, creating a two day Map and Compass class and provided classes for all Nevada County SAR units.
-Map, Compass & GPS - Part One- Map, Compass and Grids
This class will include: Map orientation, application of the UTM grid system and basic use of the compass in a hands on class to prepare for understanding and using the GPS. Maps will be furnished, please bring a GPS and compass if you have them.
-Part Two- Continued Map, Compass & GPS Instruction
Continued from day 1, this combines the map, compass and GPS into a navigational system. You will learn setting up the GPS, basic terms and uses of the GPS, and hands on work with GPS and maps. Maps will be furnished, please bring a GPS and compass if you have them.