Trail and Pack Horse Clinic
Our pack horse clinics are truly a one-of-a-kind experience. Set in the stunning foothills of the Purcell Mountains, they offer the perfect chance to step away from the bustle of daily life and immerse yourself in the backcountry.
We provide everything you need: well-trained horses and mules and full pack gear. Comfortable camp equipment, if required. The course is designed to be hands-on, giving participants plenty of practice time, balanced with classroom sessions where we cover horse care, first aid, trip planning, and more.
Each day includes a trail ride, and on days five and six, we embark on an overnight trip where you’ll put all your new skills into action. In the evenings, you can relax around the campfire or unwind with a soak in the nearby Radium Hot Springs.
This week is more than just an intensive learning opportunity — it’s an adventure holiday filled with skill-building, camaraderie, and unforgettable mountain experiences.
In 2026 we will offer two 4-day/6 day courses. The 6 day course includes an overnight trip that puts everything that was learned in the 4 days into practice. You can choose to take the 4 or the 6 day version.
Our clinics are hands-on, with everything provided for you to practice and learn. For people who want to put into action right away what they have learned, we offer a “participant-planned” two-day pack trip on days 5 and 6. Horses and gear, everything is supplied (except sleeping bags).
This course is geared towards anyone who is interested in horse packing and back country horsemanship as well as experienced horsepackers who need a refresher or want to connect with like minded people.
2026 dates:
4-day clinic:
- May 2 to May 5
- May 9 to May 12
6-day version:
- May 2 to May 7
- May 9 to May 14
Course Outline:
Day 1:
- The Trail and Packhorse
- Pack Saddles
- Saddling the packhorse and saddle fitting
- The most common hitches and knots
- Practicing hitches and knots on dummy horses
- Evening Trail ride
Day 2:
- Revisiting hitches and knots on live horses
- Bits
- Commonly used pack gear
- Hobbles and bells
- More practice time
- Evening trai ride or visit to Hot Pools
Day 3:
- Basics of horse care
- Basics of horse training; objectives, limits and expectations
- Hoof care and backcountry horseshoeing
- First aid for humans and horses
- Revisiting hitches and knots
- Challenging items to pack
- Different types of ropes
- Evening trail ride or visit to Hot Pools
Day 4:
- Planning a horse trip
- Hunting with horses
- Basics of navigation and map reading
- Where to go and where to plan your first trip
- Setting up a horse camp
- Afternoon trail ride with pack horses
- Wrap up for 4-day participants
- 6-day participants plan the upcoming 2-day trip with a handout of a simple map
Day 5 and 6:
- 2-day pack trip in the area.
- Participants plan and prepare the trip, camp set up, wrangling and cooking.
- All gear (except sleeping bags) and food for this trip is provided
Prices and what is included:
4-day clinic: $ 800/person
6-day clinic: $ 1000/person
Price includes:
- Horse and equipment use
-
Camping on site with running water and washrooms
- Trail and Packhorse guidebook and other handouts
- Food for the overnight trip
How to register
Email us at info@bluecreekoutfitting.com
A deposit of $200 is required to hold the spot. E-transfer to info@bluecreekoutfitting.com.
Cancellation Policy:
The deposit is refundable if the registration is cancelled at least 3 weeks before the course starts.
Location: Luxor Corrals, Edgewater, BC
