Trail and Pack Horse Clinic

For our Trail and Packhorse clinics, I partnered up with Doug Goodwin from Luxor Corralls in Edgewater, BC.  Doug is a 3rd generation outfitter, guide, and lifelong horseman. Luxor Corrals offers the perfect setting for this course, with lots of room to camp, and endless trails for evening rides. It’s located in the Purcell Mountains with magnificent views and great backcountry opportunities.

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