Join us May 28–31, 2026, at Sisters Cow Camp for a weekend of wilderness skills and camaraderie!
This special educational event focuses on wilderness skills and camaraderie, offering attendees the chance to learn from experienced backcountry riders. Whether you are a new rider or a seasoned packer, these clinics provide valuable knowledge for safely and effectively navigating the backcountry.
Seminars & Presentations
- Build a Cinch: Weekend Clinic (Robert Eversole)Spend your mornings learning the craft of building mohair cinches, connect with fellow horsemen, and take advantage of the many clinics and demonstrations throughout the Rendezvous. You’ll leave with a handmade cinch, the tools and knowledge to build more on your own, and a deeper connection to the broader horsemanship community.
- Truck/Trailer Prep: “Going Is Optional. Stopping Is Not.” (Robert Eversole)A clinic focused on systems, habits, and decision-making to help horse owners prevent breakdowns, reduce accidents, and protect their animals by understanding how to evaluate and maintain a safe towing setup.
- Logging Out 101 (Bert Morris)An introduction to logging out trails with saws. Topics include what logging out involves, why saw certification is important, safety tips, and when (or when not) to cut a tree in the trail.
- New Rider/New Horse Prep (Kate Beardsley)Preparing for the mountains with a new horse or as a new rider. Hosted by Mustangs To The Rescue, improving the lives of horses and humans through education and assistance.
- Backcountry Packtrip Planning (Betty Applebaker)Prepare for your backcountry packtrip, whether for a couple of nights or an extended trip. Focuses on the most important planning steps for comfort and safety.
- Saddle and Pack Saddle Equipment Fitting (Wade Maul)A session on fitting saddle and pack saddle equipment, including troubleshooting ongoing equipment or fitting issues.
- Firearms: Selection and Safety (Cody Hufstader)An inside look at selecting the proper caliber of firearm, how to safely carry it, and how to secure it on your animal in the backcountry.
- Beginning to Advanced Packing (Casey Hufstader)Teaching packing techniques on live animals. Covers different types of pack saddles and gear ranging from basic to advanced.
- The First Time Out / The First Season Out (Terry Fosback)A helpful guide for beginners, emphasizing that you likely already have what you need to start your first season in the backcountry.
- Light on the Land (LOTL) Techniques (George Johnson, Kim and Jean Clancey)Essential techniques for minimizing your environmental impact while traveling and camping with stock.
- Packing Your Vehicle for a Camping Trip (Sonya Margarum)Practical tips for organizing and packing your vehicle efficiently for a camping or packing trip.
- Basic First Aid for Horse and Horseman (Becky Hope)Essential medical knowledge for addressing common injuries and emergencies in the backcountry.
- Trailer Backing A hands-on session focusing on the skills and techniques needed to back up a trailer safely.
- Highlines and Camp Setup (Emerald Chapter)Practical instruction on putting up highlines and keeping your horse safe and secure in camp.
- Emergency Saddle and Leather Repair (Skip Hubbard)Learn how to perform critical field repairs on saddles and leather gear to keep your equipment functional in the wild.
Important Registration Details:
- Stock: You are welcome to bring your own stock. No stock is required.
- Containment: Permanent corrals are not available. You must provide your own portable corrals or high-lining equipment.
- Camping: This is dry camping. Please plan accordingly.
- Dogs: Must be kept under control at all times.
- After you click Submit: You will be redirected to a confirmation page where you can make an optional donation to support BCHO.