Advanced Backcountry Horseman
The Horsemanship Training Program is designed for in depth instruction and exercises about back country guiding and outfitting. This program provides a level of expertise few guides get to experience. The COAGS Basic Program is a prerequisite for the Horsemanship Training Program which consists of 120 instruction hour focusing on detailed horsemanship skills. Below are the topics of instruction covered in the course.
Horsemanship Curriculum
Guide Responsibilities – 4 hours |
Client |
Natural Resources |
Personal |
Camp/Lodging |
Equipment/Stock |
Lands/Waters |
Code of Ethics Responsibilities to: US Forest Service and BLM use regulations Private Land and Waters Hunting/Fishing Laws and Regulations |
Appearance |
Horsemanship and Packing – 30 hours |
Advanced Riding Lessons and Trail Rides |
Horse/Mule Psychology and Training |
Packing with Horses and Mules |
Decker Pack Saddles |
Sawbuck Saddles |
Leading a Pack String |
Horse/Mule First Aid |
Nutrition and Care |
Basic Horse Showing and Hoof Maintenance |
Giving Shots, Medicines, and Worming |
Working Through Obstacles – 12 hours |
Trees and Downed Obstacles |
Crossing Water and Streams |
Crossing Boggy Areas |
Loading, Unloading, and Hauling |
Evaluating your Horse’s Condition (Heart Rate and Respiration) |
Pacing Yourself and Your Horse |
Leaving the Herd |
Taking Care of your Horse on an Overnight Trip |
Opening and Closing Gates and Gaps |
Setting Up a Pack Trip – 30 hours |
Packing Equipment and Supplies |
Campsite Selection and Layout |
Erecting Tents |
Camp Safety and Hygiene |
Keeping Horses in the Wilderness |
Pack Trip |
Round Pen Reasoning – 12 hours |
Simple Cues and Communication |
“The Box” Exercise |
Lateral Movement (Side Passing) |
Backing your Horse Properly |
Working with Lunge Line |
Identifying and Working with Problem Horses |
Preparing for Competitive Trail Ride (NATRC rules) |
Professional Guide Equipment – 2 hours |
Personal |
Field |
Vehicles/Tack |
Weapons |
Night Riding – 12 hours |
Early Morning Night Ride |
Evaluating Morning Ride |
Day Light Practice on Obstacles |
Evening Night Ride |
Copmetitive Trail Ride Contest – 12 hours – 20 miles |
Back Country Horseman Course Overview and Discussion – 4 hours |
Final Exam (special awards, graduation, and class pictures) – 2 hours |