Horsemanship & Mule Packing Clinic
Hello Trail Rider,Getting riders up to speed on handling horses and mules in backcountry is one of my greatest joys. You'll get to know time tested techniques to mountain ride, pack mules, lead a pack string, camp, along with problem solving training. Plus equine first aid, shoeing, and many safety principals. Stay at our ranch, we start up the moment you arrive, and after clinic advice included.
— Jim Mater
- Learn the art of mountain horsemanship and mule packing.
- Gain confidence, experience and safety.
- Get to know all the techniques for safe and knowledgeable handling of mules and guiding a string through back county.
Clinic outline . . .
- Mountain horseback riding, leading a pack string over difficult terrain.
- Pack the mule, apply five hitches -- box hitch, diamond, barrel, basket and blind George.
- Camping with horses and mules, high lining, leave-no-trace.
- Problems that happen on the trail and how to solve them.
- Equine first aid, shoeing.
Three day course features one day of technical training and two days of in-field training. Includes lodging and meals.
Clinic Price
$585.00 per student, plus 8.5% tax.
(Please call or email for clinic schedule) [ Photos ]
$585.00 per student, plus 8.5% tax.
(Please call or email for clinic schedule) [ Photos ]
Jim Mater's Credentials
- Owner and operator of U-Trail, conducting commercial pack trips, and guided hunting trips in the Gila Wilderness for over 25 years
- Completed U.S. Forest Service Outfitting/Guide School
- Trainer of U.S. Army Special Forces
- Boy Scouts of America, eagle scout and scoutmaster
- National Geographic guide
I came to Jim Mater's packing clinic with several seasons of horse packing on sawbucks through the Colorado Rockies under my belt. However, I wanted to learn more about different styles of packing and working with mules off Decker Pack Saddles. I was not disappointed. Jim and his crew really know their stuff. They treated me like royalty and still packed more knowlegde into 3 days than anyone could learn over years of doing it on their own. The crew at U-Trail have my respect and admiration for a job well done. I hope to return and ride with them again one day. Thanks again Jim and Happy Trails.
— Bob Belknap, Winchester, Wi.
— Bob Belknap, Winchester, Wi.
Contact Info
YouTube Videos
[ Watch ] Mule Clinic I
[ Watch ] Mule Clinic II
[ Watch ] Mule Clinic III
[ Watch ] Gila Pack Clinic
[ Watch ] Who Am I
[ Watch ] Horsemanship_1
[ Watch ] Horsemanship_2
[ Watch ] Horsemanship_3
[ Watch ] Saddle up a horse
[ Watch ] Put in a bridle
[ Watch ] First ride
Just thought I would drop you a line to say thanks for a wonderful wilderness clinic. I really enjoyed learning about packing. I was really impressed by the knowledge and expertise and the work involved in such a clinic.
— Dave Kitchen, Holt, MO
— Dave Kitchen, Holt, MO