Mule Packing School
The focus is to train students for long-term, sustainable, and safe use of horses and mules in backcountry or wilderness areas.
It is very important to learn how to correctly lead a pack string safely.
Learn from an expert with patience and specialized training on how to guide them over difficult terrain, reduce rider fatigue, prevent injuries to the horses and mules, and successfully cross rivers, switchbacks, and rocky conditions with care.
Students Who Commonly Attend the School
- Equestrians who enjoy backcountry riding and endurance sports
- Backpackers and wilderness campers
- US Forest Service, US Fish and Wildlife, and National Park Service employees
- BLM and State Agencies
- US military – specialized mountain terrain training for gear transportation on specific missions
- Boy Scouts
Topics Covered
- Knowledge of all equipment needed
- Technical use of hitches – learn the 5 different hitches: Box, Diamond, Barrel, Basket, and Blind George
- Horse & Mule behavior and observation skills
- How to lead a pack or string over difficult terrain
- How to set up camp for overnight safety: Highlining, Grazing Principles, Feeding, Weather, Rotation, and Leave No Trace Camping
- Feed and care in the backcountry
- Equine first aid – stay alert and ahead of symptoms of Colic, Dehydration, Hidden Injuries, Infections, Open Wounds, and Fatigue. Learn how to spot and treat them
- Shoe knowledge and hoof care – learn the physical attributes of the hoof, its function and benefits, and get the opportunity to practice shoeing
- Situational Awareness of the environment – Develop daily plans based on equine and mule health, weather, and destination
5 Day Mule Packing School Itinerary
Day 1 & 2:
- Train at the ranch and trailhead
Day 3, 4 & 5:
- Wilderness Camping with Mules; return and leave on the 5th day of training
5 Day Mule Packing School Fee
-
$255.00/Day plus 9.1% tax5 Day Training
Booking Information:
U-Trail Horseback Adventures
46 Wild Horse Road, PO Box 66
Glenwood, NM 88039
Email:
utrail@gilanet.com
Cell:
575-519-8569
Skype:
575-519-8569
2025 Available Dates
February 2025
18 – 20th
March
9 – 13th
April
13 – 17th
May 2025
25 – 29th
June 2025
22 – 26th
“My Horsemanship Training and Wilderness Pack Adventures allow me to pass on the experience I have gained living most of my life on the back of a horse, in wilderness backcountry conditions.
Riding rough and rugged country shapes my clinics for a safe, secure, and horse-sustainable experience. Learn the benefits of relationships between horse and rider. Living lessons that will benefit your life”
— James Mater, U-Trail Owner
