Begin your new adventures of ultralight packing in Central Oregon.
Have you ever wanted to be completely self-reliant with your horse in the wilderness?
Dreamed of watching the stars from your hammock while your best pony snoozes close by you?
Does the thought of making a temporary home in the forest and enjoying the little things in life make you smile?
Do enjoy just spending time with your horse under the stars?
Welcome to ultralight horse packing.
We’re veering away from old tradition, not using pack horses = less impact on our fragile lands. We’re venturing deeper into the wilderness to see the sights impossible to reach on a day ride.
Instructors Terraka, Jasmine and Niki will guide you from a base camp to a dispersed camp to solidify the needed skills for ultralight packing. With a 3:1 participant to instructor ratio – you will get personal guidance on your gear, leave no trace, future trip planning and an enjoyable night around the fire.
Prerequisites
Participants must join an in-person ultralight skills clinic before applying for an overnight trip. Click here for details on the upcoming October skills clinic. Additional clinics are being scheduled over winter/spring 2024-2025.
Qualified applicants will need to send an application covering their current skills, and their horses training. For the safety of everyone – horses should know how to highline before setting out on an overnight trip. The application process will open in 2025.
Gear
For those who can join us – we will review gear needs before your trip and make sure you have everything needed for a fun and comfortable adventure.
If you aren’t ready to buy gear but still want to join – a limited amount gear sets are available to rent from instructors.
A gear guide for all interested in ultralight packing will be available for purchase in late 2024.
The Route
Our exact route and trip details are still being planned and dependent on approval from the United States Forest Service. You can expect a 3-5 mile ride from base camp to the backcountry camp on easy to intermediate terrain. This will allow ample time for tacking up, balancing packs, riding to camp, setting up camp, learning to use your gear and having educational talks around the campfire.
Ultralight horse packing unlocks another level of adventures.
Is there a destination you’ve dreamed of seeing but its just out of reach? Once you start ultralight packing – you will be hooked. Iconic destinations and trails that deserve more than a day ride suddenly become possible with ultralight packing. If you like a few miles a day or 20 miles a day – sleeping in the backcountry suddenly opens up opportunities galore.
“The power of imagination makes us infinite.”
John Muir
2025 Overnight Package Options
- Guided Night with Your Own Horse $500 – Includes an equestrian site at base camp, three instructors, and one night of guiding and instruction.
- Guided Night with Lesson Horse Provided $750 – Includes all of the above plus a horse provided from instructor. An assessment lesson must be scheduled before confirming trip.
- Gear Rental $250 – Includes packs, sleeping pad, sleeping bag or quilt, tent or hammock, rain fly, shared water filter, shared stove. Limited sets available for each night. Participants are expected to bring their own 10 essential kit, food, hygiene products, clothes, and horse supplies if riding their own horse.
Packages subject to change based on final logistics. Options for 2 nights may become available based on final permitting.
Are you ready to embark on an adventure? Click here for to apply for a spot on this adventure. Limited school horses are available so sign up soon.
Moquistang; one little mustang who does it all. 