Matt Hage
Join a group of motivated peers ages 23 and up for a unique Western adventure: horsepacking in the rugged mountains of Wyoming. Learn to travel and camp with horses as you explore the glacier-carved Wind River Range or the sweeping plateaus of the Absarokas.
Start out with several days of camping at NOLS Three Peaks Ranch. Build community with your coursemates and work on basic skills like grooming, saddling, and riding horses. Then, pack your panniers and head into the mountains, where you’ll put your new horsepacking skills into practice. Wake up early and enjoy the sunrise as you tend to your equine companions. Learn how to apply Leave No Trace principles when traveling with horses, and how to cook tasty meals on a campstove. Fall asleep in a tent under the stars, ready for the next day’s adventures.
On this expedition, you’ll discover that horsepacking is a great opportunity to grow your leadership skills. Practice effective communication—with both human and equine companions—as you navigate to the next campsite. Challenge yourself to lead in uncertainty, when faced with an unexpected weather event or river crossing. Gain insight into group dynamics and how to support a team in different roles while living in a small community. Return home with the confidence you need in your community, outdoors, and beyond.
“The most rewarding part of this course was getting out my element, and experiencing nature at its fullest.”