-
What are we doing in response to Covid?In response to COVID-19 our facility offers a large open setting where masks are welcome but not mandatory. We respect everyone's choices and as always offer a very clean environment for all who visit us to enjoy.
-
What is Western Style riding?Western riding has evolved from the randing traditions brought to the Americas by the Spanish Conquistadors. The riding style evolved to meet the working needs of the cowboy in the American West. Cowboys found it necessary to control the horse with one hand and use a lariat with the other. Western horses are trained to neck rein, that is, to change direction with light pressure of a rein against the horse's neck. Horses were also trained to exercise a certain degree of independence using their instincts to follow the movements of a cow, creating a riding style with a deep, secure seat.
-
How much is it to get started?Average cost to start is between $35-$65.
-
Are we a seasonal barn?Our barn operates all year round; trail rides are seasonal from May to October.
-
What types of riding does Montana Horse Works offer?We offer horsemanship instruction in both Western and English disciplines. If you are interested in refining your feel, timing and relationship with horses, we are the right barn for you.
-
What should I wear?Please dress with outdoor appropriate attire. Layers are always good, Long pants, Boots with a heel or a CLOSED toed shoe. We provide helmets!
-
What is English Style riding?English riding is an equestrian discipline with many different styles, however, most versions require riders to use both hands on the reins, rather than just one hand. Riders generally "post" or "rise" to the trot. English saddles are designed to allow the horse the freedom to move in the optimal manner for the task, ranging from dressage to horse racing.
-
Do I need to schedule my riding times?Yes. Schedule at your convenience with Schedulicity by clicking here: Schedule a Lesson. Or call us today!
-
How much weight can a horse carry?Its recommend that horses not be loaded with greater than 20% of their body weight. A 1200lbs horse, then would be best off carrying no more than 250lbs of tack and rider, however larger horses can accommodate larger people.
-
What is tack?Tack is equipment or accessories equipped on horses and other equines in the course of their use as domesticated animals. Saddles, stirrups, bridles, halters, reins, bits, harnesses, martingales, and breastplates are all forms of horse tack. Equipping a horse is often referred to as tacking up.
Safety and Disclaimers
Inherent Risks and Assumption of Risk. User acknowledges there are inherent risks associated with equine activities as described below and hereby expressly assumes all risks associated with participating in such activities. The inherent risks include, but are not limited to the propensity of equines to behave in ways such as, running, bucking, biting, kicking, shying, stumbling, rearing, falling or stepping on, that may result in injury harm or death to persons on or around them; the unpredictability of equine’s reaction to such things as sound, sudden movement and unfamiliar objects, persons or other animals; certain hazards such as surface and/or subsurface conditions; collisions with other animals; the limited availability of emergency medical care; and the potential of a participant to act in a negligent manner that may contribute to injury to the participant or others, such as failing to maintain control over the animal or not acting within such participant’s ability.User acknowledges that horses, by their very nature are unpredictable and subject to animal whim. User assumes all risks in connection therewith, and expressly waives any claims for injury or loss arising therefrom. Users agree to abide by and follow Manager’s direction and/or rules and regulations which shall be posted and/or available for review. User further acknowledges that the behavior of any animal is contingent to some extent upon the ability of User. User assumes all risks therefore and warrants that a full and fair disclosure of User’s abilities has been made to Manager. User expressly releases Management from any and all claims for personal injury or property damage, even if caused by negligence of Management or its representatives, agents or employees. User assumes full responsibility for any and all bodily injuries and damages which User may sustain when on, near, or off of the property where Management operates as well as when riding horses, on, near, or off of said property. User, or User’s heirs, administrators, personal representatives, or assigns release and discharge Management and its respective members, owners, agents, officers, directors, partners, employees, managers, volunteers, trainers, instructors, heirs, representatives, assistants, insurers, assigns and others acting on its behalf from all claims, demands, actions, omissions, rights of action, or causes of action (present and future), whether the sums be known or unknown, anticipated or unanticipated, resulting from or arising from User’s or User’s guest’s bodily injury or damage that may be sustained or property damage which may occur as a result of User being on, near, or off of the premises of Management or the premises that Management is operating from, unless Management caused the injury, damage, or loss intentionally or in reckless disregard for User’s safety. WARNING Under Montana Law, an equine activity sponsor or an equine professional is not liable for any injury to or death of a participant engaged in an equine activity resulting from risks inherent to equine activities.
Cancellation Policies
LESSONS - Cancelling within 12 hr or NO Shows will be financially responsible for their scheduled services.
TRAIL RIDES - 50 % deposit to secure your reservation. We ride rain or shine so be prepared for Montana’s current weather patterns as we will not cancel. If you must cancel a reserved trail ride, 1 week prior notice must be provided in order to parlay your deposit to another date, otherwise your deposit will not be reapplied.
​​
Pack Trips - A 50% deposit confirms your reservation. Balance due 60 days prior to your trip. Cancelation deadline is also 60 days prior to your trip. Due to the intricate nature of the logistics involved for wilderness expeditions, all deposits for these trips are non- refundable. Trips may be parlayed into alternate dates and/or rescheduled for the following season, subject to availability. We encourage you to consider travel insurance to protect your investment in case of cancellation. Payments are non- refundable after the cancellation deadline. Cancellations prior to the deadline are subject to a $200 per person handling fee.