Back Country Horsemen of Missoula is a volunteer organization rooted in the rugged landscapes of Western Montana, formed out of necessity to preserve access to the backcountry for all users. As one of the original chapters in the national Back Country Horsemen movement, this group became the first volunteer organization to partner with government agencies to help maintain and protect public trails.

What began as a grassroots effort to keep wilderness trails open for equestrians has grown into a respected force for public land stewardship, education, and safety advocacy. Members log thousands of volunteer hours each year clearing trails, packing in supplies for agencies and nonprofits, and teaching others how to responsibly enjoy Montana’s wild spaces with horses.

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Cutting Fences Foundation is a Montana-based nonprofit dedicated to connecting individuals with disabilities to the healing, empowering world of agriculture—starting with the horse. Through hands-on opportunities that blend adaptive horsemanship with rural experiences, the Foundation helps participants build confidence, mobility, and meaningful community connections.

At the Horse Connection, Cutting Fences will offer an inclusive experience where participants can:

• Interact with a horse in a calm, supportive environment

• Navigate an obstacle course using their own adaptive equipment or try out equipment provided by the Foundation

• Learn how agriculture and equine partnerships can create new paths of possibility for people living with physical or cognitive challenges

Rooted in the belief that the fence should never be the limit, Cutting Fences Foundation is proud to extend its mission into Western Montana, offering a space where every person—regardless of ability—can experience the power, partnership, and peace that horses bring.

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Don Jessop, born and raised in Montana, is the author of the book “Leadership and Horses.” He’s a master horseman and teacher who travels the country helping people with their horses and relationships. His natural, motivational attitude has inspired many people to achieve more in their studies and feel more confident. His teaching and horsemanship are drama-free, as he shares information with purpose and humor. His gentle, yet effective manner allows clients and clinic participants to listen, think and apply what they learn with ease. With three decades in the horse industry, training, teaching, and traveling around the world, Don has helped thousands of people live and achieve their desire to ride and compete. Don is co-owner of Mastery Horsemanship, the five other books, including his “Inspiration and Leadership for Horse Lovers” series. He also works in the field of self-improvement as a speaker, author, and coach.

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JZ Livestock, based near Hamilton in Montana’s Bitterroot Valley, is a family-operated ranch dedicated to raising superior horses, mules, and donkeys—with a special emphasis on Belgian draft horses.

Their Belgian team regularly competes in regional driving events such as the Big Sky Draft Horse Expo, Snake River Draft Horse Show, and Ravalli County Fair, showcasing the power, grace, and heritage of these magnificent horses.

This year, JZ Livestock is generously donating a team and wagon for Wednesday night’s rodeo, where they will carry the honored guests of the Golden Circle of Champions into the arena. It’s a meaningful gesture that aligns with their commitment to community, tradition, and supporting children facing serious health challenges.

Whether you’re interested in breeding, horse-drawn events, or Montana’s equine heritage, JZ Livestock represents the heart of Bitterroot Valley ranching—grounded in family values, excellence, and service.

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Golden Circle of Champions is a national initiative dedicated to honoring children bravely battling cancer by giving them a moment of pure joy, recognition, and normalcy in the middle of their very complex lives.

Before they’re honored in tonight’s rodeo performance, this special hour is just for them—a chance to step into the arena, feel the dirt beneath their boots, and chase their dreams with lead-line barrel racing, laughter, and support. It’s not about competition—it’s about courage, celebration, and making memories that matter.

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At just 16, Whitefish native Korbin Baldwin launched the KM Ranch Arena Youth Rodeo School, driven by a vision far bigger than owning his own stock: to create an accessible, dedicated training arena and school for youth rodeo. Rather than simply building his own practice setup, Korbin created a training space for the broader community—giving young riders from across Montana daily access to professional coaching and stock resources.

Today, the Youth Rodeo School operates out of KM Ranch Arena in Whitefish, offering structured clinics and tear-down practice pens designed specifically around youth needs. Korbin is recognized statewide not only for his competitive rodeo performance, but also for his entrepreneurial drive in preserving and promoting Western heritage through youth empowerment.

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Kris LaRoche is a holistic equine bodyworker, certified professional life coach, and transformative educator based in Western Montana. With over 30 years in education, leadership development, and coaching, Kris brings a unique depth to her work with horses and their guardians

 After apprenticing four years under Dr. Sid Erickson, a master in Functional Neurology and Applied Kinesiology, Kris developed a gentle yet precise manual therapy method. Her approach uses diagnostic electrical systems (via hand‑mode bodywork) and careful observation to support horses' nervous system alignment, movement, relaxation, and balance. Clients often see dramatic results—including horses yawning repeatedly during a session—indicating deep systemic shifts.

In 2024, she transitioned from a long career in teaching to focus full‑time on equine (and canine) bodywork and coaching, offering personalized sessions and public clinics across Montana and beyond.

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Rob Labair is a professional team roper, military veteran, and dedicated mentor based near Rock Creek just east of Missoula, Montana. With decades of experience in and out of the arena, Rob combines precision horsemanship with purpose-driven service. He proudly honors his country by presenting the nation’s colors at public events and works closely with fellow veterans facing the invisible wounds of PTSD—using horses, roping, and the ranch lifestyle as tools for healing and connection.

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Thea Johnson is an accomplished horsewoman and active member of the Montana State Polo Club, dedicated to growing the fast-paced, tradition-rich sport of polo across Big Sky Country. With a passion for education and outreach, Thea introduces new riders and horse enthusiasts to the fundamentals of polo—from the rules of the game to the rhythm of the ride.

At the Horse Connection, Thea will lead live demonstrations covering:

• What makes a great polo pony – from agility and speed to heart and temperament

• The basics of polo – rules, strategy, equipment, and field layout

• Skills for becoming a player – including mallet handling, riding techniques, and teamwork

Whether you're brand new to the sport or just curious about what it takes to play, Thea brings energy, knowledge, and a deep love for the game to every session. Her mission is to make polo approachable, exciting, and accessible to riders of all levels.

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Hosted at the historic Ninemile Ranger Station—30 minutes west of Missoula in the Lolo National Forest—the mule train is part of the U.S. Forest Service’s enduring pack train tradition, known today as the Northern Region Pack Train. This legacy dates back to the 1930s when the Ninemile Remount Depot was established to breed, train, and winter horses and mules for backcountry firefighting and trail missions across the Northern Rockies.

Today, over 200 horses and mules from multiple ranger districts—including those in Montana, northern Idaho, North Dakota, and Wyoming—are housed at Ninemile each winter. They rest, recover, and are readied for the season ahead, providing critical pack support for wildfire response, trail crews, and remote backcountry projects.

The station also hosts the Ninemile Wildlands Training Center, which offers horsemanship, packing clinics, and backcountry ethics courses—preserving the traditional skills first honed at this remount depot.

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Co-founder of Mastery Horsemanship, Rachel Jessop's mission is clear: to help folks like you build strong, lifelong bonds with your equine partners and enhance communication like never before.

For Rachel, horses aren't just a hobby—they're a way of life. With 40 years of horse wisdom tucked under her saddle, she's seen it all and is eager to share her insights with you.

Driven by her motto, "Live Where Nothing Holds You Back," Rachel's journey has been one of self-discovery and growth, with horses by her side every step of the way.

From her days as a competition rider to overcoming challenges with scary horses, Rachel's learned a thing or two about building trust and communication. Now, she's ready to pass on those invaluable lessons to you.

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Radley Watkins is a leadership coach, environmental scientist, and author of Animal Leadership: Leadership Lessons Learned from Wildlife for Leading Yourself and Others. With over 18 years of experience studying animal behavior in the wild, Rad has translated his understanding of nature into practical tools for human growth. His equine-assisted leadership training helps individuals discover their personal leadership style by working with horses—instinctive, honest creatures that reflect our energy and intent. Through hands-on experiences and insightful coaching, Rad empowers people to identify their “inner animal,” communicate more effectively, and lead with greater authenticity. His journey from overcoming a learning disability to becoming a published scientist and speaker is a testament to the resilience he now helps others unlock in themselves.

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The Texas Spirit Riders are blazing a trail in professional rodeo history as the first-ever PRCA-sanctioned equestrian drill team. This powerhouse team of eight skilled horsewomen brings precision, passion, and patriotism to the arena, captivating crowds with high-speed choreography, dazzling flag runs, and flawless formation riding.

But their mission goes far beyond the performance.

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Treasure State Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association (TSCMSA) is Montana’s premier chapter of the Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association, blending Western heritage with high‑speed horsemanship and aim. This thrilling sport requires riders to gallop on horseback through obstacle-like courses, shooting balloon targets with specially loaded blank revolvers—testing precision, timing, and coordination under motion.

TSCMSA is hosting a two-day clinic at the Missoula County Fairgrounds, from 9 AM to 4 PM on September 20–21. This hands-on event is tailored for new and developing riders interested in mounted shooting fundamentals.

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