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UMW and Montana Center for Horsemanship to Host Natural Horsemanship Conference

July 12, 2022

“The Natural Horsemanship Revolution” will be held at the Montana Center for Horsemanship and the University of Montana Western in Dillon, Montana, September 8-10, 2022.

UMW and Montana Center for Horsemanship to Host Natural Horsemanship Conference

Focusing on a global understanding of Natural Horsemanship, this conference will feature a wide range of clinics, presentations, keynotes, award-winning films and leaders in the field with a goal of sharing knowledge to advance the horse-human relationship. 

Featured speakers include: 

  • Buck Brannaman 
  • Ty Murray
  • Dr. Glenn Blodgett 
  • Olympian James Wofford
  • Breeder Stan Weaver of Weaver Quarter Horses 
  • Kansas Carradine, an international equestrian and performer 
  • Dr. Stephen Peters
  • Natural Horsemanship trainers and teachers from Haras de la Cense in France
  • Manu and Caroline Godin
  • Dr. Ann Perkins, founder of Anthrozoology
  • Filmmaker Stephen Latham
  • Film Producer Bud Force

The conference will include an in-depth look at saddles and feature a raffle to win a custom saddle, presented by Contour Saddles and Natural Horseman Saddles.  

Rodeo icon, Ty Murray, a Natural Horsemanship advocate, will be part of the saddle program. 

“My horses’ comfort is important to me. When they are comfortable, they are going to be better physically, mentally and emotionally. I sure don’t want to walk around all day in boots that dig in or rub a blister. The design of the underside of the saddle and the interface (pad) is the most important part. Education is key,” said Murray. 

In addition to a deep dive into saddles and saddle fit, the conference will feature renowned hoof care professional, Chris Mason. 

“Current leaders in the hoof care profession have developed a fully integrated approach, which beyond the understanding of the barefoot horse includes a sophisticated array of protocols that include modern plastic shoes, dietary protocols, improved diagnostic methods and a holistic understanding of the entire horse, which has substantial effects on the feet,” said Mason, who will demonstrate and share extensive evidence-based knowledge and research at the conference.

“Key to this conference, which includes award-winning films from EQUUS International Film Festival, is the development of a blueprint for advancing every aspect of the horse-human relationship, to create happier horses and riders, and to establish a new vision for the future,” said Montana Center for Horsemanship Director of Development, Janet Rose.

The Equine Studies Department at the University of Montana Western offers the nation’s only Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Horsemanship with options in management, psychology, science and instruction, and was ranked among the “Best Equestrian Colleges” by ThoughtCo.com. To learn more about UMW, please call 877-683-7331 or visit www.umwestern.edu.

The Montana Center for Horsemanship (MCH) is the first and only equine center in the United States that is devoted expressly to promoting ‘Natural Horsemanship.’ With its stables, arenas, riding areas, and instructors, the center serves as the primary facility and progressive teaching resource for Montana Western’s Natural Horsemanship BS curriculum.

The MCH teaches the ‘La Cense Method,’ which was developed under William Kriegel, owner of Haras de la Cense in France. Mr. Kriegel is also co-founder of MCH, and he has been involved in Natural Horsemanship for many years. The La Cense Method is a progressive, step-by-step process that blends the best of traditional horsemanship training with the art of training and riding horses—all in a manner that works with a horse’s behavior, instincts, and personality. Taking a positive and respectful approach, the La Cense Method gradually builds trust, and frees the horses to be confident in all they are asked to perform.

For more information and to register for the conference, please visit www.tinyurl.com/ydw9rhmx. Early bird registration will continue through July 31.

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