OVERVIEW Camp and ride with your horse while attending an introductory workshop about backcountry travel and wilderness camping with equines. In a workshop conducted over two days, Gillian Larson shares knowledge gained from her wilderness horseback adventures and provides skills and guidance about the unique challenges of riding in the backcountry. The goal is to help participants build the necessary foundation for their own backcountry journeys. In addition to the workshop, bring your horse and enjoy two nights of camping at the Montana de Oro equestrian group camp, with two scheduled trail rides, plus the opportunity for additional rides on your own. The workshop is designed to give you the information you need to start exploring overnight wilderness riding with your equine partner. Topics will include gear selection for both rider and horse, route planning and navigation, stock containment for overnights, nutrition, safety in the backcountry, and hands-on demonstrations and practice on how to use certain equipment. The approach is inclusive of those who wish to ride with or without an additional pack horse. Includes a welcome picnic on Friday night, breakfast Saturday, as well as a BBQ dinner on Saturday evening. Attending a workshop also qualifies you to participate in a small group guided overnight trip for additional coaching and support on your first back country camping trip. GENERAL SCHEDULE: FRIDAY 3:00 Arrival and camp set-up (Madrone equestrian group campsite, Montana de Oro State Park, Los Osos, CA) --At your leisure to explore the area 5:30 Welcome taco dinner provided SATURDAY Part I: Information 8:30 Continental breakfast (coffee, tea, juice, bagels and pastries, fruit provided) --Information packet with gear list​​/​​supply list 9-10:30 Preparation for Backcountry Camping --What to bring --For you (gear selection and suggestions) --For your horse (single riding horse vs. riding + pack animal) • tack, saddles and pads • saddlebags vs. pack saddle and panniers • first aid, shoes, boots • feed and containers --Stock containment options (high-line, hobbles, picket, electric fence) --Special considerations (bear country; out-of-state travel ; "leave no trace") 11:00-12:30 How to Plan Your Trip --Communication and navigation on trail --Planning your ride (researching trails ; designing a route ; permits​​/​​grazing ) --Campsite selection (topographical map reading) --Trail recommendations 12:30-2:00 Lunch break Bring your own packed lunch (beverages available) 2:00-4:30 Trail Ride (start from campground) --Hazard Peak trail loop (about 7 miles) 5:30 BBQ Dinner SUNDAY Part II: Demonstration and Practice 8:00-9:30 Packing demonstration (equipment and load distribution) --Single horse with saddlebags --Pack horse with pack saddle and panniers --Small group packing practice 9:30-11:00 Containment demonstration --How to set up electric fence --How to use hobbles --How to highline your horse --Small group highline practice 11:30-1:00 Trail Ride --Dune trail (about 3.5 miles) 2:00 Depart Madrone equestrian group camp IMPORTANT: WHEN BOOKING, SELECT FULL DATE RANGE FOR SUCCESSFUL BOOKING OF THE WORKSHOP. Upcoming dates are: * April 10-12, 2026 * May 1-3, 2026 PRICING: *** FULL PARTICIPANT $525​​/​​weekend + Processing fees. Participation in full weekend of activities, including 2 nights of camping for you and your horse, information presentation and demonstration, 2 trail rides, 2 evening meals and 1 breakfast. *** NON-RIDER PARTICIPANT $350​​/​​weekend + Processing fees. Can't bring a horse but still want the information and experience that comes from an in-person event? Come without a horse and participate in everything except the 2 trail ride options (you can go for some great hikes instead if you want!) *Weekend Horse lease: $100​​/​​weekend + Processing fees. Can't bring a horse but want the full experience including trail rides? I have a limited number of horses available for experienced riders (please contact me to confirm your riding background before purchase) *Additional camper (No workshop attendance): $30​​/​​weekend + Processing fees. Bring along a friend, family member, or significant other and include them in camping and meals with the group. There's lots to do, such as hiking, biking, or exploring nearby Morro Bay, so even those who aren't in the workshop or riding will enjoy the beautiful setting. (Does not include bringing a horse; corrals are reserved for workshop participants).