Packing Class
April 30 - May 4, 2026
HBK Ranch - 14655 Hamel Road, Frenchtown MT 59834
Have you ever wanted to learn the art of packing all of your gear onto your horses and hitting the trail for parts unknown? You will learn everything you need to know to safely pack up and head to the back country with your horses or mules.
All stock and equipment is provided.
There are no age or gender restrictions on the class. This is a great class for parents and kids or couples to take together! This class is full of interesting and entertaining information, for everyone.
Course Details:
The course will take place over five consecutive days, with a 30-minute lunch break with lunch provided by HBK Ranch. You will receive 35 hours of instruction.
The first full days are new material each day. The fifth day, Monday, will be largely review and practice of what we have learned over the first four days of the course.
If your schedule cannot accommodate the fifth day you will still gain all of the knowledge and skills, just a little less practice time.
Course Content:
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Tie up knots
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Anatomy of horses and mules, basic safety and care
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History and use of Decker Pack Saddles vs Sawbuck Pack Saddles
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Complete breakdown of Decker Saddle, rigging and ropes.
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Proper us of Panniers
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Manty box loads and duffel loads
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How to fit saddles, riding and pack saddles - bring your own saddles for help with fitting your saddle appropriately!
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Basket Hitch, Crowsfoot, Christenson Hitch, Barrel Hitch, Diamond Hitch
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Rope Braiding
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How to pack antlers
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Riding saddle demonstrations and equipment reviews
Registration:
Course registration is $530 if paid in two payments of $265 or $500 if paid in full at time of registration. If you have previously taken a class from Jordan or from Smoke Elser you are welcome to retake the class to brush up at the discounted rate of $400. We accept all major credit cards, Paypal, Venmo, Cash or Check.
Class spaces are limited to twelve students to ensure each student receives the appropriate amount of instruction. Please be sure to reserve your space if you would like to join the class.
Dry camping is available onsite. to the limited number of spaces we will not be able to refund cancellations made less than two weeks before the beginning of class.
Other Course Benefits
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Students will be offered a discounted rate on Decker Pack Saddles from HBK
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Dry camping available at no charge onsite at our working ranch, with portable toilets on site, live water creek and private property.
About the Instructor
Jordan Knudsen
After moving to Montana in 2001, Jordan Knudsen rapidly grew a passion for horses, mules and back country travel. After a few years of experience in self-taught techniques, he completed Smoke Elser's packing course in 2004.
From 2004 to present Jordan has spent falls as a Licensed Backcountry Hunting Guide, contract packed through the summer season and enjoyed as much personal and family time in the mountains as time allowed. In 2006 Jordan started Sun River Saddlery, the premier packsaddle builder in the area. After a brief hiatus the leather shop has been reopened and is again offering high quality packing equipment and other leatherwork.
In 2014 Jordan began instructing alongside Smoke. For the next eight years he taught with Smoke in the classroom, the field and other public demonstrations. In 2021 Jordan offered the class on his own for the first time and since then has instructed numerous classes, including for University of Montana Western.
Jordan and his wife Amanda own and operate a cattle ranch, HBK Ranch, in Frenchtown Montana, selling Montana beef and pork They spend as much time as possible in the mountains with their four children, pictured below on their first trip into the Bob Marshall in 2021, and subsequent trips each year since.
