Page 39 - Flathead Beacon // 7.16.14

FLATHEADBEACON.COM
REAL ESTATE
MONTANA LIFESTYLES
The Equestrian Lifestyle
By CHRIS NOEL
The Flathead Valley and Northwest Montana is a great place for horse owners and enthusiasts. Regard- less of what your equine interests may be, from lover/ dreamer, breeder, trainer or competitor of any disci- pline, you will be amazed by the year-round activities this area offers. For visitors, there are guest ranches, and private owners offering trail riding, hay wagon, carriage and even sleigh rides during the winter. Near- ly all the horse competitions offer free admittance, so hold onto your hats and go take advantage of a variety of equine events.
If you are a current resident or hoping to make this area home, you will find everything your personal or professional horse life revolves around. The appeal is universal, the list of activities endless. Equestrians come from near and far to participate in this vibrant subculture of beautiful Northwest Montana.
Riding facilities and trails are abundant in the Flat- head Valley. There is the Majestic Valley Indoor Eques- trian Center, Herron Park, with miles of trails with breathtaking views, a jumping course and a dressage outdoor arena available for public use, many private arenas and boarding facilities, and of course, incred- ible wide-open spaces in every direction ... just saddle up and go, go, go.
Herron Park offers a fantastic trail system used by mountain bikers, horseback riders, dog walkers, hik- ers, cross country skiers and nature lovers of all kinds. In addition there are beautiful grassy meadows with a creek running through, good parking and stables pro- vided for the horse enthusiasts. For many years, prior to the development of Rebecca Farms, Herron Park was the sight for many top rated competitions and it still offers dressage arenas and jumping courses. The Flat- head Combined Training Association holds shows there throughout the summer months. In addition, other rid- ing clubs, including Hooves & Company, sponsor poker rides, competitive trail rides and other equine events. Overnight horse accommodations can be arranged by contacting the Flathead County Weeds & Parks De- partment. There is an honor system that requires dona- tions from the equine community to use the park.
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How totally amazing it is to be able to throw your horse in the trailer, call a friend to meet you and be rid- ing within 30 minutes? You can ride on the flats or ride forever on trails overlooking the entire valley and the mountains clear into Glacier Park!
Thanks to a local group that has been diligently working on the The Foys to Blacktail Trails in an effort to secure historic access to trails and lands connect- ing Herron Park to forest lands at Blacktail Mountain, these trails will be here for our continued use into the future. Its mission is to provide long-term stewardship of the trail system through voluntary and cooperative means.
The valley caters to all things western when it comes to the world of horses. Rodeo, reining, showing, barrel racing, western dressage, cutting, team penning and O-Mok-See are very active with clubs and associations drawing new membership and spectators. PRCA rodeo is showcased at the Northwest Montana Fair and most communities support a thriving local rodeo series.
“English” enthusiasts are delighted with dressage, stadium and cross-country jumping and competition. We host The Event at Rebecca Farm, which draws se-
rious riders from all over to compete on our renowned course. This three-day event features some of the world’s finest horses and riders. The public is invited to witness this exciting competition and it is one of the Valley’s most popular family activities.
Competitive trail riding is alive in Northwest Mon- tana with a local club sponsoring annual rides. Some are for the serious competitors while some of the more laid-back “poker rides” are followed by a barbecue, for a day of enjoying your horse and friends on the trail. There are also groups that cater to those who would ex- perience the bounty of the backcountry while teaching safety and packing techniques. Many choose to explore the glory of Glacier National Park on the various guided trail tours that wind their way through the forests and along gorgeous glacial streams. The options are seem- ingly endless when creating an outdoor experience on horseback. It is a visitor’s paradise as well as recreation that can be incorporated into any resident’s seasonal activities. Skijoring is an amazing winter “man and beast” sport that has found a loyal following during the snow filled days of our winter months.
Chris Noel, No Doubt Land Company at Chuck Olsen Real Estate
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