Dillon, Montana, May 11, 2023 ---The Montana Center for Horsemanship in partnership with Montana Western presents the 3rd annual International Equine event in Dillon, Montana. The Trail Forward in Horsemanship Education Conference and Equus International Film Festival announce this year’s lineup of speakers and presenters. The public conference is September 7-9 in Dillon, Montana.
Over three days, Martin Black, Dr. Steve Peters, Nick Dowers, Joe Wolter, and Bryan Neubert will work with young colts, bringing them from the ground to the saddle. Students in the Natural Horsemanship Degree Program will work with the colts and conference attendees will be alongside throughout the process. Dr. Peters, a world-renowned equine neuroscientist, will focus on the science of the horse brain while Martin Black will focus on psychology. Nick Dowers, Joe Wolter and Bryan Neubert will focus on their areas of expertise, in performance, colt starting and natural horsemanship methodology.
Additional speakers include AQHA CEO Karl Stressman and Tammy Sronce, Director of Operations for Road to the Horse and Morris Communications. Smoke Elser, a renowned international outfitter, packer, and mule trainer, will receive the annual Equine Icon Award. Elser, who is based in Montana, works with the military, international governments and hosts annual packing classes from his ranch in the Missoula Valley. Miss Rodeo America Kennadee Riggs will be a special presenter on Saturday, September 9th. FFA and 4H families are encouraged to attend as her focus will be on the future and next generations.
Dr. Yvette Running Horse Collin is a featured keynote sharing her groundbreaking research on the origins of the horse in North America and the relationship between indigenous peoples and the horse. International horsemen and women from Europe’s leading equine education center, Haras de la Cense in France will also be featured during horse demos and panel discussions.
Award winning horse films entered into this year’s Equus International Film Festival will be screened both at the Montana Center for Horsemanship and in the state-of-the-art theater on the campus of the University of Montana Western, a partner with MCH. Among the filmmakers attending, Filipe Masetti Leite, the youngest long rider in the world and Ashley Avis, producer of “Wild Beauty.” Screenwriter Jeanne Rosenberg, equine journalist Elizabeth Kaye McCall, and international equine performer and actress, Kansas Carradine will be part of a roundtable and presentation on the impact of entertainment in the horse world. The award-winning documentary “Cowboys” will be featured Thursday, September 7th with Creative Producer, Felicitas Funke.
According to Center Director of Partnerships, Janet Rose, “bringing together some of the world’s most dedicated, experienced, and knowledgeable horse leaders in the world over three days, this event is a hands-on learning experience with insight and understanding of the horse that enhances our partnership with the horse in every way. It’s about inspiration, knowledge and paving the way for the future.” The Conference is a public event and open to all ages. Registration is on Eventbrite.com under The Trail Forward in Horsemanship Education. For more information about the Center, the Conference and supporting education initiatives, please contact Janet Rose at 406.925.3270.