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Choosing the best Guide School for you.
Being a graduate of the Erv Malnarich hands on school in 1976, and seeing the growth in schools in the west, I can see how hard it is to choose. Wondering if you'll get your moneys worth in a school. I feel I have common ground with potential students, knowing from experience what is needed to succeed in this business and hold a job Hopefully, the following suggestions will help you make the right choice. Phil & Deb, owners and instructors at R.M.S: " Our goal is to turn out the best possible hands, as they are a direct reflection on our name and reputation." Phil & Deb have 29 years experience in the business, making horsemanship, guiding and packing their way of life. When choosing a guide school look for quality and endorsements; R. M. S. is endorsed by Montana Board of Outfitters, Veterans Education Administration, Dillon Chamber of Commerce, Outdoor Channel- Montana Secrets- Packs & Tracks," Western Horseman Magazine "R. M. S. produced videos, 71/2 hours of instruction to help individuals learn and view what they will receive at our school." After 29 years of actively working all phases of the business I know that horsemanship and packing are extremely important. Being the only way to access the back country, we go way beyond the basics of riding one horse behind another up a trail. Why? So a packer or guide has the knowledge and experience to make a green or spoiled horse go in the lead or by himself up a trail while leading a pack string. Having the knowledge to help a green horse progress in his training not regress. Good knowledge of horses and mules is job security, which results in safety for yourself, animals, and clients. Packing; learning several different hitches such as, basket, crowfoot, box, basco, single, double, and triple diamond. Using the decker and sawbuck packsaddles, mastering the different hitches in other states one might work in. The hitches are easy enough to learn, and with repetition easily remembered. Phil & Deb Page & Jeff Stein are the instructors. Phil and Deb have over 50 years combined experience in all phases of the business, guiding, packing, camp set up and tear down and camp cooking. We've shod over 6000 horses, trained 100's of young horses and mules, and continue to do so. We limit the number of students per class to 6 total. We can't convey enough how important this has proved to be. Students get more one on one, safety of all involved, more of a family atmosphere, less trouble among students, and no one getting left out because of having too many in a class. Also allows each student to be fully involved in the whole school. Each one being able to grasp what is being taught, allowing all students to be on horseback at the same time. Keeping the numbers down allows for students to be able to bring necessary gear on the pack trip. Limiting #'s helps to be more quiet, thereby being able to view more game in the field. An example; on one pack trip with the students we viewed the following; 40 bull elk, 17 muley bucks, 12 moose-several bulls. Another day 100+ head of elk. Keeping the class small provides ample room to learn so no one falls behind, or misses any of the important techniques involved. Every one can excell if desired. We at Rocky Mountain School, guarantee there will be no more than 6 students per class. Testimonials; all of us may think we're doing good, but how do our students feel about the school they've attended? This should be very important to prospective students looking into the schools they are considering. We at the R. M. S. hand out a questionnaire to each student, so we can know how we can change for the better. Also we get the feed back from ouffitters that have hired our students so as to know better what they want in their guides and packers, searching for ways to improve. Please call us at: 406-834-3499 or E-mail us at: philndeb1983@yahoo.com |
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