Packers Hit the Trail for Kalispell Convention – Backcountry horsemen group celebrates 40 years

Forty years after a group of Bob Marshall Wilderness packers sat around a campfire and formed the Back Country Horsemen of the Flathead, the national organization it created is returning to Montana for its annual convention. The Red Lion Hotel in Kalispell will host the Back Country Horsemen of America’s http://www.backcountryhorse.com/ convention on April 5, 6 and 7.

Four Columbia Falls men formed the group in 1973, according to Tug Leberman. Today, the Flathead chapter has nearly 200 members and the national organization has more than 18,000. Locally, the Flathead group helps the Forest Service and other organizations bring supplies into the most remote parts of the forest. Club president Andy Breland says the club completes about 40 trips a year.

By Justin Franz

Full Story: http://www.flatheadbeacon.com/articles/article/packers_hit_the_trail_for_kalispell_convention/32612/