Education Through Workshops

The Sanctuary organizes and sponsors horse care and horsemanship workshops with the goal of helping horse owners become better caregivers to their horses. We also offer workshops in nutrition, pasture management, caring for rescued horses, drawing, painting and photographing horses and more. Our wide array of workshops helps horse lovers connect with horses in a variety of ways.

We've learned a lot and are excited to share our expertise directly and through workshops with individuals, newer organizations and county animal control officers.

Don't see the event you want? Tell us what you would like to learn more about!

Horse Ownership

The Horse Ownership Education Series is for anyone who is considering purchasing a horse, whether they are brand new to the horse world, needing a refresher after a few years away, or just wanting to know more about horse ownership. Horse Ownership 101 covers the practical side of buying a horse — planning ahead, financial considerations, and the knowledge you need to navigate a purchase with confidence — as well as how to create a safe, comfortable home for your new horse.

We have offered Horse Ownership 101 for three years running in partnership with MSU Extension Service, and we plan to offer it again in 2027. Instructor Leslie Nalls is also preparing Horse Ownership 102, a class on basic equine health. Stay tuned for scheduling!

Upcoming Clinic: Happy Trails for All

A Trail Riding Clinic with Spencer Dominick

October 2–3, 2026 · 406 Arena, Vaughn, MT

When riders say "my horse is just a trail horse," they may not realize that a safe, enjoyable trail horse needs many refined skills. This clinic will show riders how to help their horses overcome fear issues, use their bodies more effectively, and encounter and ride through obstacles such as bridges, bogs and forest. If you have ever found yourself out on a trail wishing you had practiced at home before you got into a difficult situation, this clinic is for you!

Friday, October 2: Horsemanship & Groundwork

Saturday, October 3: Obstacles — the 406 Arena has an amazing obstacle course!

Morning sessions (8:30 am – 12:00 pm): Intermediate/Advanced riders

Afternoon sessions (1:00 – 4:30 pm): Beginner/Intermediate riders

Each session is limited to 8 riders to ensure lots of one-on-one attention from Spencer.

Cost: $300 to ride (morning or afternoon session) · $25 to audit The first two junior riders to register receive a 50% discount.

After you register, we will email you waivers, barn rules, and everything else you need to know before the clinic.

Meet Spencer Dominick

‍Spencer Dominick has been riding horses since he was three years old and grew up guiding riders into the back country. He has been starting, training, and rehabilitating equines for over 20 years with the goal of teaching horses to understand and comply with our requests. Spencer focuses on decreasing fear and building confidence to develop a horse that can be versatile, confident, and calm in varying situations.

Location: ‍406 Arena 206 US Hwy 89 Vaughn, MT 59487

Horse Boarding & Accommodations

Board your horse in an indoor stall ($30/night) or an outdoor pen ($20/night) — stall shavings included. RV electric hook-ups are available for $30/night.

Two rooms are also available to rent at the arena:

Room 1: Single queen bed — $100 the first night, $80/night thereafter

Room 2: Multiple beds — $125 the first night, $100/night thereafter‍ ‍

For boarding and room details, contact Tammy Townsend at tammylt050@gmail.com or 406-590-3394.

Questions about the clinic? Contact Tammy at 406-590-3394 or tammylt050@gmail.com.

More Education Through Workshops

The Sanctuary organizes and sponsors horse care and horsemanship workshops with the goal of helping horse owners become better caregivers to their horses. We also offer workshops in nutrition, pasture management, caring for rescued horses, drawing, painting and photographing horses and more. Our wide array of workshops helps horse lovers connect with horses in a variety of ways.

We’ve learned a lot and are excited to share our expertise directly and through workshops with individuals, newer organizations and county animal control officers.

Don’t see the event you want? Tell us what you would like to learn more about!  

Learn More About Our Workshops

Caring for the rescued horse

This workshop helps rescuers and law enforcement become more adept at rehabilitating horses, donkeys and mules seized in cruelty cases.

This workshop is offered based on demand.  If you would like to attend this, please let us know and we will schedule the class.

Let us know how we can support your efforts to care for rescued horses!

Help Us Help You Help Horses

If you are involved in horse rescue, tell us how we can support your efforts and be sure to check out our grants page. If you are a horse owner in need of help, let us know.

If you are a horse person who has horse care or nutrition questions, contact us, and we will try to find an expert to answer your inquiry.