About Our Mission
We’re Montana’s working backcountry riders.
Northwest Montana Back Country Horsemen partners with the U.S. Forest Service and other public land agencies to maintain trails across Northwest Montana — from designated Wilderness to surrounding Forest Service lands.
In Wilderness areas, motorized equipment isn’t allowed.
No chainsaws. No machines.
That work gets done by hand - and by horse.
We Pack In.
Tools, supplies, and stock - miles from the trailhead.
We Cut & Clear.
Crosscut saws. Hand tools. Real trail work.
We Build Skill.
Packing, stock handling, crosscut training, and responsible wilderness stewardship.
If you love horses and the mountains, this is where you put them to work.
Public lands stay open because people show up.
Join the crew.
Why It Matters?
When trails disappear, access disappears.
Deadfall piles up. Drainage fails. Routes fade. If they aren’t maintained, they close - quietly.
If you’ve ever ridden deep into the Bob or packed into high country meadows, someone cleared that path before you.
Public land access doesn’t maintain itself.
It’s protected by riders across generations - from seasoned packers to the next crew learning the ropes.
Join a movement that keeps trails open - and builds real friendships along the way.
A New Generation of Backcountry Riders
With an average leadership age of 36, our crew blends experience with fresh energy — seasoned packers riding alongside younger members as they learn the craft.
We maintain trails on Wilderness and Forest Service lands.
We train in crosscut work and stock handling.
We pass down responsible horsemanship rooted in respect for the land.
This isn’t just about preserving tradition.
It’s about building community, developing real skills, and keeping access open for the next riders who come behind us.
If you love horses and wild country, you belong here.
Meet Our Officers
Patrick Totten - President
4H Alum → Board Leadership
Trail crew lead. Packing mentor.
Alden Totten-Vice President
Founding Member
4H founder. Crosscut instructor.
Guadalupe Chentnik - Secretary
4H Alum → Board Leadership
Global rider. Campfire chef, radiant.
Board Members
Board Member
Seline Totten
4H Alum
Montana Backcountry Cowgirl, Crew Leader, Elk Hunter-driving big trucks, riding hard, and leading from the front!
Board Member
Lakotah Burkholder
4H Alum
Old Hat, Fresh Mullet, Mountian Manners - he hunts, fishes, and rides with a smile and a six shooter spirit.
Board Member
Dianne Smith
Off grid gritt, old truck soul - build for cold winters, hard trails, and showing up every time.
Board Member
Rick Buzzell
Original Chapter grit, Montana Roots, and loyal follow-through-he mentors and leads by example.
State Representative
Kathie Payne
Poised in the saddle, practical in service - curtious leader with strong ideas and follow-through.