Dana Eklund and Katie Jacobson of Eagle Mount

At a place like Eagle Mount in Bozeman, MT, connections are everything. People with disabilities can escape for therapeutic recreational activities like horseback riding, skiing, swimming, horticulture, iceskating, etc…

Dana Eklund and Katie Jacobson work in the equestrian division at Eagle Mount, teaching the ins and outs of horsemanship. Learning these skills and creating a bond with an animal is an opportunity for tremendous growth and happiness. Dana and Katie have been around horses their entire lives, but the chance to step back and guide someone as they form their own connection takes it to a whole new level.

There is so much to gain from the company of their students and the horses they train with. As Katie says, “Each person is an individual, and that’s awesome. We all are at different points in our lives, but our journeys are equally as important, and we can all stand to learn a thing or two from each other.”

Dana is wearing: Carhartt Women’s Sandstone Berkley Vest, Pondera Shirt, 1889 Slim Double Front Denim Dungaree, & Tri-Grip Gloves.
Katie is wearing: Carhartt Women’s Sandstone Berkley Vest, Jasper Jeans, & Tri-Grip Gloves.

Peaceful Power in Sculpture

Stepping into the front room at Stephanie Revennaugh‘s house, I knew I had happened upon a tremendous artist. Her work thoughtfully placed among her beautifully Montana inspired living space played a melody between rich colors, textures, and elements of nature. Different projects were sprawled out, not quite finished, but still breathtaking. She captures a perfect moment of movement in her sculptures, full of life and resounding with a peaceful power.

Stephanie began her career as an artist in oil painting. After a few years, she took a sculpture workshop and felt she’d finally found her native medium. In the thick of the thrill of starting a new piece loaded with endless possibilities, she relishes the challenge of embodying the clay with a spirit all it’s own. Then in turn, seeing the finished work speak to and affect others.

Stephanie’s advice for other women hoping to get into the arts as a full time career is to “start right now clarifying your desires and acting on them consistently.  The road is guaranteed to be full of challenges. Keep showing up through them. Build the best support network around you that you can (which often starts with family) and stay dedicated. The most challenging part for me is balancing creating work with running the business end of an art career. My Mom has stepped into a business manager position for me, which has been wonderful. I’m all about hiring people who have skills in areas I don’t. It relieves frustration, saves time and usually money as well. “

That being said, if you’re dreaming of it now, get after it! There’s no sense delaying when you could be finding your way and building skills as you go. Focus and hard work can get you places. Take it from Stephanie and “trust your creative instincts and passionately create what is in your heart.”

Stephanie’s workwear: Carhartt Women’s Hayward Henley, Carhartt Women’s Sandstone Mock-Neck Vest/Sherpa-Lined, & Carhartt Women’s 1889 Slim Double Front Dungaree

Barrel Racing Advice

People often forget that barrel racing is a rigorous sport. You and your horse have to communicate instantaneously. Time is the determining factor, so your movements must become one. With a misstep, it’s easy to hit or knock over a barrel, docking points and adding on seconds to your final count. Barrel racing is for the rugged at heart. Don’t let emotions get in the way. You are in command in as you trot into the arena.

“To do this sport, you’ve got to be a little fearless. You can’t be scared. Ride aggressive, be confident because it’s all or nothing, and the number one thing is you cannot ride timid!” -Charmayne James

DIY: How To Muck Your Horse’s Stall

Mucking is an important part of caring for your horse. A clean and healthy environment is crucial in their well-being. You will need a pitchfork, a broom, a shovel, and a wheelbarrow. Clean each stall once a day, twice if you can. The more often you do, the easier your job will be.
Ellen is wearing the perfect mucking outfit in the photos above. The Carhartt Women’s Sandstone Active Jac is ideal for chilly chores in the barn. It’s extremely durable and flannel lined. The Norfolk Henley is a comfortable cotton shirt and the Original-Fit Canvas Crawford Dungaree has a contoured waistline to prevent gapping as you move about and is slightly fitted through the hip and thigh.Now to the gritty details. Follow these steps:

• Use a pitchfork to sift through the bedding to weed out the manure.
  When cleaning a stall bedded with straw, use a mental pitchfork.
  When dealing with shavings, use a plastic pitchfork. 
• Move everything that’s clean into the back and corners of the area,
  and toss everything that’s dirty towards the door.
  The more clean bedding you’re able to reuse, the more money you save.
• Rake out the dirty section and place into the manure spreader.
  Use a shovel to pick up any bits that may have fallen through. 
• Sweep the center of the stall clean. Let the stall air out and dry.
  Use absorbent deodorizer on any wet spots.
• Make sure the ground is entirely dry.
  Let your horse wander about all day as it airs out.
  Horses need all the time they can get outdoors.
• Spread out the remaining clean bedding and add fresh straw if needed.
  Now you’re welcome to let your friend back in. 

DIY: Tips for Beginning Horseback Riding

Tips for Beginning Horseback Riding

1. Reach out to others. Horseback riding is a lot more fun with other people, and they have a lot they can teach you. The best way to improve is to listen to someone more knowledgeable than you, practice, and if possible, have them critique you. Never think that you can’t learn more. The easiest way to do this is by finding an instructor.
2. Invest in a helmet. Make sure to get one that is ASTM/SEI-approved. This is one of the most important investments you can make. Horses are large and can be unpredictable, and that helmet can save your life.
3. Wear the appropriate clothing. Long pants and boots are crucial. Bare legs can often lead to chaffing. Never wear open toed shoes. Boots are preferred because they give you traction and a slight heel can keep your foot from sliding around in the stirrup. Make sure the boots don’t have a steel toe. Check out Ellen’s riding outfit pictured above: Carhartt Women’s Briarwood Shirt, Marlinton Vest, & Original-Fit Canvas Crawford Dungaree.
4. Introduce yourself to your horse. Make sure they can see you and that you don’t startle them. Extend your hand slowly towards his nose so he can smell you first. It’s like saying hello in horse language.
5. Never assume that your horse is completely, 100% safe. No matter how trained he is or how well you get along, horses are prey animals first. They are going to act like that from time to time. It is better to always be ready than to assume everything will be fine. This is where that helmet can come in handy.
6. Stay in open areas at first. Avoid low hanging branches, holes in the ground, and other obstacles until you’re more comfortable. The ball of your foot should rest in the stirrup. Hold the reins evenly with a slight bit of slack. Don’t hold the reins too tight, or you will hurt the horse’s mouth. Loosen up and let your body move with the horse. Keep your back straight and don’t hold your breath.

That sounds like a lot to remember, but just take things one step at a time. You’ll start to get the hang of it. You won’t be perfect overnight. Be patient with your horse and don’t forget to enjoy yourself.

Michigan Rodeo Queen Claire

Horses can be the best of friends. Just ask Claire.
She’s been riding since childhood.
Claire has seen the bond between girl and horse firsthand.
It’s a relationship of mutual respect, trust, and love.
Now she and her horse Dixie participate in competitions all over Michigan.
Claire knows that horses will always be a part of her life.

Check out Claire’s outfit here: Carhartt Women’s Sandstone Kenai Parka, Norfolk Henley, Slim Fit Nyona Jean, & Wellington Boots