Big Sky Horse Park/Missoula Horse Council

Name: Big Sky Horse Park/Missoula Horse Council
Address: 35th & North, Missoula, MT, 59804, US
Telephone: +14063960932
Price range: $
Rating: 4.4

Home
United States
Missoula, MT
Big Sky Horse Park/Missoula Horse Council

Big Sky Horse Park in Missoula, MT. Membership and day passes available. Venue for English & western and 37th Ave. The Park is located between North Ave.

The Big Sky Horse Park, operated by the Missoula Horse Council, celebrated 30 years of service to Missoula and Montana horse community in 2014. From what was once a cow pasture and farm land, the Big Sky Horse Park has blossomed into an incredible addition to the Missoula County Parks and Trails Program. Originally conceived as an equestrian facility, the park is now enjoyed by the entire Wester

n Montana community. In 1982, the Missoula Horse Council was formed with two representatives from each of these organizations: Western Montana Quarter Horse Association, Backcountry Horsemen, Five Valley Appaloosa Club, Five Valley Pony Club, Missoula Dressage and Jump Club, Charles Russell Riders, Five Valley Arabian Club, Halter n Hackamore 4-H Club and the Montana Quarter Horse Association. In 1983, the Council leased 60 acres east and north of a 4-H Arena at the corner of North Ave. in the Target Range area of Missoula to be used as a horse park. In 1987, the Council received its 501(c)3 non-profit status. In 1997, the Council’s Articles of Incorporation are restated and filed with the State of Montana. Then the Missoula County Parks Department and the Missoula County Commissioners organized the Big Sky Stewardship Committee to oversee and manage the Big Sky Tower Street Complex. The Complex encompasses 160 acres and includes the Big Sky Horse Park, the Legion Ball Fields, the Little League Ball Fields, the Fast Pitch Ball Field and the Community Gardens. Formed and maintained by volunteer equine enthusiasts, the 90 acres of leased county land serves outdoors recreationalists of all interests. The Park boasts arenas for both Western and English riding disciplines, as well as a cross country jump course, two dressage arenas, a sand track, two barns with 50 horse stalls and 1.7 mile perimeter pedestrian trail. A non-profit, 501(c)3 organization, this Garden City treasure exists and continues to develop in scope because of hard-working volunteers and members. W, Tower St. and 37th St. The Big Sky Horse Park hosts a multitude of local and regional horse shows, events, and clinics each year, including the Flying Colors Mini Event, Color My Ride Obstacle Challenge, Omoksee and Open Buckle Show series as well as barrel races. Riders from numerous clubs and associations, from 4H and the USPC to Backcounrty Horsemen of Missoula, MHJA, Horsemasters and the NBHA of MT enjoy the Park as event participants and day, annual, or lifetime members. Missoula is lucky to have this very unique facility for outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds, whether riding a horse, walking a dog, jogging, or cycling.

12/15/2024

Reminder to RSVP! Join us for the Big Sky Horse Park Membership Party!

When: Tuesday, January 9th
Where: Missoula Fairground Arts Building

It's going to be a wonderful evening to celebrate our community and look forward to the year ahead!

Please RSVP now to secure your spot – we can’t wait to see you there!

https://www.bigskyhorsepark.org/event-details-registration/member-appreciation-party/form

We could use some help to make the party extra special. If you can assist with any of the following, please reach out:

• 10-15 straw bales for decor
• Galvanized tubs to chill drinks
• Old photos of the park for a timeline display
• Volunteers for set-up and takedown
• Volunteers to help with the dinner line

If you would like to help, please message the park either through our page or the website. Let’s come together to make this event unforgettable. Thank you for your support!

12/15/2024

Thank you to the Missoula Rural Fire Department for filling up the Big Sky Horse Park ice skating rink! We caution anyone using it until it is 100% solid which is taking a bit longer due to our mild temps!

12/06/2024

The Big Sky Horse Park December Newsletter went out this morning! In case you missed it, get caught up here:

We have exciting things happening at Big Sky Horse Park in 2024, and we can't wait to share them with you!RSVP for our Sadie Hawkins-Style Membership Party: Kick off the year with a fun twist on tradition! Join us January 9th at the Fairground Arts Building for an evening of connection and celebrati...

12/03/2024

🎉 Congratulations to the 2025 Big Sky Horse Park Board! 🎉

We are thrilled to welcome our newly elected board members:
✨ Jessica Lewis
✨ Leilani Terry
✨ Sabrina Zamudio
✨ Callie Reger
✨ Morgan Haynie

A big thank you to our returning board members for their continued dedication:
🌟 Irene Given
🌟 Katy Nichwander
🌟 Karla Nichwander
🌟 Deb Anderson
🌟 Clara Davison
🌟 Scott David

Special congratulations to Scott David, our returning President, and Karla Nichwander, our new Vice President! We’re so excited for the leadership and vision they will bring to the park in the year ahead.

Here’s to another amazing year of supporting our equine community and making Big Sky Horse Park a place we all love. 🐴💙

11/29/2024

The Big Sky Horse Park made the The Chronicle Of The Horse! https://lane-press.mydigitalpublication.com/publication/?i=835858&p=22&view=issueViewer&fbclid=IwY2xjawG15GdleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHT7HulbrI6oaBjGPDJXTYRI10d7epy1zxIkyaDNL7UWSsn2_naEqS2_Zuw_aem_wI94VodkDo7HlcXnt_4ifw

BSHP has been hosting Licensed Working Equitation shows since 2019. We have been honored to host a Regional Championship, Zone Championship, and The Cross National Cup. It is a favorite Working Eq venue for many competitors in the region as we are one of the only venues that offers an outside course, bank, and water obstacle. This sport is catching on quickly, and is great for all breeds and disciplines. Read the article and find out more! If you are interested in more information, you can PM Sheila Mealey.

11/27/2024

The ballots for the 2024 Board Elections are out! 🎉 Check your email for a message with the subject line: "Vote now: Missoula Horse Council DBA Big Sky Horse Park - 2024 Missoula Horse Council Board Elections" from [email protected].

💌 Didn’t receive an email? Don’t worry! Reach out to us at [email protected], and we’ll provide you with your unique key and voting link.

Eligibility: You must be a 2024 Big Sky Horse Park member and 18 years or older to vote.

Meet Leilani Terry:

What specific skills, expertise, or experience do you bring that would contribute to the growth and success of the horse park?

“Marketing, Public relations, USDF/AQHA/MHJA/MCHA/NRCHA/NCHA affiliate, BBA, Colorado State University, BA, University of Montana”

How do you see the horse park evolving over the next 5 to 10 years, and what role would you play in helping achieve that vision?

“I see the park becoming a riding facility and event center for multiple disciplines year-round. I would like to offer ideas moving forward with western disciplines and associations.”

In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge facing the park, and how would you address it as a board member?

“I studied Media Art at the University of Montana and would like to offer my services focusing on photography and videography to help promote online presence per marketing strategies. The park offers a variety of events and clinics, though I would like to promote additional western discipline events and/or clinics to ramp up the involvement of the western community.”

How would you collaborate with other board members, volunteers, and the local community to ensure the park remains a valuable resource for all?

“I would like to discuss with current board members their vision for the park moving forward”

11/25/2024

The ballots for the 2024 Board Elections are out! 🎉 Check your email for a message with the subject line: "Vote now: Missoula Horse Council DBA Big Sky Horse Park - 2024 Missoula Horse Council Board Elections" from [email protected].

💌 Didn’t receive an email? Don’t worry! Reach out to us at [email protected], and we’ll provide you with your unique key and voting link. Eligibility: You must be a 2024 Big Sky Horse Park member and 18 years or older to vote.

Meet Morgan Haynie:

What specific skills, expertise, or experience do you bring that would contribute to the growth and success of the horse park?

“As a project manager by trade, I have more than 10 years of success managing projects and initiatives, overcoming obstacles with productive solutions, improving processes and systems, and building strong relationships and partnerships. I have varied experience ranging from working at some of Missoula's greatest nonprofits to employment in local government to navigating the corporate world. In each capacity I have excelled in managing the ex*****on of projects, maximizing revenue expansion, and process optimization. I am invested in using my skillset to sustain, improve, and grow the community at Big Sky Horse Park.”

How do you see the horse park evolving over the next 5 to 10 years, and what role would you play in helping achieve that vision?

“I see the park growing and changing with Missoula. I hope to see the park turn into a self-sustaining, community-oriented, and welcoming space for equestrians and the Missoula community. As Missoula continues to become a sought after place to live, I am confident that Big Sky Horse Park will find safety, longevity, and vitality in expansion of fundraising, solidifying internal processes, and continued growth of membership & community support.”

11/20/2024

📢 Big Sky Horse Park Board Elections: Cast Your Vote! 🗳️

The ballots for the 2024 Board Elections are out! 🎉 Check your email for a message with the subject line:
"Vote now: Missoula Horse Council DBA Big Sky Horse Park - 2024 Missoula Horse Council Board Elections"
from [email protected].

💌 Didn’t receive an email? Don’t worry! Reach out to us at [email protected], and we’ll provide you with your unique key and voting link.

Eligibility: You must be a 2024 Big Sky Horse Park member and 18 years or older to vote.

Let’s shape the future of the park together! 🌟 Voting closes 11/30, so don’t wait!

Meet your Big Sky Horse Park 2025 Election Nominees!The ballots for the 2024 Board Elections are out! 🎉 Check your email...

11/19/2024

11/17/2024

🎉 Mark your calendars! 🎉

Join us for a Sadie Hawkins-themed Member Appreciation Party on Thursday, January 9, 2025, from 5:30 to 8:00 PM at the Home Arts Building at the Missoula Fair Grounds (1101 South Ave W, Missoula, MT).

👖 Bust out your favorite denim and flannel for this fun-filled open house!
🍽️ A delicious BBQ Dinner will be served at 6:00 PM. Come and go as you please!
✨ Let’s kick off the new year together and share our vision for the park’s future.

This event also doubles as our annual membership meeting, so don’t miss out!

Please RSVP through the link in bio!

11/17/2024

Meet your Big Sky Horse Park 2025 Election Nominees!

The ballots for the 2024 Board Elections are out! 🎉 Check your email for a message with the subject line: "Vote now: Missoula Horse Council DBA Big Sky Horse Park - 2024 Missoula Horse Council Board Elections" from [email protected].

💌 Didn’t receive an email? Don’t worry! Reach out to us at [email protected], and we’ll provide you with your unique key and voting link.

Eligibility: You must be a 2024 Big Sky Horse Park member and 18 years or older to vote.

Meet Karla Nichwander:

How do you see the horse park evolving over the next 5 to 10 years, and what role would you play in helping achieve that vision?

“I think the horse park needs to be conscious of the fragile position of being county owned and managed and maintained by the membership. In a time of open land being needed for housing, the park needs to continually "prove" its value to the community by increasing membership, satisfying both member and spectator experience for our mission of providing equestrian facility as well as engagement with nonhorsey to strengthen our advocacy with the community. The evolution of this is to improve what the park currently has and add additional amenities to increase utilization so as to not risk the county selling the and out from under the park.”

In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge facing the park, and how would you address it as a board member?

“As a first term board member for 2023 and 2024, the committee's were re-activated by the board president which had not been active in abit of time. My main interests initially were the direction of the park (Long Term Planning ) and then the financial condition of the park. Going forward my prior work and organizational experience continues to support those interests but I also feel like the remaining committees are of interest and needed involvement when I look at the park from a holistic lens they all are instrumental in the functioning of the park.”

How would you collaborate with other board members, volunteers, and the local community to ensure the park remains a valuable resource for all?

“In my thoughts, the biggest challenge the park faces is the ongoing need to show to the county, the neighborhood and most importantly to the park members, where the value of keeping it as an equestrian facility lies. As a board member, I think you address it by working together cohesively to provide improvement in the metrics: membership numbers, event participation, park improvements in both new and improved amenities as well as community engagement with the offerings of both equestrian and nonequestrian usage for the community to see and enjoy the beauty of the open land.”

11/05/2024

Meet your Big Sky Horse Park 2025 Election Nominees!

Meet Sabrina Zamudio:

What specific skills, expertise, or experience do you bring that would contribute to the growth and success of the horse park?

As a horse owner and member of the Missoula community I am thrilled with the valuable community resources to support horsemanship throughout the region. I believe my 30+ years of marketing expertise, strong track record of leadership in volunteer positions and passion for open space and horses could have a positive impact on the horse park.

"30 + Year Marketing Expertise.

Long-time volunteer in leadership capacities with community-oriented non-profits. Several of my volunteer positions were served for multiple years, and focused on event planning and fundraising.

I have a track record of supporting the organizations’ overarching mission and curriculum and being a reliable leader that adheres to deadlines, effectively organizes and recruits volunteers, uses meeting time effectively and works well with all team members."

How do you see the horse park evolving over the next 5 to 10 years, and what role would you play in helping achieve that vision?

“Over the next 5 to 10 years I envision continuing to add and refine events that serve the existing horse park community and the surrounding area — honoring the roots of the events while expanding them to bring in more non-members and essentially making them bigger, brighter and better. I would also envision bringing in more outside events and establishing partnerships that can help to increase awareness of the horse park.”

In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge facing the park, and how would you address it as a board member?

“I am interested in the Membership and Event Planning committees. I find it very rewarding to support an organization’s mission with an event and see a community respond positively to something that I have helped create. This becomes a win-win for the community and the organization.”

How would you collaborate with other board members, volunteers, and the local community to ensure the park remains a valuable resource for all?

“I feel that the biggest challenge facing the park is awareness among non-members. As a board member, I would actively think about how the events can be supported to further raise awareness within the local horse and non-horse community. Continuing to expand community involvement in ways that serve the mission of the park will help ensure a future of maintaining open space.”

Ballots go out 11/15 | Election is 11/30

10/31/2024

Meet your Big Sky Horse Park 2025 Election Nominees!

Meet Irene Given:

What specific skills, expertise, or experience do you bring that would contribute to the growth and success of the horse park?

"I have over 30 years of experience in FP&A (Financial Planning and Analysis) during which I have been responsible for financial reporting to several Boards in various industries. I am familiar with Board-Level reporting requirements and have developed models to capture and summarize data for Board-Friendly presentations. Horses have been a part of my life since early childhood. I started out with EQ riding, then switched to eventing in the early 90s. Since then, I have been competing and volunteering at events in Area 1. I moved to Lolo in 2022 and have been riding, volunteering and running shows at the horse park since I discovered this wonderful community. I also have an appreciation for western riding, having spent many years trail riding in the Gros Ventre range of WY.”

How do you see the horse park evolving over the next 5 to 10 years, and what role would you play in helping achieve that vision?

"The horse park has been making significant improvements in the facilities and I see this continuing as part of the long-term plan. I have helped the board make investment decisions by providing financial data in an easy-to-understand way. My continued help with financial modeling will help the board to make future investment decisions."

In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge facing the park, and how would you address it as a board member?

“I believe that the park's biggest challenge is raising the funds needed to fulfill the long-term plans: 1) Enhancing the member and spectator experience at the park, 2) Maintaining the park’s grounds and equipment, and 3) Developing the second dressage arena and improving surrounding areas. Current operations provide enough revenue for "status quo", but if some of the long-term goals are to be achieved, the park will need significant contributions from other resources.”

How would you collaborate with other board members, volunteers, and the local community to ensure the park remains a valuable resource for all?

“It is critical that the park continue to hold events that draw horse enthusiasts as well as non-horse people who enjoy the trails on foot or bike. Spreading the word about events is one way to increase involvement. Adding new events to the calendar is another way. I (with Peggy Persico) am running a dressage show series to include all disciplines of dressage (USDF, USEA, WWDA, USAWE) and will continue to run the series in 2025. Adding this show series is making the park more valuable to the local community."

• Ballots go out 11/15
• Election is 11/30

10/31/2024

Today is the last day to submit your Big Sky Horse Park Board nominations! Follow the link below to apply! 🗳️
https://form.jotform.com/242765567973171

Ever wonder how our board elections work or what commitments are involved? Here's a breakdown to help you understand our governing bylaws and committees:

📋 Board Composition
Our board consists of 9 to 13 positions.
Each position is elected for a 2-year term, with the option to serve 3 consecutive terms.

🏆 Executive Elections
The Board President and Vice President are elected annually.
The Secretary and Treasurer are elected by the board annually.

📅 Monthly Meetings
The board meets in person on the 2nd Tuesday of every month.
The board has an all-day "retreat" in January to start the year.

👥 Our Committees & Commitments
In addition to serving on the board, members can also join various committees, each meeting monthly:
Finance
Long-Term Planning
Membership
Maintenance
Public Relations

10/31/2024

A Friendly Remidner: Mark your calendars for the Fall Closing Volunteer Day on Saturday, November 2nd from 9:00am-2:00pm. The forecast looks sunny and clear! We will have tools and supplies, you just need to show up!

Message us with any questions — we will see you there!

10/28/2024

Meet your Big Sky Horse Park 2025 Election Nominees!

The deadline for nominations is 11/1 — if you or someone you know share a passion for the park and want to get involved, use this form to submit your nomination: https://form.jotform.com/242765567973171

Meet Kathryn Nichwander:

What specific skills, expertise, or experience do you bring that would contribute to the growth and success of the horse park?

"I am actively competing in the three day eventing circuit both locally and at a national level as well as running a training facility in the Florence area. I can bring my experience from near and far to help better grow the quality of shows and facility of our wonderful park.”

How do you see the horse park evolving over the next 5 to 10 years, and what role would you play in helping achieve that vision?

"I would like to see the park continue to expand the variety of equestrian events as well as the quality of events brought forward to the western Montana area. I am a current member of the long term planning committee in which we are working towards fundraising plans and park improvements."

In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge facing the park, and how would you address it as a board member?

"I think the biggest challenge facing the park is preserving the land for community use and continuing to run events of all disciplines that draw competitors from different areas. The events are how the parkmakes money in order to keep the park running in tip top shape so it is important that those continue to be successful."

How would you collaborate with other board members, volunteers, and the local community to ensure the park remains a valuable resource for all?

"I would continue to actively attend committee meetings and look forward to being part of the the
fundraising team."

• The deadline for nominations is 11/1
• Ballots go out 11/15
• Election is 11/30

Get your nominations in now: https://form.jotform.com/242765567973171

10/28/2024

Mark your calendars for the Fall Closing Volunteer Day on Saturday, November 2nd from 9:00am-2:00pm. The forecast looks sunny and clear! We will have tools and supplies, you just need to show up!

Message us with any questions — we will see you there!

https://www.bigskyhorsepark.org/event-details-registration/fall-closing-volunteer-day

10/27/2024

We had a set of trailer keys that were found at the horse park and turned in to us, if you're missing a set of keys please message us with identifying features so we can get them back to their owner!

Address

35th & North
Missoula, MT
59804

Telephone

+14063960932

Website

http://www.bigskyhorsepark.org/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Big Sky Horse Park/Missoula Horse Council posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Big Sky Horse Park/Missoula Horse Council:

Videos

Mark your calendars for the Fall Closing Volunteer Day on Saturday, November 2nd from 9:00am-2:00pm. The forecast looks sunny and clear! We will have tools and supplies, you just need to show up! Message us with any questions — we will see you there! https://www.bigskyhorsepark.org/event-details-registration/fall-closing-volunteer-day

The Dram Shop Central and Big Sky Horse Park are partnering on Tuesday, October 29th for a community-driven fundraising event! We invite all equestrians (member and non-members), park neighbors and friends for a pint to meet one another. Meet the BSHP board members and learn how you can get involved. Learn more about the facility, history and 2025 events. We'd love your feedback on how we're doing too. It's a night dedicated to bringing awareness to our unique park. >>> Plus—the Dram Shop donates $1 from each pint sold that evening to the Park! What: Community Hand Up for the Big Sky Horse Park When: October 29, 2024, 5:00-8:00pm Where: The Dram Shop Central, 2700 Paxson St. STE G, Missoula Who: All equestrians (member and non-members), BSHP neighbors, barn mates and friends We hope to see you there!

🌪️ Big Sky Horse Park Storm Update! 🌪️ Our beloved horse park didn't escape the wrath of the winds this week. While we have made some clean-up progress, we still need your help locating our dressage arena pillars! Members, please be aware that there is still a lot of debris around the park. Other casualties from the storm include: 🌪️ The judge's box below over and is in pieces 🌪️ All the canopy frames were mangled 🌪️ Dressage arenas are blown all over the place 🌪️ Some large branches come down in the main arena broke part of the fence. Thank you to Bill who cleared and repaired the main arena. We are always needing and seeking funding to help improve the park, and we could really use the community's help at this time! Make a Tax Deductible Donation by visiting https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=RXS4B6VYA3A4N&source=url

A Big Sky Horse Park Glow-Up

New Logs! New Jumps! Did you spy the fresh log jumps at the Big Sky Horse Park Mini-Event? This is one of the many park improvement projects we have been working on with the help of our course builder Zane Webb. Zane is an experienced cross-country course builder throughout the West Coast and has worked on notable courses like Rebecca Farm. Missoula is home base, but he travels across the country to mine his craft. We can't wait to keep expanding the Park's offerings, but we need your help. Consider making a tax-deductible donation today to help shape the Big Sky Horse Park into your ideal venue! https://www.bigskyhorsepark.org/

🌊🐎 Exciting News! Check out the progress on our revamped water jump on the Big Sky Horse Park cross-country course! 🐎🌊 Thanks to the incredible support of our community, we've transformed our water feature. But we need YOUR help to take it to the next level! 🏞️ Your generosity will allow us to enhance the water jump even further, making it a standout feature for riders of all levels. By donating to the BSHP, you'll not only support our mission to provide top-notch facilities for other patrons, but you'll also have the opportunity to leave your mark on our park. Ready to make a splash and leave a lasting legacy? Donate today and become a part of our equestrian community's history! 💦 Our park improvements aren’t limited to the XC course… we have big plans for the park including an improved dressage complex, spectator amenities and so much more 🏇✨ Learn more at https://www.bigskyhorsepark.org/membership to learn about membership and donation opportunities!

Meet our Big Sky Horse Park Pet Run Sponsor Toiffer Pet Outfitter!

Looking for the perfect spot to gear up your furry friend for the upcoming BSHP Annual Pet Run? Look no further than Toiffer Pet Outfitter , your one-stop shop for all your pet's needs! Meet Natalie and her trusty companion Dora as they shop for race day essentials at Toiffer. From high-quality leashes and harnesses to nutritious treats and stylish accessories, Toiffer has everything your pet needs to perform their best on race day. But that's not all! Toiffer is proud to sponsor the 3rd Annual Pet Run at the Big Sky Horse Park on May 4th, 2024. Join us for a fun-filled day of racing, prizes, vendors, and pet portraits. Whether you're running the 3k, 6k, or even the 10k, Toiffer has you covered with the best gear and supplies for you and your furry friend. Don't miss out on the action! Swing by Toiffer Pet Outfitter today and get ready to race with style and confidence. See you at the BSHP Annual Pet Run!" 🐾🏃‍♂️🏅 https://www.bigskyhorsepark.org/petrun

Big Sky Horse Park/Missoula Horse Council

12/15/2024

12/15/2024

12/06/2024

12/03/2024

11/29/2024

11/27/2024

11/25/2024

11/20/2024

11/19/2024

11/17/2024

11/17/2024

11/05/2024

10/31/2024

10/31/2024

10/31/2024

10/28/2024

10/28/2024

10/27/2024

Address

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Contact The Business

Videos

A Big Sky Horse Park Glow-Up

Meet our Big Sky Horse Park Pet Run Sponsor Toiffer Pet Outfitter!

Shortcuts

Share