Welcome to Fort Howes

Endurance Rides

The end of an era...This bittersweet announcement comes to you after a lot of discussions amongst our family. While we have loved every minute of showcasing our piece of Southeastern Montana with the World and supporting the sport of Endurance, we have determined that 2023 will be our last year of the Fort Howes Endurance Rides. It's been a long haul and we appreciate all the support for the various events we've hosted here since 1997 (sans 2020). The long list of great friends who have ridden our trails, volunteered, and vetted will be forever in our hearts.

Homesteaded in 1883 by Captain Calvin Howes (a former sea Captain from Massachusetts), the Circle Bar Ranch is the home of the Fort Howes Endurance Rides - See Ranch History Link. Starting in 1997, the Fort Howes rides have grown from a one-day ride offering a 25-mile Limited Distance ride and a 50-mile Endurance Ride to now hosting distances from Intro rides to one-day 100-mile rides.

Trails consist of Open Meadows, Cow Trails, and unimproved Jeep Trails. Riders can expect to have at least one 1000' elevation change in each loop they ride out on. Water is available out on trail every 3-5 miles.

Basecamp is a huge open field of more than 15 acres with lots of room and plenty of horse water available.

We will again be offering our Rancher's dinner on Friday night including steak and all the trimmings. We're also anticipating that the local Amish ladies will have freshly made donuts and other baked goods available during the ride. We will also have T's Traveling Table here with their food truck for the weekend.

Temperatures in the early part of June range in the 40's overnight and up into the 80's during the days. Though one should always plan for anything - this is Montana after all and we subscribe to the saying "Don't like the weather, wait five minutes, it will change".

Please be sure you read the "Important Travel Information" page as it has information for people entering the state of Montana with horses.

We are asking that all entrants use the online entry so that we can plan for the event, however, payment is not expected until you arrive. See the "Entry Information" page for the link to the JotForm.

We’re looking forward to once again opening our little piece of Heaven to our endurance community with the offer of "come early, stay late", but don’t be surprised if you get "put to work" while you’re here!

Bill, Jan, Heather, John, Tyler, Cody, Kaylee, Jennifer, Chet, Milo, and Megan.