Montana Folklife Demonstrator
Upper Canyon Outfitters | Alder, MT
Cassie Ubaldo is a fifth generation Montanan who grew up at Upper Canyon Outfitters in Alder, MT. Horses have played a role in Cassie’s life as far back as she can remember. Growing up on a guest ranch allowed many opportunities to work with horses. From training them at a young age to teaching all skill levels of people to ride and appreciate horses. Part of Cassie’s family’s outfitting business is a hunting business so Cassie had the opportunity to learn how to pack mules and horses starting at a young age. Every year, starting at age 12, Cassie would help her dad pack in his back country hunting camp, then five weeks later she would help him pack it back out. Oftentimes this was in very cold and snowy conditions, and the trail included seven creek crossings over four miles. Cassie and her dad would make up to four trips in a day. Cassie remembers it being so cold one year that her eyelashes froze together!
Upon high school graduation, Cassie moved to Bozeman to pursue her education. She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a Masters of Education with an emphasis in counseling. She then spent the next six years working as a school counselor and program director for at-risk students in Bozeman. In 2016 Cassie moved back to Upper Canyon Outfitters to help her parents run the family business. Upon her return, Cassie founded Shift Equine Facilitated Learning, an educational program that works with individuals, corporate groups and military groups to develop skills with the use of horses. Cassie still has the opportunity to practice her packing skills in two ways. One is packing out big game during hunting season, and the other is assisting in military trainings at Upper Canyon Outfitters. The purpose of these military trainings is to teach special forces horsemanship skills and packing skills. They are intensive and rewarding classes to teach. Cassie is thrilled to have the opportunity to share her passion for packing at the Montana Folk Festival this year!