Join us for Hides and Horses class!
April 12-18, 2026: Braintan Deer Hides and Horse Skills
April 19-25, 2026: Buckskin Sewing and Horse Skills
Come learn about Katie’s two favorite things in a fun camp atmosphere!
Located in the beautiful Methow Valley, Washington
Join us in early spring… it’s a great time to work hides, before the heat of summer! Also a glorious time to ride horses, in prime wildflower season! This picture is from January, there won’t be snow!!
Near the hide camp, a herd of friendly, hilarious, and curious horses, donkeys, mini horses and a mule stand ready to open the doors to equine connection and discovery. 
In the first week April 12-18, we’ll braintan a huge Methow Valley deer hide using the wet scrape method. If you have other hide projects in the works, you are welcome to bring them for consult and finishing. We’ll also work with the horses both on the ground and in the saddle. We’ll schedule rides around hide time. I love meeting people where they are at with horse skills – I have three full size riding horses, so each afternoon I’ll take two participants out on a ride geared to your skill level and interest. The herd will be available all the time for petting, scratching, and learning how to be comfortable with the equine family. I love talking horses and am eager to share my 30 years of experience as a horsewoman with you.
In the second week April 19-25, you’ll make something beautiful of your choice out of the tanned hide! I will teach many stitching techniques and methodology for crafting durable buckskin items. If you have more hides previously tanned, you can lay out a whole outfit. I can set you up for success with choosing hides for different articles of clothing, patterning, stitch choice and tailoring. We’ll continue on with the horseplay as well.
I will have set daily teaching hours, but you’ll be welcome to keep tanning and sewing after I have retreated for some rest and family time.
There will be a canvas camp set up for an outdoor kitchen and group bell tent with wood stove. You are welcome and encouraged to bring your own accommodations if you prefer privacy. There will be plenty of firewood. We will provide much of the food ranch-to-table style. There will be lots of dairy products from our two milk cows, as well as opportunity to engage in the milking process if so desired. We’ll have an array of meat, root crops, winter squash, eggs and other homegrown produce available to craft community meals. Everyone will be expected to take a turn or two on the dinner cooking rotation, and take part in group camp chores. Breakfast and lunch will be a bit more DIY, I’m picturing the never ending soup pot bubbling for two weeks straight! We’ll provide staples, you may want to supplement with treats and snacks but we’ll cover the basics.
You can choose your own adventure and attend one or both weeks of camp.
The cost is $650 for a single week, save $$ and come to both weeks for $1100.
I’ll provide one big nice hide per student in week one, there will be more available at cost. Tanning more than one big Methow hide in a week one is potentially possible, but a LOT of work and only recommended for someone with previous experience or a desire for self flagellation.
Kids and families are welcome! I have a nine year old and would love to have more kids around. Kids can attend at a much smaller fee to cover food and pony time, on a case by case basis depending on age. Let’s talk!
I’m taking $100 per week non-refundable deposits ($200 for the full session) to hold your spot, with the balance due at the start of class. You must be a Resilience Network member, which is easy to do HERE
Please email Kate at saskatoongathering@gmail.com with questions and details on how to sign up.
This is going to be a fun time! Dave and I look forward to hosting an epic hide camp and sharing our beloved herd with you all!
