About Us
OUR TAKEOFF & APPROACH
We’re raising the standard for Hunter/Jumper clinic and show opportunities in the The Last Best Place.
The Big Sky Classic provides top-notch equestrian events including horse shows, clinics, and other educational opportunities. We strive to provide competitions that reward correct, compassionate riding, operate at outstanding facilities that prioritize safety for horse and rider, provide organized and streamlined online entry processing, and cultivate an appreciation for hunter/jumper competition in Montana.
OUR TEAM
Meet the ‘Family’ Behind the Fences
Teamwork Makes Dreamwork
Allison Heidmann
Founder
Allison is the visionary behind The Big Sky Classic, a professional jumper rider, and a proud mom of two budding equestrians. She lives in beautiful Bozeman, MT with her husband Dr. Peter Heidmann of Montana Equine.
Lane Nygren
Coordinator Extraordinaire
Lane lives in Helena with her 3 horses, mini horse, dog, two kids and husband. She has over 20 years of experience in the hunter jumper community from teaching and training to volunteering and judging at local horse shows. She is also a certified acuscope therapist and holds her real estate licence in MT, WY and WI.
Nick Ames
Announcer
My passion is being in the classroom and making an impact on each and every one of my students. Horses have been and will always be an important part of who I am and have brought the most amazing people into my life.
Rebecca Tolstedt
Secretary, Website & Social Media Manager
Rebecca lives with her husband Nick and their daughter Ellie in Three Forks, MT. She is the owner & creative director of Wild Horse Creative, her web design business. When she’s not organizing entries, assigning stalls, or coming up with instagram posts, she enjoys spending time with her family and her own horse, Furry.
Claire Brown
Secretary
Claire moved to Montana from NYC with her boyfriend, Franz, and 13-year-old lab mix. She took a break from riding to go back to school to get her BA in Ecology and Environmental Biology from Columbia University.
Based in Northern California, Emma spends much of the year traveling around the country in her van, covering media for USEF competitions. Along with photographing the equestrian world, her clients includes backcountry.com, The American Alpine Club, Plum Guide, and many more. When she’s not working she can be found riding her mare and rock climbing.
What About YOU?
Volunteer
We LOVE volunteers! Whether you volunteer on our Jump Crew, help at the check-in table, or take on one of our many other roles, you can commit to a single event or the entire season.
Make Every Fence Count (More!)
Did you know our shows are USHJA Outreach and MHJA Recognized? That means you can earn points towards year-end awards or other local and national organizations whenever you compete with The Big Sky Classic. Talk about running up the score!
Montana Hunter Jumper Association was formed to promote opportunities for showing over fences to riders and horses at all levels and abilities. Choose between an Amateur, Professional, or Junior Membership.
Local Affiliation
The Outreach Program provides the opportunity to participate in USHJA classes and competitions, to earn points toward year-end rewards and awards, and to earn the chance to participate in the USHJA National Championships.
National Affiliation
The mission of the YHJA is to represent the hunter and jumper disciplines of competitive equestrian sport through competition opportunities, and to recognize members throughout the Yellowstone region. This region includes, Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming.
Local Affiliation
Where We Jump
Montana’s Finest Equestrian Venues
While you can ride well anywhere, it’s a whole lot easier when your horse had a good night’s sleep, you’ve been able to use a real restroom(!), and the surrounding facilities are safe, clean, and well-kept. Explore our partner venues for driving directions, maps, policies, and more.
Tri-H Stables
Bozeman, MT