Riders in Formal Dress Make Final Ride of Season

Twenty riders particiated in the Invitational Formal Ride around Mackinac Island Saturday, September 2, including (from left) Lisa Brock, Mary K. McIntire, Beth Croghan, (hidden from view is Ann Levy), Audrey Moran, Anneke Owen, Michelle Stuck, Leanne Brodeur, Marianka Alexander, Brian Dunnigan, Rick Mayday, Steve Rilenge, Ruth Mayday, Candi Dunnigan, Meave Croghan, Lornie Porter, Cathy Arbib, Lin Sheppard, Lisa Largo, and Trish Martin.

Marking the end of the summer on Mackinac, 20 riders took a final ride around the Island Saturday, September 2, attracting the attention of visitors, residents, and carriage drivers. Riders began their journey on the East Bluff and parted ways two hours later at Grand Hotel.

Western dress was an option, but the riders this year chose traditional English attire and

Leanne Brodeur rode side-saddle in the tradition of women riders at the turn of the century.

Riders were invited to stop at four cottages, where they and horses were served refreshments and treats, which is called a stirrup cup because the riders do not dismount. Riders gathered at 9 a.m. to begin the Formal Ride Invitational at the East Bluff cottage Donneybrook, where they were

Richard Manoogian serves a refreshment to Michelle Stuck and carrots to her horse, Lars.

greeted by Claire and James Dunnigan, the niece and nephew of owners Dan and Marsha Dunnigan. From there, participants rode Island trails to Annex Road on their way to Tamarack Cottage, where they were welcomed by Kay and Larry Berke.

The next treat, including carrots for the horses, was offered at the West Bluff cottage of Jane and Richard

Manoogian, and cookies awaited the riders at the Lornie and Bill Porter cottage just down the road.

A promenade in front of Grand Hotel completed the ride, as hotel guests awaited the jazz festival in the hotel's Tea Garden.

"It's very popular among Grand guests," said rider Trish Martin, who explained that, each year, guests stand on the

porch to take pictures of the riders. As they reached Cadotte Avenue at approximately 11 a.m. the official ride ended as riders headed off in different directions and to make preparations for horses to be taken off the Island for the winter.

Many of the riders have traveled Island trails and woods together through the summer months, although this is the only time they all ride together.