Horse Tales
Horse Lovers Have Plenty To Enjoy This Summer on the Island

This weekend the Island begins the summer season in earnest. Now that the Lilac Festival is already underway, activities are building daily. Friday, June 15, marks Mackinac's Feast of Epona with another "blessing of the animals" in the afternoon at the Mission Barn on Mission Hill. There will be some dogs and cats, as well as horses and ponies. The barn is the home of the Island's summer 4-H riding program.

Summer riding lessons have begun. Interested parents and youth may contact Leanne Brodeur at 847-3857 for information. This year, Gretchen Coleman will be helping coordinate and teaching the younger students. The programs and lessons run from now until the last week of August.

Horses of many kinds will be on hand to participate in the annual Lilac Festival Parade Sunday, June 17. In the past, the parade has featured wonderful drafts, minis, and equine drill team costumed riders, as well as some of Mackinac Island Carriage Tours and Arrowhead Livery's regular stock doing double duty hauling dignitaries' floats, and the Lilac Queen and her court.

Philip Andrews and his horse return to Cindy's Riding Stable Tuesday, June 12, after an hour enjoying the sunny weather. He rode next to his father, Robert Andrews. They both loved the experience and look forward to another ride.

The end of June finds wonderful local talent and art on display at the Mackinac Island Public Library with John Manikoff's one-man show. There will be a reception Saturday, June 30, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The Mackinac Horsemen's Association (MHA) raffle painting, created and donated by Mr. Manikoff for the MHA, will be displayed. Monies raised from the raffle help defray the costs of summer programs and insurance. It's a nice painting of a horse and rider, with a true Mackinac feel to it. Posters are already up in town, and tickets can be obtained from MHA board members, or may be purchased at The Island Bookstore or the Silver Mine.

July will be packed with local activities for equine lovers. A carriage rally will be Thursday, July 5, at 6 p.m. (with specific details, route, and locations to be announced). Monday, July 9, and Tuesday, July 10, at Great Turtle Park, there will be a series of riding clinics by Moria Martenchek and company. Wednesday, July 18, MHA will host a special local "horse parade" entitled "A Horse of a Different Color," featuring 12 to 15 local horse owners and handlers at Turtle Park. The parade is open to all, and is free of charge. The Tack Sale will be back this year Saturday, July 28, when people can shop for all sorts of new or hand-medown items, from boots, brushes, and halters, to saddle hats and more. Sunday, July 29, the annual barn tour and lemonade sale will be at the Mission Point Barn, rain or shine, followed by the Hoofbeats party for MHA members. It's quite a good time, and if you're interested, it's the right time to join, or renew membership, and talk to summer riders, their families, and MHA members.

The Mackinac Island Hunter Pace will be Friday, August 3, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Great Turtle Park. Registration can be completed in advance, or by Friday, August 3. Pre-registration is recommended. Sunday, August 5, MHA hopes to bring back its fun and games show for riders and horses at the park. That week there also will be a special clinic on braiding manes and tails with professional braider Kim Alder from Chelsea, as well as a low fences clinic. All of the information and help from these programs can be put to good use when the annual Mackinac Island Horse Show rolls around Sunday, August 12. The winning ticket for the raffle painting will be drawn that day. Rain date is Sunday, August 19.

Things quiet down a bit the last two weeks of August, then gear back up for Labor Day weekend. The MHA Labor Day ride is scheduled for Saturday, September 1. As always, remember to double check dates and times. The Tourism Bureau does a great job in conveying proper calendar information, as well as the Mackinac Island Town Crier and MHA Director Leanne Brodeur.

It's going to be a busy summer, with something in which everyone may participate. MHA hopes the summer programs will be equally fun and interesting for those who just like to watch.

Have a great week, and enjoy the Lilac Parade.

Candice Dunnigan is an active member of the American Equestrian Association, the Waterloo Hunt, and the Mackinac Horsemen's Association. Seasonally she resides at Easterly Cottage.