Horses and Riders Will Benefit From Two Fundraisers at Stable
By Sean Ely

Brandon Grumm, Morgan Brodeur-Bunker, Leanne Brodeur, Sarah Spitzer, Adrienne Rilenge, Katie Spitzer, and Diana Dupre pose with Lucky during a lemonade fundraiser for the 4-H program at Mission Hill Stable Sunday, July 29.

The Mission Hill Stable was busy Sunday, July 29, when it hosted two separate events to raise money for the 4-H program and the Mackinac Horsemen's Association. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., some of the 4-H girls sold lemonade and Tshirts to passers-by on foot, bicycle, and buggy, while others gave tours of the stable. Then, about an hour later, tables next to the stable accommodated a buffet provided by Mission Point Resort, and the annual silent auction began.

Early in the afternoon, Diana Dupre, Sarah Spitzer, Rachel Spitzer, and Adrienne Rilenge were sitting at a table selling lemonade to the public, hoping to collect as many donations as possible.

"The horses do so much for us, so it's nice to be able to do something like this for them," Miss Dupre said.

The girls agreed that all of the horses deserve a great place to stay, so the more money they can raise, the more stuff they could buy for them. They and Leanne Brodeur, director of the Mackinac Horsemen's Association, listed some ideas: new helmets, saddles, bridals, and the always-popular thought of obtaining new horses.

Trish Martin (far left) calls out, "The silent auction will be closing in 30 seconds!" as attendees scramble for a final bid on purses, horse figurines, backpacks, and a golf outing for two at Wawashkamo Golf Club. The silent auction took place at Mission Hill Stable Sunday, July 29.

Horses, Hoof Beats, and Hors d'oeuvres was the official name of the 8th annual event that raised money for the association.

The Chambers family from Mackinac Island Carriage Tours owns the stable and allows the 4-H program to use it, but the Horsemen's Association, worried that new development will take away some of their turn-out area, wants to build a new public stable, that can be used by the 4-H program and by residents.

"It's been a long term goal for many years," said Sandra Roe, a new member on the association's board. "They would try and then give up, try, and give up. It was hard to raise the money, but it's a goal again, and if the money is raised, we are going to get the property. We will all have our own, close-to-home, bigger and better barn. We will invite people to bring their horses."

If they can obtain a 10-year lease on some state land near Harrisonville, they will do the work and take care of the property themselves, as an organization. It will be tax free and just what everyone hopes for, Mrs. Roe said.

"There are a lot of these girls who don't have a place to put their horses, so they have to share a place," she said. "This could change that."

Dan Wightman, who serves on the new stable committee and whose two daughters, Jennifer, 22, and Danielle, 15, have gone through the 4-H program, realizes that the program is an ideal hobby and way of life for children of the Island. He believes it is structured well, giving children the opportunity to learn how to ride and properly care for a horse.

"When you come by here and see kids from the bluff, kids from the village, and kids from the business community downtown,

you realize that this is a common ground where everyone

shares a common thing," he said. "It's not about anyone's economic status, or who your parents are. When these children are together, you cannot tell them apart, because they are all filthy from riding their horses all day long. You'll find them all lined up, talking, laughing, and having a great time. It's simply a positive thing."

Mr. Wightman believes that the horse riding activity can also keep the children out of mischief.

"No one is getting in trouble, and the police aren't out chasing them around," he said. "It's just a great thing for them to be involved in."

A riding program, he added, is also a natural activity on Mackinac.

"The Island is a place where horse is king," he said. "You want to sustain that culture on the Island."

Candice Dunnigan, the association's president, noted the number of people hanging around after the event was over.

"People want to simply sit around and talk to one another," she said. "People love the silent auction, and it is great to see the little kids up there bidding on the items."

The carefree atmosphere that the event gives off is easily recognizable.

"It's just so relaxed," MHA secretary Trish Martin said. "It's a barn party! And the ponies get to come, what's not great about that? It is such a great community event to have every year."

The Horses, Hoof Beats, and Hors d'oeuvres event is a membership drive, as well, where sponsors are adopted for the upcoming horse show in the middle of August.

"This helps us pay for the ribbons, the judges, and the announcers, who state the sponsors for each class," Mrs. Dunnigan said.

Her daughter, Claire, remembers her excitement about the silent auction as a young girl, and now, as a teenager, she appreciates all of the work that goes into keeping the program afloat.

"It's definitely one of the peoples' highlights every summer," she said.