Resident Equestrians Showcase Mackinac Island's Many Horse Breeds
By Sean Ely

Claire Dunnigan (left) and her mother Candi Dunnigan with their 24-year-old Connemara pony, Casper.

At the Royal Winter Fair horse exposition in Toronto there is a feature called Stallion's Row, where people can learn about the various horse breeds through demonstrations and commentary.

"It's really a fun thing to witness," said Mackinac Island horseback rider Trish Martin, who got the idea for a similar event on Mackinac with fellow equestrian Claire Dunnigan.

"We thought, wouldn't it be fun for people who visit Mackinac, or even people who are on Mackinac Island, who don't realize how many different horses we have here, to have an opportunity to see a show like that about the Island's horses?"

The pair pitched the idea to the Mackinac Horsemen's Association, which liked the idea and held the event Wednesday, July 18, at Great Turtle Park. They named it "Horse of a Different Color, Horse of a Different Breed."

Claire's mother, Candi Dunnigan, moderated the event.

"There are a lot of people who go downtown and just look at them as a mass of horses, not realizing that they are individual and unique horses," Mrs. Dunnigan said. "This isn't a horse show, it's a show about horses, and that is important to note, because no one is here to win a ribbon, they are simply here for the love of showing off their horses.

Penny Barr atop her 12-year-old Tennessee Walker, Strider.

"There is a sense of diversity with all of this, making all of the horses gorgeous in their own way."

Fifteen breeds paraded to Great Turtle Park and lined up around the riding ring, while spectators gathered and children peeked through the fence.

Mrs. Dunnigan narrated the event, describing the various gates, such as trotting and cantering, such horse terms as cold-, warm-, and hot-blooded, and demonstrating the difference between a pony and a horse. A horse is at least 14 hands at the withers, she said, and a hand is about four inches. The withers is the highest point of a horse that doesn't move, and is the ridge between the shoulder blades.

She then announced the 15 horse breeds represented at the ring, describing each one individually.

Maryanke Alexander on her 10-year-old Friesian mare, Regina, which stands next to a pair of Star Geldings owned by Michelle Stuck, named Hercules and Gysbert, which are both five years old. They are pulling Don Eckhardt in the carriage.

Belgian Draft

This breed is from Belgium and stands between 15.3 and 18 hands tall. They are large and powerful horses with a very willing temperament. They are quick to mature, while being long-lived, weighing more than 2,000 pounds. Their coat is normally a reddish chestnut or palomino, with their manes being much lighter. Their necks are muscled, their backs are broad and short, while their bodies are deep, with feathering.

They were first brought to the United States for the World Fair at St. Louis. They were slow to catch on with farmers, but they are one of the most recognizable and popular breeds on Mackinac Island, where they can be seen at Jack's Livery Stable, Arrowhead Tours, Mackinac Island Service Company, and pulling taxis, and tour carriages for Mackinac Island Carriage Tours.

Trish Martin poses with her Thoroughbred, 11-yearold Island's Grey Skye, which she modeled for spectators at Great Turtle Park Wednesday, July 18. "He's my buddy," she said. His registered name was Lethal Intention before she changed it.

Percheron

This is an ancient breed that originated in Normandy, France, where they were used for draft, farm work, and cavalry. They stand between 14.3 and 18 hands tall and are mainly black in color, while some fade to gray and white over the years. Percherons are referred to as large Arabs, because they are strong horses that hold their heads high while showing off a high step and knee action for their tremendous size.

The first Percheron in American came across by boat and landed in New Jersey in 1839. The horse, Diligence, was a father of more than 400 foals by the time he died at the age of 20 years.

They are a favorite breed for the omnibuses at Grand Hotel, and are used by Mackinac Island State Park, at Arrowhead, and are used by Carriage Tours to pull the 20- passenger carriages and haul hay.

Lin Sheppard rides her horse, Sporty, Wednesday, July 18, at Great Turtle Park. Sporty is an Appendix, which is a breed known for its long legs, back, and neck. This is Sporty's fourth season on Mackinac Island.

Friesian

These horses are native to the Dutch province of Friesland, where livestock breeders and rich pastures created an environment for quality horses. Some equine scholars say Friesians have qualities of the forest horse native to Europe.

They are an ancestor of warm breeds. During the Middle Ages, Friesian horses were courageous, athletic, durable for knights in armor, and they showed versatile characteristics. The modern Friesian was developed in the 1500s when Spanish invaders bred Mare and Andalusia horses, which resulted in a horse with a much lighter color and a more versatile make-up. This horse was suited for dressage, urban use, and new forms of cavalry warfare.

At this time, Friesian horses probably developed the trademark of long necks, small ears, and a high-stepping gate. It kept its gentle temperament, intelligence, and powerful hind quarters. This breed was popular through the 18th and 19th centuries for dressage, and in the 20th century, Friesians were reintroduced to the United States by dedicated Dutch dairy farmers.

They now number in the thousands in the U.S., and they have been featured in Hollywood movies. They dazzle crowds in open dressage, exhibition, competition and they have succeeded in driving.

Fewer than 20% of this breed achieves the desired elite status, but six out of the Island's nine Friesians are of that elite class. They stand between 15 and 17 hands tall.

Hackney

This breed, which stands as short as 12.1 hands as a pony and as tall as 15.3 hands as a horse, has had a long relationship with Mackinac Island. Grand Hotel has featured Hackneys on ashtrays, water glasses, and its carpeting.

They have appeared in two movies, and they are a favorite of the hotel and many cottagers and horsemen.

At the turn of the 20th century, Hackneys were one of the most popular horses to pull wealthy carriages.

They are sleek, trim, light weight, and look smart in quick-step when pulling carriages known as roadsters and runabouts.

These were designed with Hackneys in mind.

Hackneys come in black, brown, bay, and chestnut. They carry their heads high and have sloping shoulders and pronounced knee action.

Their quarters are well muscled and the way they carry themselves make them appear taller than they really are.

"Their appearance can be show-stopping and intimidating with those not familiar, but they are fun to watch and drive," Mrs. Dunnigan said.

Thoroughbred

They originated in England, developing out of three foundation sires. They are considered to be hot-blooded because they have a significant amount of Arab in their ancestry. The horses ranges from 15 to 17 hands, coming in three frames, large boned, medium boned, and racing. They are known for their speed and ability to run long distances, some well over a mile. They have a competitive nature and come in all colors, with the most popular being bay. Their necks are long, and they have prominent withers. They are an intelligent breed, but they do not react well to hard handling by the driver.

"The horse has exceptional heart, meaning that it will go the extra mile for its rider," Mrs. Dunnigan said. It is fast on the track and it excels in jumping in the ring and in the field.

Tennessee Walker

They are true American horses and a composite of an early trotting horse that was bred and cultivated in Tennessee. It is a light breed that stands 15 to 16.1 hands high. They are used for utility pulling and riding because of their smooth and very easy gates and the ability to cover ground quickly.

Many years ago, they were used for every task possible, such as pulling a plow in the morning, taking their master for a drive in the afternoon, and becoming an elegant saddle horse in the evening. They are still popular in the south. These horses are said to be nicely built, with muscles and full of vigor. Structurally, they are sound with great feet and legs. The head moves in regular rhythm with a rise and fall while moving. The breed has many colors, mainly chestnut and black. It has a unique long head and a one-of-a-kind gate, which is hereditary.

Quarter Horse and Tennessee Walker-Quarter

Horse Crossbred

American Quarter Horses stand between 14.2 and 16 hands. The breed ranks as one of the most popular, versatile horses in the world. It has Spanish and Chickasaw Indian breeding in it, and in the 1600s, when racing was allowed in Virginia, that these horses ran short, straight distances, approximately a quarter of a mile. As America moved west, so did Quarter Horses. The American Quarter Horse was renowned for its talent, while having thick quarters and a short back and head. They have the ability to use quick side-to-side movements, a trait bred and rebred to the foundation that horsemen know today. They have solid legs, a wide open chest, and sloped, heavy shoulders. They are very popular under English tack as solid, willing jumpers. This breed is the most popular saddle horse on Mackinac Island, found at Cindy's Riding Stable, Jack's Livery Stable, and the 4-H barn.

A Tennessee Walker-Quarter Horse crossbreed has a small stature, powerful hind quarters, and the same head carriage of a Tennessee Walker. Their back legs can move a different way than their front legs. These horses make good show horses and are used on the trails for jumping. They tend to have beautiful manes while being a lovely, dainty, and nimble picture to watch, Mrs. Dunnigan said.

Appaloosa

They are a breed that originated in the United States, standing between 14.2 and 16 hands. It is believed that the horses developed from Spanish Andalusians, used for Spanish exploration in the new world. Some were even stolen from native tribes. Spots on a horse were especially prized, as they camouflaged the horse as well as decorated it. The settlers out west called these horses Palouse horses, as the Palouse River ran through part of the territory. They were officially named Appaloosas when the Appaloosa Horse Club formed in the United States in 1938. These horses have several characteristics of patterning and color. On their rumps, they can have patterns of snowflakes, leopard spots, marble, frost, spotted blanket and white blanket. They have small, well-shaped heads with large listening ears, and a white pattern around their eyes, a common Appaloosa characteristic. Their legs are solid and their hooves are black, although some have a stripe on their hooves. The skin on the nose, lips, and genitals is often mottled.

Arabian

This breed, standing between 14.1 and 15.1 hands, is claimed to be first true breed of all horses, originating in the Middle East thousands of years ago. The horse is small compared to others and it is used to surviving in harsh desert climates in Syria, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Ancient Mesopotamia, and Jordan, as well as throughout Europe. The Arab is the most influential of all breeds, having been used to improve the blood lines of almost every other horse. It has led the world in endurance riding and racing.

The horses come in many colors and have large, expressive eyes and a delicate and refined face. Their nostrils are flared and the tips of the ears often curve inward. They have a long, flexible neck and carry their heads and tails high. Their feet are hard and their hooves are wide at the heel. They have a big foot for their size. Their coat is fine and the skin is usually black.

Arabians are popular on Mackinac Island for their athletic qualities.

"They are sometimes called high-strung, because these horses tend to have exceptionally quick movement, but they are fearless with their rider if they trust them," Mrs. Dunnigan said.

National Show Horse

This breed is an example of a cross-bred horse whose origins are found in the United States. The National Show Horse was developed to produce an attractive, moving horse for the show ring. These horses are prized for their looks and their gates and animated and stylish. They carry their heads high and have a high Arab tail. Many of them are pinto in color, being black and white or a combination of black, brown, and white called tobiano. They stand between 14.2 and 16 hands and they have an Arab look about them.

Hanoverian

This breed came from areas of Germany, which were known for developing local native draft horses, crossing them, and redefining the lines through Arabs and Thoroughbreds. Hanoverians are one of the most popular of all the warm-bloods, standing between 15.3 and 17 hands. They display strong bones and muscle, helping them to excel in jumping, cross-country, and high levels of dressage. Hanoverians are subject to rigorous standards, aiming to provide a large, elegant riding horse suitable for many equine activities. They come in chestnut, black, bay, or gray colors, and usually weigh between 1,000 and 1,200 pounds.

Appendix

Appendix result from two breeds being deliberately crossed, taking the best elements of each and establishing another recognizable breed. The Appendix is a horse bred from registered Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses that can come in any color, but mainly bay or dark brown. They have larger eyes and longer legs, backs, and necks than Quarter Horses do. They have a low tail set compared to the Arabs and the National Show Horses.

The Appendix breed is most seen in the 100 jumper rings, and it seems that is one of the reasons for the development of this horse. The horse is quick and it has a very good ground covering stride. They have a great deal of Thoroughbred in them, and sometimes, like a Thoroughbred, don't do well if forced or muscled. They stand 15 to 16.3 hands tall.

Norwegian Fjord Pony

Standing between 13 and 14.2 hands tall, these ponies are tough and rugged, but charming at the same time. In some circles, it is called a Norwegian Dun or the West Norway, or simply the Norway pony.

Vikings bred this pony for war mounts and farm work. It is one of the first European breeds to be domesticated and one of the few cultivated breeds whose color one would call "dun." Dun is the color of the earliest horses, and these horses always seem to have a dorsal stripe, which is black and extends from the top of the neck all the way across the back through the mane and tail. There can even be Zebra striping across the legs and back quarters. Their manes stick straight up and their coats are exceptionally deep and plush, with nice, large, and kind eyes. Their ears are tiny, but their necks are surprisingly powerful. They have rounded quarters, strong joints, and hard black, well-shaped feet.

In 1977, the first Norwegian Fjord Association of North America was formed. They are still a rare breed in the United States, but the ponies seem to get along with children, and they make a good driving and riding horse.

Connemara Pony

They stand between 12 and 14.2 hands tall. They were originally dun, but the prominent color has become gray. Others are blacks, browns, bays, and occasionally a chestnut or roan. They have a well-shaped head, smallish ears, expressive eyes, and a well-formed and shaped neck. The legs are long and the feet are wide for their size. This is a pony breed that looks like a small horse.

The Connemara are used to walking on hard, rocky stone, so they do well on Mackinac Island. They are adaptable to most terrain and are intelligent, hearty, and extraordinary jumpers.

In the winter, their coats become thick and dense and almost water-repellent.

They have been used for centuries in Ireland for farm work, to carry peat, and as children's jumping and hunting mounts.

Haflinger Pony

Haflingers are native to Austria, range in the same sizes as the Connemaras, and are classified as light and heavy ponies. This is another pony native to harsh and mountainous environments. It has plenty of bone, and some look like small draft horses. These ponies are known for their good feet and short legs, and perhaps one of the most striking things about these ponies is their mane and tail, which are very thick and much lighter in color than the rest of the body. Haflingers range in color from chocolate brown to all shades to chestnut to blonde. Most of these have a white marking down their nose, such as a star or snip. They can pull great weight with a harness or carry a good-sized person on a saddle. They have been used as pack horses, riding ponies, and are ready and willing jumpers.

Many, in the last few years, have been crossed with Arabs to refine the breed and develop a lighter, leaner, and taller pony.

"I love all kinds of horses," Mrs. Dunnigan said. "If I won the lottery, I would probably have 60 horses and someone to take care of them. I grew up here riding horses, and if I couldn't ride horses on Mackinac, I would move.

Penny Barr was seen showing off her 12-year-old Tennessee Walker, Strider, which she acquired downstate.

"After coming to the Island 16 years ago, my husband, John, and I said, 'If we are going to live here, we better have horses,'" she said. "We inherited a very old draft horse with the house we bought. We have a Palomino and we needed another riding horse, so we got Strider. After having children and watching them grow up, we've noticed that horses are exactly the same way. Some children don't want to play with other children or be around other children, and some horses don't want to be around other horses, so it sometimes takes a long time to have a happy corral where everybody likes everybody else. Otherwise they can wake up every morning and compete with each other as to who is boss for the day. This event really shows the beauty of the horses."

Maryanke Alexander knew there were a lot of breeds on the Island, but she never thought she would see them all together in one area.

"Many people who don't know much about horses might see a pretty color, but they don't understand what type of breed it is, and each breed is so different and unique of itself.

"This kind of showcases what we have on this Island and it's a fun, informative way to do it," she said.