Equestrians Preserve Turn-of-the-Century Tradition With Final Ride
By Karen Gould

In a promenade reminiscent of 100 years ago, Mackinac Island horsemen garbed in formal riding attire stroll past Grand Hotel on a ride marking the end of the season Saturday, September 1. Within the next few weeks, owners will begin shipping their horses off the Island until they return again next May. Pictured are (from left) Leanne Brodeur, Trish Martin, Lisa Eckhardt, Don Eckhardt, Steve Rilenge, Lornie Porter, Melissa Croghan, Brian Dunnigan, Candi Dunnigan, and Mary K. McIntire, with (second from right, in the background) Grand Hotel carriage driver Christopher Soell, who pulled his team to the side to let the riders pass.

Fifteen cottagers dressed in formal English riding attire rode from the East Bluff to the West Bluff Saturday, September 1, on their final ride of the season.

The Formal Ride, now held each Labor Day weekend, marks the end of the season as horse enthusiasts bid farewell to one another and prepare to send their animals off-Island for the winter months. They ride through woods and along trails and catching a last glimpse of the cottages before dispersing to winter places.

Riders stop at the West Bluff cottage of Jane and Richard Manoogian, who serve a stirrup cup beverage to riders and peppermint treats to horses.

Meeting in front of Donnybrook Cottage on the East Bluff just after 9 a.m., James and Claire Dunnigan greeted the 15 riders and horses by serving refreshments and treats. Horsemen did not dismount, making the beverage offered a "stirrup cup."

Rider Brian Dunnigan volunteered a toast, remembering past riders and horses, before the horsemen headed east, passing summer cottages including Baby Grand and Wood End.

From East Bluff, the group headed to North Bike Trail as they made their way to Annex Road. Their first stop on the two-hour ride was Tamarack Cottage, where they were welcomed by Kay and Larry Berke.

The riders then traveled through Hubbard's Annex and onto the West Bluff, where they stopped at the cottages of Jane and Richard Manoogian and Lornie and Bill Porter.

The Manoogians also served a stirrup cup to riders, and peppermint treats to horses.

Mr. Porter served cookies to the horsemen as Mrs. Porter participated in the ride.

With the annual Jazz Festival about to begin at Grand Hotel and traffic increasing, farewells were offered as riders prepared to head along the roadway in front of the hotel before separating for the season. Taking part in the Formal Ride were Trish Martin, Maryanke Alexander, Brian Dunnigan, Candi Dunnigan, Mary K. McIntire, Leanne Brodeur, Steve Rilenge, Lornie Porter, Penny Barr, Melissa Croghan, Lisa Eckhardt, Don Eckhardt, Michelle Stuck, Dave Sheppard, and Lin Sheppard.