Horse Tales
Horses Will Show Their Attributes at 2008 Breed Show
by Candice C. Dunnigan

Thursday, July 24, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., there will be an informational type of horse showing at Great Turtle Park. No ribbons presented, because they're all winners. It will be held in the Mary Milton Riding ring, free of charge, and open to all Islanders, their guests, and visitors. The only request is, for those bringing a dog, to keep it on a leash.

Last year the MHA (Mackinac Horsemen's Association) put together a similar type of program, in which many of the types, and actual registered breeds of horses on Mackinac Island, were assembled, introduced, and discussed. Credit for the idea behind that event goes to a relative of mine, my daughter, Claire, and to Trish Martin, a member on the MHA board, and an idea the three of us had, of taking what was seen at other equine events, and bringing it to Mackinac. With the help of many other enthusiasts, both private and commercial, we were able to give some equine history and education to many people.

The upcoming event, like last year's, is a good chance for people to see a specific horse up close and in action. There will also be time for questions afterward.

A double registered Canadian Sport - Trakhener horse enjoys his hay.

Horses will be engaged at a walk, a trot, or canter, shown under saddle, in hand, at liberty, or under harness, however their owner or handler decides. There will be narrated commentary about the breed or type as it works in the ring. It is estimated that there will be between 12 to 16 breeds and styles represented.

"Style," when referring to horses, means the way in which it is ridden or used. Examples include hunter, hack, cob, grade, western, English, event, jumper, draft, dressage, carriage, harness, or pleasure. We plan to have horses that represent these categories at the park.

What do the terms mean? Those are questions that we hope will be answered once you see the horses. For the most part, the only ring work or showing that the majority that these animals ever do is on Mackinac, but nevertheless, some of them are very accurate representations.

American breeds such as the Quarter Horse, the Tennessee Walker, the National Show Horse, Appaloosas, and Standardbreds all live here. We also have registered colored breeds such as Palomino, Paints, Creamellos, Pintos, Tobianos, and Spotted Drafts that have lived on the Island. Mackinac horses, in the past, included Missouri Fox trotter, Morgan, and American Saddle breed, to name a few.

In the draft categories, living here these days are Belgium, Percherons, and Clydesdale crosses. The Island is now a summer home to a growing population of Friesian horses; some of them were exported from the Netherlands. These imposing equines have now become much more available, as many Friesians are now being bred and sold within our state.

The Island still has some fine examples of the Hackney horse, and for many years, also a smaller version in the Hackney pony. These animals are the high-stepping, high-headed carriage horses which have been synonymous with Mackinac. Several pairs are privately owned by cottagers, as well as the set of four bays owned by Grand Hotel.

Other imports include a double registered Canadian Sport Horse, Anglo-Trakhener, and a Norwegian Fjord, a rare horse breed. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the Island is home to some wonderful "grade" horses, for whom no registry or tattoo has ever been branded, and they're just wonderful animals.

The Island has been host to both Shetland and Welsh ponies. Currently, a 3/4 Irish Commemara lives here, along with Blaze, the only Haflinger pony of its kind on Mackinac. Blaze is also our only yeararound non-commercial equine resident.

Rounding out the spectrum is a large Thoroughbred gelding, as well as several registered and non-registered Arabian horses. Cross-bred Quarterhorses and Thoroughbreds have their own registry, and now a breed called "Appendix," and we have one of those, too.

When it comes to horses and shows, anything and everything can - and sometimes does - happen. The disclaimer to this being that perhaps one of the horses we hope to show might throw a shoe, or get sick or hurt, so we cannot have him there for view. It may be reminiscent of dance recital times.

Regardless of last-minute crises, it is hoped that you can come and see the event. It's free of charge and open for all.

Have a great week, and join the equines at Turtle Park, if you're able to do so.

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.