30 Riders Join Horse Show

Above: Costume Class entrants await judging. Places for the event are decided upon creativity and originality. From left is Adrienne Rilenge as "A Hippie," led by Steve Rilenge, earning fourth place; Rachel Spitzer as "A Doctor," led by Lisa Brock; Sarah Spitzer as "Butterfly Fairy," led by Ann Silverman, earning first place, and Kyra Kolatski as "Princess Jasmine," led by Jessica Beaune, earning second place.

The Mackinac Horsemen's Association hosted the 38th Annual Mackinac Island Horse Show at Great Turtle Park Sunday, August 17. Thirty adults and children participated in the event.

Participants had the opportunity to take part in 12 events, most separated into age divisions: nine through 12, 13 through 18, and adult. Events ranged from the silly, such as the Costume Class, to the more serious English Equitation. Entrants with the most successful results for the day, as determined by placement in the events, were dubbed Champions in either Western or English riding.

The show serves more as a learning experience than anything else, said Maryanke Alexander, Mackinac Horsemen's Association president.

Adrienne Rilenge (right) and Claire Dunnigan (above) sport formal English riding gear for the English Equitation class. Adrienne displays her first place ribbon and trophy from the nine- to 12-year-old division of the event. Claire won first place in the 13- to 18-year-old division.

"The confidence that the show gives to young and adult riders is worth everything," Ms. Alexander said. "The judge, Moira Martinchek, is wonderful. She gives suggestions on how to improve to everyone."

Leanne Brodeur, director of the Island's 4-H Club and coordinator of the horse show, called the day a success.

"It's always a great event," Ms. Brodeur said. "It's for the kids. They show a lot of showmanship and have a great time."

Judging results will be reported in a future issue.