H ASSOCIATION & TRAIL RIDERS NEWS

IONIA HORSE TRAILS ASSOC., CONT.

campsites, so...if you have a preference where you'd like them installed, or a preference where you Do Not want corrals installed, please let us know

We have plotted out the path for Phase 2 of the Ionia Confidence Course. Previous plans had been to build in 2023. We have decided keep the path mowed this year so riders can travel it and pack the soil before we build obstacles Riders are welcome to start using the path to go from day staging to the Phase 1 course. The path will pick up from the trail just across the road from day staging, then take the first right (presently it is marked by pink ribbons in sets of two –stay between the ribbons). Trail staff will keep the trail brush hogged so you can easily find the path next season.

After our annual meeting of 2022, we have 2 available seats on our board, so if you'd like to contribute a bit of time and be part of the improvements at Ionia, please reach out to any board member, or tag us at Ionia Horse Trails - IHTA on Facebook, or simply show up at a meeting. That would be great!

When reserving online, remember your first click is on the “Equestrian” tab on the right side of the first page, then you can select our horse camp.

MAYBURY STATE PARK TRAIL RIDERS ASSOCIATION (MSPTRA)

Hi, trail riders! If you haven’t already, please take a few minutes to sign up for your yearly MSPTRA Membership! Join and pay online, or print the membership form and mail it in. Our fees have not gone up and we appreciate the support!

The Michigan Horse Expo is coming up soon in March. We plan on sharing a table with the Kensington and Proud Lake Trail Riders Associations. Stop by and say ‘Hello’!

Remember to mark your calendars for our fall ride which will take place on Sunday, October 22, 2023. We look forward to a great turnout like last year!

Recently, we have received a last minute inquiry for taking over the riding stables facility at the park. Fingers crossed that this one is successful! If you or anyone you know that might be interested, please contact Traci at: sincockt@michigan.gov

MI FOXTROTTING HORSE ASSOCIATION

THREE DAY PARKING

AREAS:

1) Normal Day Staging; 2) Go past the day staging parking lot to the “Barn Lot” on the same side of the road; 3) There is also a new option to access the west end of the park more easily! It is still signed as the X Country Ski Trail, just before the beach entrance (on the opposite side of the road) when entering the park. Park staff enlarged the parking area to hold four or five horse size rigs, but this is not a parking area suitable for BIG rigs. The drive entry is not wide, and the turn around area is not huge. If your rig is more than 30 feet or you lack backing skills, this may not be a good option. Please park like you expect the lot to be full when you come back. Leave room for others and plan for all rigs to be able to exit safely

If you encounter a situation on the trails, please let the park staff know as soon as you can by calling 616.527.3750. Let us know if you think we can be of help. We all work together as best as we can to keep the trails clear. You can ask questions or report trail issues on our Facebook page: Ionia Horse Trails - IHTA

We would not want this great facility to be left unused.

Please remember that there is NO hunting at Maybury State Park. Another great reason to ride in our park during the winter months!

Check out all the new updates to the website at www.mayburytrailriders.org

Continue to follow us on Facebook for updates on the trails, events and general news going on in the park. Feel free to post pictures from your rides!

Happy Trails!

~ Mary Nader

Announcing the 2022 Versatility Challenge winners: For the Under Saddle division (adult) Georgi Carleton on Joey earned the most points and Carrie Carpenter was the high point-earner for the Ultimate Horseman Division (adult). There were no entries in the Not Under Saddle Division for Adult or Youth. Congratulations to both Georgi and Carrie!! The MFHA is proud of all of the rest of the members who participated and accomplished a variety of activities as well. Registrations are now being accepted for the 2023 Versatility Challenge. Read the rules on our website and see the different ways in which you can start learning and doing things with your horse. Yes, you can do lots of different activities during the cold winter months and get credit for them. You will get alot accomplished with your horse and earn prizes along the way This program is motivating and fun! Go to the Activities section of michiganfoxtrottinghorse.com to read about the three challenges for Adult and Youth and find the registration forms. Once your registration form is received, you will be invited to join the private 2023 Versatility Facebook group where you will post your activities and points which will help you qualify for quarterly and year-end awards. The high point awards are usually embroidered jackets or can be a speciallydesigned belt buckle.

New and renewing MFHA memberships are being accepted now Meet new friends with Fox Trotters! Learn how to train and gait better. We do lots of things together, such as educational clinics with known clinicians, camping and trail rides and showing. Go to the michiganfoxtrottinghorse.com website and click on the Membership Application button to print your form. Your support will provide needed funds to help us to promote the Fox Trotter breed, as well as to assist in educating people about this breed, teach proper gaiting and support the variety of activities that can be done with them. Fox Trotters are rock stars in versatility! Plus your membership qualifies you for discounts at our various clinics and with our