HORSE ASSOCIATION & TRAIL RIDERS NEWS

the popular Saturday night potluck at the pavilion. We look forward to seeing you!

The June members-only Driving clinic with Judi Campbell in Ionia and next day Natural Trail and Obstacle Clinic in Holland with Susan Williams were both huge successes! Thanks to all participants!

Metamora Hunt Club

The 95th Metamora Hunt is hosting two terrific events for the public in August. Be sure to put them on your calendar.

On Sunday, August 6th, the Metamora Hunt will host a trail benefit, The Prized Trail Ride! Come ride your own horse on miles of spectacular trails at the D-BAR-A Scout Ranch for one day only. Over $1000 in raffle prizes and lunch by the Punchy Pony $75 per rider Purchase your tickets at www.metamorahunt.com or take a picture with your smart phone of the QR code in the full size ad in this month's issue of Saddle Up! Magazine.

Organizer, Diane Kangas: 248-842-3094

On Sunday, August 13th, the very popular Annual Metamora Stable Tour is happening in the beautiful Metamora countryside, also known as “Horse Country.” Tour six private stables. Drive in your own vehicle with friends. Noon-4pm. $40 per person, 12 & under $5 with an adult. Cash or check (made out to Metamora Hunt). Purchase your tickets ahead of time at the White Horse Inn, in Metamora, or the day of, at the Metamora Hunt Kennels, located at 5614 Barber Road, Metamora, MI 48455. Your ticket is also your map to the stables.

Organizer, Joe Maday: 586-381-8834

Visit: http://www.metamorahunt.com/

Find us on Facebook: Metamora Hunt

Show & Event Dates

If your association or group has an event coming up, please submit it separately. We will add your shows/events to our online calendar and Facebook pages.

MI FOXTROTTING HORSE ASSOC. What makes Fox Trotters so special? They are a unique combination of squaretrotting and pacing bloodlines from New England, Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia and Missouri. The New England Morgan and Arab trotted, the Rhode Island Narragansett Pacer paced, the Kentucky and Tennessee Saddlebred trotted and gaited, the Tennessee Walking Horse exhibited the running walk or pace and the Standardbred trotted or paced. The combination of these genetic neurologic wirings and breed conformations produced the easy-gaited Fox Trotter who is sure-footed and comfortable to ride in the Ozark mountains and flatlands. The resulting unique fox trot gait is smooth with no bounce due to the fact that there is always one foot on the ground while in second gait. This happens because the horse is doing a trotting footfall with the hind feet and a walking footfall with the front feet. They were bred to chase cattle, pull buggies (or the plow) during the day then demonstrate their gait in the show ring on the weekends. More recently, they are being used for trail riding, Western Dressage, driving, jumping, parades, therapeutic riding, etc. – pretty much anything you want to use them for. They are so versatile.

Speaking of versatility, our association offers a unique Versatility program. You and your Fox Trotter can earn points toward year end prizes for a wide range of activities Visit https://www michigan foxtrottinghorse.com/ to read all about it and sign up.

The Great Lakes National Trail Ride will again be held at the Waterloo Recreation Area in Chelsea, Michigan, July 7th-9th. Camping is available at the Horseman's Equestrian Campground. Reserve your spot via https://midnrreservations.com/ You may also trailer in for the day and park in the day use area. There is a $10 MFTHBA ride fee. Bring a dish to pass for

Last month our affiliate was featured in a webinar hosted by Amber Wilson of the Regional Fox Trotting Horse Foundation which is a 501c3 charity foundation dedicated to supporting the future of the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse. Chuck Fanslow, Susan Williams and I answered questions about how we first got involved with this breed and discussed the different activities that our association offers.

A large contingent of Fox Trotters and their riders have been traversing the trails across Michigan and some beyond into other states exploring the mountains and other trails. They can ride for hours since the gait is so comfortable and the adventure is so inviting

If you would like to find out more about this breed and associated activities, visit our website at: https://www michigan foxtrottinghorse.com/ We invite you to join us. You will qualify for reduced fees for our clinics and can participate in the popular Versatility Challenge.

We are the Michigan affiliate of the Missouri Fox Trotter Horse Breed Association (mfthba.com) based in Ava, MO Our mission is to promote MFTs and to encourage the breeding and training of them, as well as to help their owners learn to enjoy their horses more, through educational clinics, trail rides and discussion. Check out our Facebook page too!

By Marilyn Mannino