Bill Text: MI HR0169 | 2019-2020 | 100th Legislature | Introduced
Bill Title: A resolution to declare October 2, 2019, as Equestrian Trails Day in the state of Michigan.
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Democrat 3-1)
Status: (Passed) 2019-10-02 - Adopted [HR0169 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2019-HR0169-Introduced.html
house resolution no.169
Rep. Vaupel offered the following resolution:
A resolution to declare October 2, 2019, as Equestrian Trails Day in the state of Michigan.
Whereas, Michigan equestrian trails are an international attraction celebrating healthy opportunities to connect with nature. Michigan boasts of more than 1,000 miles of trails throughout the state which continue to grow into a beautiful infrastructure where every season is celebrated. The trails offer varied terrain including towering forests, meadows, single and two track, waterfalls, lake swims, river, and creek crossings; and
Whereas, Michigan equestrian trails are beneficial for local communities throughout Michigan by generating substantial economic value through the purchase of land, barns, equipment, trucks, trailers, tractors, supplies, tack, feed, professional services, medicines, and more; and
Whereas, Michigan equestrian trails are the home to charity rides which have raised funds for communities across the state. In Allegan County alone, $270,000 has been raised over the past 45 years; and
Whereas, The world renowned Shore to Shore Trail was established in 1962 and dedicated in 1964 to provide a pathway to travel and camp by horseback across Michigan. The Shore to Shore Trail is over 220 miles long connecting Empire on Lake Michigan to Oscoda on Lake Huron. Michigan Trail Riders Association created and maintains this trail through volunteer efforts and it is protected as a “national treasure”; and
Whereas, Michigan Equestrian Trails are the destination for competitive rides such as competitive mounted orienteering. These rides test your horsemanship, map-reading, and compass skills, and provide enjoyment for all throughout Michigan parks and camps for individuals and teams alike in a family friendly sport; and
Whereas, Great Lakes Distance Riders Association organizes numerous endurance, limited distance and competitive trail rides, open to all and ranging in distance from 15-100 miles. The rides take place on gorgeous trails all over the state of Michigan, from the Brighton State Recreation Area in Brighton to the historic Pine Marten Run trail in the Hiawatha National Forest near Munising, while promoting equestrian competition, partnership, and education; and
Whereas, Michigan equestrian trails offer fox hunts for sport leading to an exciting and educational experience for horses, dogs, and riders. Battle Creek Hunt in Augusta, Metamora Hunt in Metamora, and Waterloo Hunt in Grass Lake make up the three foxhunting clubs in Michigan. Hunts take members over many miles of trails consisting of open meadows, beautiful wooded trails, creek and river crossings, and natural and man-made obstacles. Hunter paces offered by the clubs provide an opportunity for the public to get a taste for the sport while providing a unique training opportunity for their mounts; and
Whereas, Michigan communities are alive and well with equine therapy on Michigan trails. Many facilities like the Cheff Therapeutic Riding Center in Augusta Michigan, Equest Center for Therapeutic Riding, Inc. in Grand Rapids and the Beekman Center in Lansing utilize trails in their lesson programs. Detroit Horse Power includes trail riding in their community outreach program of bringing Detroit youth to interact with horses in a variety of settings. Trail rides provide healthy therapy for individuals with special needs dealing with emotional, mental, physical, psychological, and substance abuse issues. The facilities integrate academic, social, and physical skills using the horse as a catalyst, improving the quality of life, achieving dreams, reaching their highest potential, teaching confidence, leadership, and care for creatures and others; and
Whereas, Michigan equestrian trails have received national attention by the television show “Best of America by Horseback” taking place on Mackinac Island where “horses are king” and the island is “the one and only place in our whole country that operates solely with horse power!” according to the March/April issue of 2019 Cowgirl Magazine; and
Whereas, Michigan equestrian trails are celebrated with numerous riding facilities which allow the non-horse owning public to enjoy the trails via horseback, including Wolf Lake Ranch where guests enjoy over 6,500 acres of hills, valleys, and secluded forest in the Manistee National Forest. Visitors from this guest ranch declare this area as the “best riding ever!”; and
Whereas, Michigan equestrian trails are developed and maintained by many trail associations throughout the state consisting of volunteers working in partnership with state, federal, county, and metropark authorities. These associations have passionately served and volunteered well over $600,000 in hours and effort over the past two years alone. The trail associations advocate tirelessly to bring awareness to the needs of the trail riders in Michigan. Their volunteer hours and donated dollars go toward the creation of trails, maintenance of trails, designing and improving campgrounds and staging areas, construction of campground corrals, fundraising events, building skills courses, and more, for the enjoyment of all; and
Whereas, Michigan equestrian trails are natural resources producing economic value, education, employment, empowerment, emotional, mental, physical, psychological, substance abuse therapy, historical reflections, show, sport, tourism, transportation, and travel; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare October 2, 2019, as Equestrian Trails Day in the state of Michigan.
