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Wonderful news article in the Livingston News... http://www.livingstondaily.com/article/20090419/NEWS01/904190322/1002/rss01 There is also a photo gallery link. Here's the article: Sherri Richardson wants state lawmakers to recognize that horse trail riding isn't just for "old bluehairs" anymore.The girls, ages 12-17, will be representing Michigan's young trail riders at the meeting. (photo gallery)
Richardson said trail riders pump a lot of money into the economy from state trail and camping fees, and some invest as much as $100,000 on trucks and trailers for long hauls.
That's not to mention the cost of veterinary and other services.
"To close down our trails, it's like, why? We just want to be recognized that there are still a huge amount of us out there," Richardson said.
"I'm certainly doing my share. I'm putting money into this community," she added.
Livingston County, with its vast, open areas and sprawling state parks, is a destination for trail riders.
The state expends significant dollars in often-expensive trail maintenance.
To offset those costs as well as other expenses, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources has closed riding trails, including one along the Pigeon River near Cheboygan. Livingston County trails don't appear to be on the chopping block, Richardson said, but that is always a possibility.
"That's what we're worried about," she said.
Richardson lives on her ranch, where she owns about 20 horses and boards another 10.
She bought her Spears Road home due to its proximity to trails at the Pinckney State Recreation Area and the Lakelands Trail.
Despite the state's move to close trails, the Michigan Trail Riders Association's efforts to encourage youth trail riding is apparently taking hold — including at Horse'N Around Stables. Richardson said, if nothing else, trail riding teaches young riders the definition of hard work and self-reliance.
A case in point is the upcoming 17-day, 250-mile Shore-to-Shore ride from Lake Michigan to Lake Huron, organized by the Michigan Trail Riders Association.
Richardson's students fall in the beginner, intermediate, advanced, cadet or junior wrangler classes. Only junior wranglers are eligible for the cross-state ride.
In June, Richardson will take six girls on the Shore-to-Shore ride, which will begin in Empire and conclude in Oscoda. The Michigan Trail Riders Association began the summer tradition during the 1950s, and in recent years has attempted to recruit younger riders into the sport.
Yet the ride isn't for the faint of heart.If riders can't pull their own weight or prove they can lug up to 60-pound bales of hay, they're not going. Riders must have both stamina and the ability to control their horses under duress.
"It is an adventure, and it is the hardest thing that they are ever going to have to do. I am hard on these kids, but I have to know everything about them to know that they can do it, can make it," Richardson explained.
Richardson said her younger students look up to older students, particularly those who qualify for the Shore-to-Shore ride.
"This is what they want to do someday. This is what they're hoping they're going to be," she said.
Contact Daily Press & Argus reporter Christopher Behnan at (517) 548-7108 or at cbehnan@gannett.com.
I did write a letter to Christopher with additional info about HB 4610; Pigeon River; etc. I sent him the Press Release and background info.
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