The MTRA wants to help you enjoy the sport of horseback riding and your love of the outdoor world in a unique way, by riding the Michigan Riding/Hiking Trail. This trail provides nearly unlimited riding in wilderness areas and provides a way across the state of Michigan through the more civilized areas.
Families from all over Michigan and from other states, especially Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, and from Canada have joined MTRA. They come from all works of life but they share an interest in horses and the out-of-doors.
Riders have many different ideas on how to ride. Some like to amble all day and enjoy the quiet of the woods. Others like to see how quickly they can get from camp to camp and test their endurance. Some like the simple road, others want to jump logs, cross streams, and dodge limbs. Somewhere on the trail is just what you are looking for. Many carry cameras to record the wildlife and scenery.
MTRA hopes to make each member aware of the impact his actions have on the environment. For example, playing with horses in the streams and lakes is enjoyable, but since this contributes to erosion and ruins fish habitat, it is prohibited. It is easy to tie your horse to the nearest tree, but since horses girdle the trees and destroy the roots, they should be tied to a picket line except for brief moments under supervision.
Horses, Hikers, and Motorized Vehicles are not always compatible. As more and more people use the trail, their differing needs have brought problems. The vehicles have eroded the trail and spooked the horses. The horses have contributed to some erosion in a few areas and have caused problems on streams. Hikers have found the going pretty deep at times, and the camps too far apart. Governmental agencies have now separated the non-motorized uses from the motorized wherever possible and the MTRA has worked with them in accomplishing this goal.
Establishing trails, or even keeping what we have, becomes more difficult each year as the north becomes more developed and the wilderness areas become smaller. MTRA maintains constant contact with governmental agencies interested in the trail and offers ideas, work, and money for improvements. Work bees are scheduled for maintenance of camps and trails.
Most of the land on which we ride on is public. We must learn to use this land without hurting it. Conserving the public resources is the best way to safeguard our own interests and the future of the trail.
As required by the by-laws, an annual meeting is held for all members each spring, usually in March, and we try to hold it near the center of the state.
| Summer | Winter |
| Hiking | Dog Sleds |
| Horseback Riding | Cross Country Skiing |
| Bird Watching | Scout Activities |
| Scout Activities |
The MTRA Board of Directors organizes five rides a year. The dates have been permanently set to include the third week in June, and the first full week in October. May and September dates are set yearly. Riders may participate for as many days as desired. Riding is limited to MTRA members. There is a small daily registration fee to offset the costs of the ride. Detailed information about each ride is sent in the February newsletter. Any profit from the rides is spent for improvements on the trail and in the camps.
This is a nine-day ride with three or four layover days.
Riders go shore to shore in nine days with no layover days.
JUNE RIDE (second)
Riders go shore to shore taking two weeks with three or four layover days.
Riders go shore to shore in nine days with no layover days.
Riders ride the north-south trail with one layover day.
Nine days with three or four layover days.
The Board will continue to make changes in the itinerary of the rides as members request them.
| SAFETY & SURVIVAL ITEMS: | FOR YOUR HORSE: | FOR YOU: |
| Guidebook and maps | Rope for picket line | Riding boots |
| Knife | Neck rope | Rubber footwear for wet mornings |
| Canteen/thermos | Extra halter and lead ropes | Rain gear |
| First aid kit and equipment | Extra curb strap | Swimsuit |
| Ace bandages | Saddlebags | Clothes for temperature extremes |
| Compass | Horse blankets or sheets | Extra clothes |
| Whistle | Bucket | Hat with tie down |
| Matches | Rawhide thongs for minor repairs | Colored glasses |
| Flashlight | Hoofpick | Insect repellent (man and horse) |
| Sunburn lotion | Extra salt and/or electrolytes | Fishing equipment |
| Biodegradable soap | Camera | |
| Emergency Shelter | Lawn chairs | |
| Food trays | ||
| Camping equipment as needed |
Preparation and Careof Your Horse for Trail Riding
1. Many hours in the saddle previous to the ride will condition you and your horse to withstand the rigors of long rides in any kind of weather. Fat horses, especially, should be toughened.
2. Extra salt or electrolytes should be given to horses during the ride. After a few days in hot weather they will crave extra salt. Contact your veterinarian for more information.
3. Most horses need shoes for any lengthy ride. Be prepared and do not wait until you get on a ride to look for a farrier.
4. Horse blankets are desirable for cold weather nights and sheets during bug seasons.
5. Bring extra saddle blankets and cinches so you can always use a dry one.
6. DO NOT WATER ANYWHERE UNLESS YOU KNOW IT IS AN APPROVED WATERING PLACE. Many places have poor or no bottoms. Areas with pointed trees are apt to be mucky.
7. Do not canter horses on extremely hot days.
8. You can let your horse get his fill of water at approved watering places on the trail if you are going to continue immediately. If you stop for lunch, water him when you move on.
9. In camp, limit horse's water intake until the horse is cooled down. Always use good judgment watering warm horses.
10. Insect repellents are important during the buggy season.
11. It is essential that the horse's back and cinch area be kept extra clean when you plan to ride long hours.
Leave a trail and trip schedule with someone responsible. Include a description of your rig, your estimated time of return, and what type of equipment you carry. You may wish to notify a forest ranger or sheriff's department.
Carry the 10 essentials
Map Emergency shelter
First aid kit Extra food
Extra clothes Knife
Matches Whistle
Flashlight Compass
Watch for weather. Know the warning signs and treatment of the outdoorsman's No. 1 enemy, hypothermia, also known as exposure. Carry survival information in your head.
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At road crossings and turns in the trail, a square post with a blue top and directional arrow is used
A dot of blue paint on trees and other objects such as utility poles is used on the entire trail. Caution: Blue paint is also used for timber markings and cross-country ski trails.
Trail and Camp Rules And Manners
Dues are $25.00 for renewals and $35.00 for new memberships (for family, which consists of husband, wife, and children under the age of 18). Dues are to be mailed to the secretary. Membership year is January 1 to December 31.
You must be a member 30 days prior to any ride in order to attend the ride. Since we require you to sign a waiver (everyone in your family) or a "Hold Harmless Agreement," and in part it states: "I have read the guide book and understand its rules, ect...." There is no way a person appearing on a ride to join the Association, can truthfully sign this waiver, because they have not had time to read it. This rule was passed to protect the Association.
Membership in the MTRA is required of all persons riding the ride. Michigan Trail Riders Association, Inc. is a non-profit organization. All income over and above expenses is used to improve and promote the Michigan Shore-to-Shore Riding and Hiking Trail.
All guests and/or visitors shall adhere to the following procedures:
a. Registration with Trail Boss. The sponsoring MTRA member of the guest or visitor must accompany the guest or visitor to the Trail Boss camp site to register and execute the necessary guest or visitor forms. This should be done immediately upon the guest or visitor arrival at the camp.
b. Overnight Guests and Visitors. MTRA members may have guests and/or visitors stay overnight in the camp if the guests and/or visitors are properly registered and have paid the required camping fees.
c. Ride Prohibition. Guests and/or visitors shall not ride horses in the camp or on the trails.
d. Rules and Regulations. Guests and/or visitors must obey all MTRA rules and regulations.
To cancel your ride reservation, you must call the MTRA's secretary, Judy, at (517)851-7554 one day prior to scheduled arrival time.
If you have an emergency during the ride, please take your window tag to the Trail Boss, and he will mark your forms for a refund for the days you could not attend. All refunds will be mailed within 30 days of the ride. Please note: sore muscles or anatomy parts will not be considered good reasons for leaving the ride early.
Horses imported to the State of Michigan shall be accompanied by an official inter-state health certificate. It shall be prepared and signed by an accredited veterinarian in the state of origin. Equine shall test negative to an official test for Equine Infectious Anemia with in 180 days before importation. this test is commonly referred to as a "Coggins Test".
You must present your health certificate and negative Coggins to the Trail Boss upon arrival.
For the convenience of our riders, the MTRA has a bus to bring riders back to the old camp after moving their rigs to the new camp. the bus leaves exactly on schedule according to the time on the bus drivers watch.
Bus rules
a. No Smoking
b. No Drinking
c. No Swearing
Bus Passes are necessary to ride the bus. Those that pre-register to ride all the way across the state shall be given their choice on a first-come-first-serve basis for the early or late bus. You must do this on the official registration form and it must be mailed (US or Canadian) to the secretary with all fees enclosed.
Bus Schedule: There will be two runs daily. First run will leave the old camp at 6:00 a.m. and the second run at 8:00 a.m. unless changed at the nightly meeting. Only one member per rig (family) may ride the bus.
6. NIGHTLY MEETING PRIOR TO RIDE
Each evening at 8:00 p.m. (prior to next days ride, September and October rides at 7:00 p.m.), the Trail Boss conducts a meeting to discuss the next days ride. It is important that each person riding attend this meeting. If everyone attends, this certainly would be appreciated.
Be considerate of others attending the meeting. No horses or pets are to be brought to this meeting. This, also , is true when visiting the Trail Boss' rig. No horses or pets.
The hours for the Trail Boss are as follow:
First day of the ride his office will be open for business all day.
All other days his office will be open from 2:00-6:00 p.m.
This will allow the Trail Boss more time to check the camp for other things; such as, properly picked horses, vehicle registrations, dogs on 6-foot leash or chain, ect. Board members will also assist the Trail Boss in checking camps. Please cooperate.
You must check in with the Trail Boss immediately upon arrival in camp. You must register and sign a "Hold Harmless Agreement" on each ride as soon as you arrive (all members of each party). This is a must!
The generator for the water pumps will operate on the even hours only, 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m., and 8:00 p.m.
The pump will run at each start-up until all buckets are filled. For those that fill their rigs, buckets are to be filled first. The pump will not be started in-between these times. A 5000-watt generator is required to run the wells.
9. PARKING SPACE FOR TRAIL BOSS AND BUS DRIVER
Board members have installed cedar posts for the Trail Boss. The space is to be near the pump and shall include a space to picket a horse/horses.
It should be noted that the Bus Driver will be allowed to reserve a space of his/her choosing to park his/her camper.
No other persons shall be allowed to reserve or rope off, mark or block an area for any person.
Ten o'clock (10:00 p.m.) has been designated as the time for quiet. All generators must be shut down at that time. this also pertains to vehicle engines. Please be considerate of others.
The State of Michigan law requires that all dogs must be tied, or on a 6-foot leash or chain at all times and in such a manner that they will not attack people. Dogs may not accompany riders on the trail.
First time your dog is observed off the leash, you will receive a verbal warning.
Second time, you will be asked to take your dog home
Third time, you will be asked to leave the ride
Fourth time, your membership will not be renewed.
Please make your own arrangements for hay. If you order hay from someone, please fulfill your obligation.
Unruly horses, dogs or persons in camp or on the trail, may be asked to leave the ride if deemed necessary by the MTRA Board members. Respect your neighbors right to a good nights sleep. Read your Guide Book and observe all rules of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Forest Service, and the Michigan Trail Riders Association.
Please be considerate of others when driving through camps, drive slowly, do not create dust conditions. Horses must be held to a flat-footed walk in camp (no trotting, cantering, or gaiting).
Your assigned MTRA number should be displayed on the front and rear of your rig. This should be in either three or four inch letters and numbers (example MTRA 0200). This will allow for easy identification of your rig by the Trail Boss.
15. REMINDERS (SEPTIC TANKS, LITTER)
a. Do not dump your septic holding tanks in the campgrounds. All you have to do is ask, and we can tell you where there is a dumping station. Report anyone that you see doing this to the Trail Boss or a Board Member immediately.
b. Please be extra careful not to throw articles of litter along our beautiful trails. If you happen to see a wrapper, bag, can, or whatever, please stop and pick it up. If you see someone littering, let them know. We all work hard for our trails, let's keep them litter free!
16. PORTABLE CORRALS, PICKETING HORSES, AND BRIDLES
Portable corrals are not allowed on the rides. All horses must be picketed. The proper way to picket a horse is: away from trees, trunks, and roots. Picket high, so the horse can just touch his nose to the ground. No slides, and far enough apart so they cannot kick, bite, or tangle with each other.
Horses are to be properly bridled when ridden in camp, or on the trail.
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All new members receive their first set of maps "free" with their membership.
If you need replacement maps during any of our five trail rides, you can purchase them the Trail Boss at $10.00 per set for non-members or $5.00 for members, or you may write to the secretary and he/she will be more than glad to mail them to you, for the same fee.
The bus has a CB Radio and if you need to have any communication with members who do have a CB Radio, please use channel 13, especially when moving rigs.
Contact the Trail Boss immediately. you will be given a window tag and you must sign a "Hold Harmless Agreement." The Trail Boss should not have to find you, it is your responsibility to find the Trail Boss.
$3.00 per day, per person, whether riding or not. Children under 12 exempt when accompanied by a parent or responsible adult. A guest attending the ride but not riding need not be a member. Pre-registration is required of everyone. Every member of your family should want to pay his/her fair share of ride expense by paying for every day he/she is on the ride.
Every individual camper is expected to pay full camping fees where required. If pre-registered for an organized ride, the fees are covered by the MTRA. If you do not, citations will be issued by the Department of Natural Resources or the U.S. Forest Service.
Those who want to move their rigs up to the next campsite each morning will be brought back to the previous camp (to the horses) by MTRA bus. The bus will make two runs each day unless indicated otherwise by the Trail Boss. The bus will collect passengers at the new camp.
Follow directional arrows when entering camps and park accordingly. Take time to park with easy evacuation in mind, in case of fire.
If you do not know the way to the next camp, check with the Trail Boss regarding a convoy and maps. The maps have the horse trail and vehicle directions marked in different colors. All those in a convoy must keep watch on the driver behind ans stop if he/she is not following. When traveling in a convoy, turn your headlights on!
Doctors, Veterinarians, and Farriers present are on vacation. Please pay them for services they may render as they are not hired by the MTRA.
Remember all horses kick occasionally. Leave room to prevent accidents. If your horse kicks, tie a red ribbon in the tail. Do not meet or pass horses at a fast gait. Slow down and ask permission to pass. Pass with care.
When watering horses, do not ride off until all have had time to drink. When watering horses in streams, be careful to approach where you will not break down the river banks and cause erosion.
Approach horse watering places with caution. Many lakes and streams are surrounded by soft and boggy ground that could mire a horse.
When watering in camp, use a bucket at a distance away from the pump.
Bring your own. MTRA is no longer responsible for having a caterer on the rides. There are businesses close enough to the camps to purchase supplies as you go.
Only a rider, on a horse, riding on the trail, on designated days, and registered with the MTRA, may receive the official trophy and certificate for crossing the state. If you are riding for a trophy (June and September rides only), be sure to mark the box "Trophy" on the official registration form.
There are four publications: February, April, August, and December. The trail ride registrations and information is mailed to current members only, with the April and August newsletters. They are mailed first class, so all of you should receive them with no problems. You must notify the secretary of your address change.
It is your responsibility to notify the secretary of any change of address, or change in family status. This is very important.
In case of an emergency during the trail ride, if your relatives need to contact you, please have them get in touch with either the Sheriffs Department or the State Police post in the county that the ride is in. The counties are listed in your guide book after the name of the camp. Both the police agencies are aware of our trail ride and know how to get in touch with us.
Be careful with fire. Check with governmental agencies for permission to build fires during dry seasons. Cut only dead wood. Be sure fire is out before leaving camp. Build fires in designated site whenever possible.
Keep your fire small. Carefully remove a layer of topsoil with plants intact and save this piece of sod. There should be no smoking on the trail when ground cover is extremely dry.
All fires must be put out at night. The last person at the campfire must see that the fire is completely out. The individual who lets his/her fire get out of control is completely responsible for any liability. The MTRA is not responsible.
Do not leave camp in the morning until your fire is dead out!