One way to enjoy the lush green forests and crystal clear lakes of Michigan is to travel down the trails on horseback. If you desire to get away from cities, traffic and the daily routine, consider booking time at a resort that specializes in getting you saddled up and on the nature trail. Another option: skip the five-star accommodations and go camping, horseback-style.
Mackinac Island
Book a stay at the famous Grand Hotel on Michigan's Mackinac Island. Leave your car behind. The only modes of transportation permitted on the island are bicycles or a horse-drawn carriage. Stables are close to the hotel. Mackinac has more than 40 miles of trails. Some 600 horses inhabit the island. Stable personnel will match a horse to your level of expertise.
Mackinac, an environment that celebrates horses, throws a festival every July to celebrate the engaging equine. Events include a parade, a showmanship clinic and pony rides for the kids.
Child-Friendly Resorts
Double JJ Resort in Rothbury caters to children, where even the youngest equestrian can enjoy a supervised pony ride. The ranch offers adults and children age 10 to 17 two trail rides per day for each night's stay. Lodging at the resort ranges from one-bedroom condominiums to family-sized cabins. The 60,000-square-foot aquatic areas complete with one of Michigan's tallest water slide is an indoor facility. Kids can compete is a game of water basketball or enjoy the wave pool year-round. Seasonal packages offer special pricing.
Northern Michigan
Michigan's Upper Peninsula is a vast area of natural beauty populated by forests, mountains and waterfalls, and bordered by three of the Great Lakes. Trail riding in the Hiawatha National Forest is a tranquil way to enjoy the scenic lake shores and wooded trails. If you plan a vacation during late autumn or early winter, you can still take advantage of a holiday on horseback. Visitors can enjoy the fall colors or fresh snow while riding through the woods, as horse rentals are available at local stables through January.
Equestrian Camping
Seven Michigan state parks welcome equestrian campers. Michigan horse owners must comply with the one-time negative Equine Infectious Anemia test. If you trailer your horse in, a current negative Coggins certificate is mandatory. Elk Hill Equestrian State Forest in the Lower Peninsula provides a natural rustic setting. Bring your horse, tent or small RV and camp next to the Shore-to-Shore Riding/Hiking Trail. This 400-mile trail system connects Lake Michigan to the shores of Lake Huron. Brighton Recreation Area offers 18 miles of bridle trails. Rent horses on-site and camp in the park's modern or rustic campsites.
Equestrian Camps
Day camps that teach riding and respectful care of horses make a memorable summer vacation experience for children. Crown V Ranch in White Lake runs weekly programs for children. Ranch hands take kids on trail rides, teach riding safety and animal grooming. Other activities at Crown V include swimming, crafts and nature talks.
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