2026 Equine Camp ‘N’ Ride a success
Michigan Trails and Recreation Alliance of Land and the Environment 2026 Equine Camp ‘N’ Ride participants are pictured. (Courtesy photo)
One of he horses involved in the ride takes a break. (Courtesy photo)
Michigan Trails and Recreation Alliance of Land and the Environment 2026 Equine Camp ‘N’ Ride participants are pictured. (Courtesy photo)
One of he horses involved in the ride takes a break. (Courtesy photo)
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MASS CITY -- MI-TRALEs, Michigan Trails and Recreation Alliance of Land and the Environment, 2026 Equine Camp 'N' Ride was held in the Courtney Lake Recreation Area on The Ottawa National Forest in Mass City Saturday on Aug. 8. It was also part of the Upper Peninsula Trail Horse Association's "Mitten Challenge."
This challenge is where the equestrian takes a selfie in front of the sign of the location they'll be riding in and sends it on to UPTHA. They're looking for riders who have been to the most events in Michigan. UPTHA has established a long list of events to help promote equestrian recreation in Michigan. Equestrians have been participating in this state-wide challenge throughout 2026 and MI-TRALEs Camp 'N' Ride was one of those events.
This year, MI-TRALE welcomed nine horses and riders along with six others who camped and helped to set up a common fireside potluck dinner. Several participants arrived on Aug. 7. There were a couple of rides on Friday, followed by some fireside visits and a strong thunderstorm.
It rained through the night, but by morning the weather had quieted. This allowed for two rides Saturday morning and an evening ride after the 5:00pm potluck dinner. This pleased everyone as people's main focus in attending was to ride. There was a small table full of gifts for the horses provided by sponsors and individuals.
All riders were from out of the area: Minnesota, Wisconsin and across Michigan. These guests commented on how nice the trails were, how well marked they were and how beautiful it is at Courtney. Everyone plans to come back.
Several also traveled nearby and rode the well-known Bill Nichols Trail over the Firesteel River on the Triple Trestles. They were happy to experience more of the beauty of the Western Upper Peninsula.
Attendees took time to relax as well and let their horses take a well-deserved nap. Some equestrians stayed a couple of extra days because they just did not want to leave!
"It was a great time together at the 2026 MI-TRALE Camp 'N' Ride,” said MI-TRALEs equine director, Cathy Wainio. “We hope to see you next time!"