Mackinac Community Stable
What's the latest information about the plans for developing a community stable?
Great news! On March 19, 2008 the Mackinac Island State Park Commission leased a parcel of land (across from the Wawashkamo Golf Course) to the Mackinac Horsemen's Association for a community stable. We now have a location and will prepare to launch our Capital Campaign to raise funds for construction of the stable. Funds will be collected through the Mackinac Community Stable Fund at the Mackinac Island Community Foundation.
Members of MHA and the MCSC attended the Mackinac Island State Park Commission meeting in Lansing in support of the community stable project.
(l to r: Maryanke Alexander, Michelle Stuck, Cathy Arbib, Steve Rilenge, Leanne Brodeur and Marta Olson)
President of MHA Cathy Arbib and Steve Rilenge, Co-Chair of the MCSC, sign the MISPC lease
After the park commission meeting, MHA President, Cathy Arbib commented, “The MHA board greatly appreciates the support and encouragement of the Mackinac Island State Park Commission. By providing us this opportunity, the commission allows us to build a facility that will help us fulfill our mission of preserving the unique and historic horse culture of Mackinac now, and for generations to come."
MCSC is now developing a capital campaign committee and more information on fund-raising efforts will be forthcoming. The Mackinac Island Community Foundation recently established a fund in support of the campaign, the Mackinac Community Stable Fund.
What is it?
The Mackinac Horsemen's Association (MHA) and Mackinac Community Stable Committee (MCSC) are committed to the establishment of a community stable with the intent to promote and preserve the unique and historic equine animal culture of Mackinac Island. This community stable shall also provide the environment to educate future generations of Michigan youth and citizens in equestrian training and equine understanding.
Why do we need a community stable?
MHA presently operates from a non-permanent stable owned by various business entities and individuals of the Mackinac Island community. The present stable facility and grounds at the foot of Mission Hill have been graciously provided free-of-charge to MHA for a number of years; however, portions of this property have been slated for residential development of which project work has already begun.
Who is involved?
Mackinac Community Stable Committee
MHA created a committee in July of 2004 to explore the establishment of a permanent community stable on Mackinac Island. The committee consists of a diverse group of individuals from the Mackinac Island community. Many of the committee members have a long history of involvement in equine animal care and equestrian activities.
Members of the committee include:
Jennifer Bloswick
Leanne Brodeur
Brad Chambers
Bart Huthwaite
Kim Kolatski
Jane Manoogian
Trish Martin
Marta Olson
Jim Reitman
Steve Rilenge
Sandra Roe
Dan Wightman
Mackinac Horsemen's Association
MHA is an established 501-3c non-profit organization. It has significantly contributed to the promotion and preservation of the horse culture on Mackinac Island and is well known throughout the community. It is associated with the “4H Youth Group” of Mackinac Island and their families. MHA presently provides education and training in the handling, riding and husbandry of horses. It is actively involved with promotions and fundraising efforts. The organization has also supported other groups and individuals involved in equestrian matters. The association sponsors and participates in multiple Mackinac Island equestrian events throughout the year.
Members of the MHA board include:
Cathy Arbib, President
Maryanke Alexander, Vice-President
Lin Sheppard, Secretary
Michelle Stuck, Treasurer
Lisa Brock, Corresponding Secretary
Trish Martin
Steve Rilence
Leanne Brodeur, Executive Director
Where would the stable be located?
The new community stable will be located on land leased from the Mackinac Island State Park Commission across British Landing Road from the Wawashkamo Golf Course Clubhouse.
View diagram of leased area.
How would the stable and grounds be used?
With the mandate to promote and preserve the unique equine animal culture and its history on Mackinac Island, MHA proposes that the primary usage of the community stable be that of a permanent location and facility for housing horses and providing equestrian education and training.
The MHA believes that a key component in preserving the horse culture in the future is to develop an interest and love of horses in young members of our community. Providing access to horses and proper training is a top priority. Over the past ten years the MHA and 4-H program has provided horse experience to many young people, conducting almost 5,000 equestrian lessons. With 16 pre-schoolers currently enrolled at the public school we anticipate a demand for more lessons in the future. The “4H Youth Group” shall be permanently housed at the community stable.
In addition to meeting these needs, a portion of the total community stable space shall be established for use by the MHA membership – both individuals and families.
MHA shall establish regular classroom programs in equestrian training, equine animal care and understanding to be conducted on-site at the community stable. It shall also sponsor and participate in various equestrian events throughout the year, some of which would be held on the grounds of the community stable.
The general public shall be welcomed to participate in any of these MHA sponsored activities.
How would a community stable impact our community?
The idea for the establishment of a permanent community stable has long been discussed. The concept of such a facility has attracted a strong appeal from a wide range of Mackinac Island supporting groups. These parties include: residents and property owners, city governing officials, members of the business community and Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau, members of the Mackinac State Historic Parks staff and commission as well as the extended community, including its many yearly visitors.
These mentioned entities all share a common thread: a genuine dedication and admiration for the history and natural beauty of Mackinac Island. They are ardent supporters, promoters, and defenders of “everything Mackinac." They are committed to the history, the architecture, the State Park, the island community, the welcomed tourist visitor, and last but not least – the horse culture of Mackinac Island.
In a recent survey conducted by the City of Mackinac Island, preservation of its horse culture was a primary concern and priority of the resounding majority of residents, property owners and visitors. It is held by many that a permanent community stable would not only contribute to the preservation of the horse culture, but by doing so, help continue to promote Mackinac Island as a unique Michigan tourist destination for generations to come. It is widely recognized that the horse culture is a major ingredient to the “Mackinac experience,” where “Horse is King.”
How would the community stable be financed?
The construction of the new community stable facilities will be financed by fund-raising through a Capital Campaign to acquire grants and corporate and private donations through the Mackinac Community Stable Fund at the Mackinac Island Community Foundation.The yearly operation of the community stable shall be funded by various sources. They shall include special contributions from MHA members, as well as contributing sponsors and donors. Programs and special projects are supported by MHA membership which consists of individuals and families from throughout the Mackinac Island community. Membership types include social, regular and patron status levels.
How can I help?
Thanks for your interest in preserving the horse culture on Mackinac Island. You may assist in reaching this goal by:
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