Riding a horse in Michigan these days seems to be one heck of a battle. Living in a small town outside of Grand Rapids, called Allendale, makes it no different then any where else in Michigan. My home is located on 7 acres bordered by State Land. Many of you have seen my posts, "From my Back Window". What you see in the back is all state land. Most would think I couldn't have a more perfect place to ride . . .NOT!
Three years ago it was owned privately, but we had secured permission to ride the land as long as it wasn't during hunting season--not a problem . .who wants to be out in the woods with gun's going off? Then the state came in and bought the land in connection with Duck's Unlimited. Stupidly, we were ecstatic thinking we would now be able to ride anytime we wanted. The first day the land was owned was January 1. We headed out with a neighbor to enjoy the river and the beautiful snow in the trees only to be stopped by a DNR representative and told to get off! WHAT??!?!?!!
Apparently, the land was to be used as a duck preserve and we weren't allowed on it. The next day there were signs on the back of our property with no horses on them. We talked to everyone we knew who was with Duck's Unlimited, and we knew a lot people. Not one person we talked to cared if we were on the land as long as . . you guessed it . . not during hunting season!! Not a problem!!!
Riding a horse has become such a big deal. Everyone is so scared of being sued. About 4 miles from me is Bass River Recreation area an Equestrian riding area in Allendale, MI. It is actually a part of the land that is behind me. The problem is, we have to hook up the trailer to the truck and load everything up. There is a way there by skirting privately owned land but more than half of the people didn't want us to ride on their land for fear of being sued.
Here in Michigan it has gotten out of control and we are fighting for our right to ride!
Recently, the state all but closed one of the most beautiful riding areas in Michigan. Pigeon River State Forest had one premier riding areas in the state of Michigan. Not only were there miles and miles and miles of trails but there were also sightings of the majestic elk. It the most incredible feeling to ride up to one of those animals--I know . .I've done it! Our state forests are being closed to us one by one by one!
Why do you ask are they closing the state parks to horses? The DNR has claimed user conflict because the horses are transferring noxious weeds and in the case of Pigeon River, are driving the elk from the land. WHAT?!?!!
First of all,horses were here before the all the government rules and land use acts. Our heritage started on horses. Transportation was by horse. Police, firemen . .everyone used horses. Before the existence of cars, man depended on horses. Horses and men have coexisted for years on the same land. I am pretty sure that horses in the 1800's also ate and hence left road apples. Now it is all about horses transferring noxious plants with their road apples.
On Saturday, February 7, 2009, I will travel to Midland to attend a meeting in which they will be laying the foundation for a group called TRAM "Trail Riders Alliance of Michigan". It will be held at Dow Diamond (825 E. Main, Midland)from 2-5 pm. If you would like to fight for your right to ride, please join us as we form an alliance so that we can preserve our right as one united voice.
Photos Courtesy of Seattle Municipal Archives, Claudia Crane's via Flcikr Lady on horse is blog writer
All rights reserved-Tami Vroma- Grand Rapids Michigan Real Estate Agent
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