Splashing along the fresh waters of Lake Michigan with the beautiful dunes and expansive sky is a dream for many people. Shoreline horseback riding at Silver Lake State Park (SLSP) in Mears, has now become a reality during the Michigan Shoreline Horseback Riding Season from Nov. 1-30 every year.
After experiencing shoreline horseback riding in Mexico, Michigan Trails Advisory Council (MTAC) Equestrian Representative and the SW MI Equine Trails Subcommittee (ETS) Representative Jenny Cook was inspired to bring similar opportunities to the Lake Michigan shoreline. After researching public lands with miles of shoreline, Cook approached the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) and asked permission to horseback ride the Lake Michigan shoreline at selected state parks. She communicated the desires of equestrians and explained the emotional, mental and physical benefits of horses for people. Cook also conveyed the positive economic impact horses and horse owners provide to communities.
She and her daughters, Jena Cook and Lynsey Cook, spoke with Michigan legislators at the Michigan Equine Legislative Day at the Michigan Capitol in Lansing, explaining pro-horse information and the need for more horse-friendly areas in Michigan. Jenny offered horse rides to the MDNR for the Department to also experience shoreline horseback riding firsthand. Grace Adventures/Paradise Ranch provided horse rides for the MDNR, which they thoroughly enjoyed. The MDNR decided to explore possibilities with pilot rides. Back Country of Michigan, Grace Adventures/Paradise Ranch, Jenny Cook, Kristy Mosher and Michigan Horse Council hosted the pilot rides.
A team of volunteers was organized to welcome participants, guide horseback riders to the SLSP Lake Michigan shoreline, and pick up the manure. Hoping to further promote these opportunities, Jenny hired professional photographers to film and photograph these “bucket list” rides for future promotions. She even enlisted the help of David Lorenz, former Vice President of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation/Pure Michigan, to promote these opportunities.
Shoreline horseback riding at the Silver Lake State Park is becoming a “must do” for many equestrians. Equestrians hauled their horses from Arizona, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Wisconsin and more to Oceana County to experience the thrill of horseback riding the Lake Michigan shoreline and SLSP dunes. There were even some riders from France and Germany! Many riders saw eagles perched on the beach. Equestrians from a variety of disciplines including English, Western, Dressage, Polo and more all enjoyed these opportunities which helped to build and unite the equestrian communities. Beautiful horses of various breeds, colors, patterns and sizes could be seen in every direction. Equestrians loved their rides and are eager for more visits. They enjoyed picture-perfect fall weather conditions with beautiful colors to start the month off, and a blanket of snow finished the Shoreline Horseback Riding Season.
Another important detail that makes these opportunities very special is the fresh waters of Lake Michigan. Fresh water provides a resource for horses to get a drink, be refreshed, and keep on running. The fresh waters of Lake Michigan make these shoreline horseback riding opportunities some of the best shoreline horseback riding opportunities in the world!
Horses along the Lake Michigan shoreline is not a new idea in Oceana County. Many of us have fond memories of the Old Trails Stables that offered these opportunities over 50 years ago. Also, the SLSP dunes were logged by people with horses to help rebuild Chicago after The Great Chicago Fire in 1871. So, these opportunities provide both cultural and historical reflections.
In 2024, SLSP Manager Jody Johnston and his team took over full management of the Shoreline Horseback Riding Season, which created more employment opportunities.
These are bring-your-own-horse opportunities with MDNR reservations. Reservations are available on the MDNR website. Reservations for the November SLSP Shoreline Horseback Riding season open at 8 a.m. on Sept. 1 annually. Reservations are $10 per horse, and a State of Michigan Recreation Passport/vehicle is required. There are 125 horse reservations available per day from November 1-30 each year. Many days throughout November were sold out. Many riders anxiously watched the MDNR Reservation website for cancellations so they could make a reservation.
The Oceana County Fairgrounds were host to many riders. Stalls, water, bedding and camping were available. Some turned out their horses in the arena. Many equestrians rode on the grounds. Equestrians arrived in large trucks and horse trailers with living quarters. Some riders stayed in hotels, others reserved an Airbnb. Restaurants were busy, and many fueled up for the drive home. Over 2,500 equestrians and horses came to the SLSP dunes during the month of November. Many expressed how they loved the little town of Hart, the eateries, the Tin Man and the hospitality. Other riders stayed at Double JJ Resort where they were able to ride their trails through the Electric Forest.
More Michigan Shoreline Horseback Riding information and beautiful pictures can be found on the Michigan Shoreline Horse Friends Facebook page and website at michiganshorelinehorsefriends.com.
Equestrians are creating more horse-friendly opportunities all over Michigan in both the Upper and Lower Peninsulas. Linear parks, trails, and state and federal lands are becoming more horse friendly. Please visit michiganhorsetrailsassociation.com to learn about the Michigan Horse Trails Association, which is “A united voice for Michigan horse trails,” for horse camping, events, rentals, trails, volunteer friends’ groups and more information.
Special thanks to Jenny Cook for her assistance with this article and the Shoreline Horseback ride at SLSP.
