Mackinac Community Stable
Read the letter from Executive Director, Leanne Brodeur, concerning the need for a new community stable. (Dated August 15, 2010)
Click on the following titles for more information:
What's the latest information about the plans for developing a community stable?
How did we acquire the land for the new community stable?
What is it?
Why do we need a community stable?
Who is involved?
Where will the stable be located and what will it be like?
How would the stable and grounds be used?
How would a community stable impact our community?
How would the community stable be financed?
How can I help?
What's the latest information about the plans for developing a community stable?
Mackinac Horsemen's Association is moving forward with its plan to build a community stable and will meet with local contractors late August 2010 to determine budget numbers. Drafts of the proposed stable have been created and MHA plans to ask for approval to begin construction at the Mackinac Island State Park Commission meeting in September 2010. If approved, MHA could begin construction and have the stable built by the beginning of the 2011 season.
The Association is also in the final steps of getting a $450,000 loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Senator Debbie Stabenow has written a letter of support for the loan, and the Association expects it to be official soon. Though MHA hopes it will not have to borrow any money if they can get enough donations and other funding. Committee member Steve Rilenge told the State Park Commission that MHA does not want to build the stable until it can be sustainable.
Michigan State University and the Equestrian extension office and Dr. Karen Waite are working with MHA to develop an internship program for its students to help teach and operate our 4-H program in the summer.
The arena is finished and the perimeter fence is done.
Leanne Brodeur created a PDF presentation showing the progress during 2008. Download it here (8.2M).
Photos taken May 27-June 1 show the work on the perimeter fence constructed around the leased area. Our initial plans are complete with a 100' x 200' multi-purpose arena, a perimeter fence and the transplanting of some trees to create a screen between the property. An archeologist representing the Mackinac State Historic Parks was on-site to oversee the digging done in the fence project.
This first stage was supported by services from Arnold Transit and the Belonga family and crew, donations from the Mackinac Community Stable Committee members and assistance from MHA Stable Manager Brandon Grumm.
In 2008 we launched a Capital Campaign to raise more funds for the construction of the community stable facility and housing for the on-site stable manager. Please visit the Mackinac Island Community Foundation website to donate to the Mackinac Community Stable.
View photos showing the progress at the stable site...
How did we acquire the land for the new community stable?
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.
At the time of signing the lease three years ago, the commission gave MHA a March 19, 2011 deadline to begin construction.
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.
The purpose of the new community stable is to provide more room and a safer facility for 4-H riders.
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:
Maryanke Alexander, President
Michelle Stuck, Vice-President
Jack Armstrong, Treasurer
Lisa Brock, Secretary
Barb Kovalak , Corresponding Secretary
Kim Kolatski
Barb Kovalak
Ann Levy
Tom Phillips
Steve Rilenge
Sandra Roe
Jennifer Wohletz
Leanne Brodeur, Executive Director
Where will the stable be located and what will it be like?
Download a PDF of the above diagrams.
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.
The 7,900 square foot stable will have 10 portable box stalls for 4-H horses on one side and another 10 portable box stalls available for rent on the other side. In the middle there will be restrooms, a utility room, a tack room for equipment, and a multi-purpose room, which can be used as a classroom. Barn doors in the front and rear will be used for air circulation. The stable section of the barn would be constructed like a pole barn with wood posts, beams, and siding and the roof would be 30-year asphalt shingles. The classroom and restroom areas would be constructed of 2x6 studs, insulated walls with drywall, or bead board-type siding. The ceiling in this area would be drywall with insulation above, and the floor would be poured concrete with a concrete foundation.
We intend to have plans in the hands of local contractors late August 2010 for budget numbers. We are planning to present plans and specs to the State Park Commission at the September 2010 meeting, for approval.
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?
MHA is actively looking for other funding to add what it has raised so far. More than $20,000 was raised at the Second Annual Festival of the Horse in late July 2010.
The Association is also in the final steps of getting a $450,000 loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Senator Debbie Stabenow has written a letter of support for the loan and the Association expects it to be official soon. Though MHA hopes it will not have to borrow any money if they can get enough donations and other funding. Committee member Steve Rilenge told the State Park Commission that MHA does not want to build the stable until it can be sustainable.
The Association is looking to fund the project through various ways:
- Grants
- Clinics and workshops
- Festival of the Horse
- Sponsorship and donations
- Leasing of stalls to private horse owners
- MHA membership
- Lessons to new and existing riders
- Renting out the stalls, especially, is expected to help offset the cost for 4-H riders. It costs $2,400 to bring a horse to the island, feed it, and take care of it. With money made from renting the stables, we hopes that the cost for 4-H riders will drop down to $200-$300.
Private donations are accepted through the Mackinac Community Stable Fund at the Mackinac Island Community Foundation.
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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