
MEET OUR HORSES
Mackinac Horsemen’s Association strives to build positive, confident, and trusting relationships between horse and human. We believe this is integral to the growth and development of equestrians while also nurturing the values of Mackinac Island. We promote this through our lesson program, 4H program, on site clinics, shows, demonstrations, and our Lease-A-Horse program.
Each horse in our program serves a portion of the Mackinac Horsemen’s Association Mission Statement and offers the opportunity for skill improvement. Lesson horses range in size and ability, and are school masters in their discipline. These horses have been carefully selected to sustain a flourishing lesson program and create a valuable learning experience for our students.
Our lesson program is founded on proper horsemanship, use of aids, and safety for riders. We believe it is essential that our students have the proper tools and skills to build a trusting and confident relationship with their horse. Lessons range from beginner to intermediate/advanced and we focus on both English and Western Dressage. Here at Mackinac Horsemen’s Association each rider is given one on one attention and is started from the basics to provide a firm foundation in their experience as an equestrian.
Scroll over the photos below to learn more about our horses!

BLAZE
Breed: Haflinger Pony
Color: Chestnut
Height: 12 Hands
Birth year: 1992
Favorite Hobby: Eating
Blaze is an island favorite. He is a school master in both driving and riding. He is a great pony for our beginner riders and young horse enthusiasts who are new to equestrian sports.

ELLIE
Breed: Grade
Owner: MHA
A show lesson horse who loves jumping and takes care of her kids. Ellie is the perfect horse for riders of all ages, disciplines, and knowledge.
CHESTER
Breed: Welsh Cross
Color: Bay
Height: 12.3 Hands
Birth year: 2001
Favorite Hobby: Eating Carrots
Chester is a bombproof lesson horse. He came from Dressage background and was used as a lesson pony for a number of years. Chester loves being groomed and is new addition for our youth riders.

COMMANDER
Breed: Fell / Pinto Cross
Color: Black and White
Height: 13.3 Hands
Birth year: 2010
Favorite Hobby: Playing in the paddock
Commander comes to MHA as a use-lease mount. He is utilized in lessons and 4h. Commander is great for riders who wish to work on their leg aides and suppleness of the bit. He is trained in dressage.
FINN
Breed: Percheron cross Gelding
Birth year: 2008
Owner: Gabrielle Valezano
Finn is a super sweet, steady-Eddie lesson horse who lives for his scratches and treats.

GLADDY
Breed: Quarter Horse
Birth year: 2005
Owner: Makayla Haywood
A retired speed horse, Gladdy gives students the confidence to learn how to trot and cantor while showing his skills as a speed horse to our more advanced riders.

Breed: Thoroughbred
Birth year: 2010
Owner: Bridget Cochran
A retired racehorse, Moose is ready to start a new career of Eventing and teaching! He loves hanging out with his paddock friends and all the scratches he can possibly get!
MOOSE VASKO
ARLO
Breed: Thoroughbred/Standardbred
Birth year: 2003
Owner: Bridget Cochran
A competing eventer, Arlo loves giving first rides to students of all ages as well as showing our older students how to jump a full course in the ring and outside. Arlo’s favorite pastime is swimming in Lake Michigan, and taking anyone through the waves!

MAD-EYE MOODY
Breed: Grade Pony
Owner: Bridget Cochran
From rescue to lesson horse, Mad-Eye Moody is always ready for the next adventure, whether in the show ring, jumping around the cross-country course, or swimming in Lake Michigan!
Mad-Eye Moody is excited to join us this fall after enjoying the summer in Dexter.

Breed: Arabian
Birth year: 2004
Owner: Candi Dunnigan
A retired show mount, Cairo has taken to a new life exploring the island with his owner and discovering dressage and jumping. This season Cairo is brushing up on his lesson skills as a schoolmaster.
JR CAPPUCCINO
"CAIRO"
JR CAPPUCCINO
"CAIRO"

Breed: Halflinger
Birth year: 2012
Owner: Jodi Barno
Tank is discovering a new job this year as a lesson pony and island pony. We are excited to make memories with this sweet guy and see what his future has to offer!