RequireThe Michigan Horse Council is seeking additional individuals to fill two open Director positions on their board. Directors will be responsible for the following aspects of Michigan Horse Council...

• a. Hold an annual meeting immediately following the annual membership meeting in April of each year;
• b. Implement policies and procedures relating to the general business of the Corporation;
• c. Implement standing rules as are essential to the interests and objectives of the Corporation;
• d. Create and appoint committees;
• e. Elect officers, and hire with compensation as needed employees or engage contractual consultants;
• f. Review annual reports submitted by the committees;
• g. Review and approve for filing the draft of the Corporation’s Form 990 series return prepared by the Treasurer;
• h. Ensure that the Treasurer has filed the Corporation’s Michigan Annual Report;
• i. Ensure that the President has filed an annual renewal of the Corporation’s Michigan charitable solicitation registration;
• j. Invest the Corporation’s permanent funds, and supervise expenditures of the Corporation’s funds;
• k. Establish and monitor the Corporation’s dues structure;
• l. Approve or reject applications for Membership into the Corporation;
• m. Interpret and enforce the Corporation’s Bylaws and Articles of Incorporation;
• n. Take any other necessary or desirable actions permitted by law;
• o. Maintain and establish endowments, from time-to-time.

Requirements include that you must be a member of a qualifying Orgnization that holds a current membership with MHC. Additionally, this Orgnization must support your intent of serving as a director on the MHC Board. 
 
If interested please complete a short letter of interest and upload below by October 18th. The current Board will review and be in contact with further direction. Thank you for your interest.

The Michigan Equine Legislative Day was started three years ago by Colonel Don Packard, Michigan Horse Council President.  The mission for this event is to educate our state leaders about the diversity of the Michigan equine industry by showcasing the variety of equine professions, associations, businesses, and educational and therapeutic opportunities.
 
The 2020 event was held exclusively on the Capitol lawn stretching from the parking spaces in front of the lawn up to the Capitol steps where attenders could enjoy country music and dancing.  Presentations from Michigan equine leaders took place under the tent from 9 - 11 am and 1 - 3 pm.  From 11 am - 1 pm our equine vendors and leaders visited with our Michigan legislators about various aspects of the equine industry.  Two media groups were on site to capture interviews to further help promote the equine industry.  Thank you to Mi Farm Bureau's Janelle Brose for being onsite and developing some fantastic media pieces featuring equine issues which you can see on their MFB Mi Farm News 5 Facebook posts on Fridays and their weekly MFB email newsletter.  We also thank Doug Damon with Davidson Blake Production and Bill Hall from Podium Video for taping interviews to develop a 15 min documentary on the Mi equine industry.
 
The Michigan Horse Council would like to thank these individuals for helping us present a diverse glimpse of the economic impact, opportunities, and blessings that horses provide to Michigan youth, families, associations, businesses and communities.
 

• Rep. Dr. Hank Vaupel - Host for the 2020 Mi ELD event
• Rep. Julie Alexander - Secretary of the Ag Committee
• Michigan High School Rodeo - Sam Bennett, Trey, Ky and Brandy Casey
• Michigan Little Britches Rodeo - Jess Hiebert, Queen  and Kenzie, Kirkpatrick,
• Princess Michigan Harness Horseman's Association - Crystal Serra
• Michigan Interscholastic Horseman's Association - Jo Kosanic
• Lansing School District Equine Riding Center - Julie Vruggink, MHC Youth Chair
• Dave Hallock, Farrier Tribute Feeds - Tracy and Carrie
• Captain Jesse Loudenslager and Magnum from Clare County Sherriff's Dept. and Search and Rescue Team
• Dr. John Shelle - Mi Equine Promotion Fund
• Carlene Davis - Mi Draft Horse Breeders Assn.
• Jenny Cook - Mi Equine Trail System Connie Gentry Carriages, Grand Rapids, Mi.
• Ovid Elevator, Ovid, Mi.
• Gail Johnson and Tim Bunce - Bemer Products and Quarter Moon Farm
• Denise Webber -Nottawa Paint Horses and Denise Adel Photography
• Trish Jegla - Homeschool equine programs
• Dance INstitute of Lansing - Glen Packard Jamison - Country Music

Michigan Horse Council Board and members:

•   Colonel Don Packard, MHC President and Event Coordinator
•   Tammy Tyler, Admin and Event Coordinator
•   Jean Ligon, MHC President Elect
•   Inger Lanese, MHC Director
•   Marci Charest, MHC Director
•   Sasha Glover, MHC Communications Chair
•   Chloe Harris, MHC assistant
•   Bruce Deur, MHC member

We also thank our attenders from various groups who were on hand to visit and network with our Michigan leaders sharing your passion about horses and your associations.  
 
Thank you to Tracy Mohnke with Tribute Feeds, Brighton Trail Riders and Jenny Cook with the Mi Equine Trail System for their financial support towards the 2020 Mi ELD event.  We look forward to seeing everyone again on Tuesday, September 21st,  2021! 

One of the steps that the Michigan Horse Council is taking to invest in the future of the Michigan horse industry is to hire on a part-time administrator who will assist with membership, event planning, meetings, promotions and networking. 

Tammy Tyler’s roots run deep within the Michigan Horse Council and the Michigan Horse Expo.  Tammy has grown up in the equine and western industries through her family’s 55 year old business, Tom’s Western Store located in Ovid, Mi.  Tammy has been active in the show industry through the MQHA, CMHA, LMHA, MIHA, 4H and open show circuits herself as well as her daughter, Kaitlyn.  Tammy has been a MIHA coach and a 4H leader. 

Most recently she just completed three dedicated years at Michigan High School Rodeo competitions where her daughter has competed at the state and national levels.  Developing and enriching equine organizations is a skill set Tammy has learned from her parents, Tom and Sharon Tyler, who were founding members of the Michigan Horse Council and Expo. 

​Carrying on the torch as the Michigan Horse Council Administrator is an honor for Tammy as she partners with our Michigan equine leaders, associations and competitors throughout the state and nationally.  Michigan has a strong equine community and Tammy is here to help you be a part of the Michigan Horse Council!

This year’s Michigan Horse Council Volunteer of the Year award goes to an individual that has played a unique role in the development of the Michigan Horse Council as well as Michigan Trails. Through adversity, growth, and accomplishments this individual has continued to be at the forefront with her unwaivered willingness to help.

The Michigan Horse Council is proud to award the 2020 Volunteer of the Year award to Sue Armstrong.

Sue’s initial involvement with the equine industry started with the Michigan Trails and riding for the past 30 years. At the age of 35 Sue would own her first horse. Her dream was to always camp and ride with her horses and husband and this was achieved through the Michigan Trails.

Sue has been the President of the Pinckney Trail Riders for the past 10 years. Her passion for trails has been driven by seeing improvements and advances with the facilities of trails throughout the State of Michigan.

Throughout the past ten years Sue has become more involved with the Michigan Horse Council with recently serving as a board of director as well as serving as treasurer currently. Sue has been very active with the Michigan Horse Council through implementing modern accounting programs. Through the implementation of these programs it will set the Council up for future success.

Her passion for the Horse Council is driven by the cohesive voice that the Council has to provide within the equine industry along with the benefits it provides to the individuals within the industry such as trails, scholarship opportunities, and various other segments.

Sue is thankful for all the individuals that have done so much and would like to specifically thank Colonel Don Packard and Jean Ligon for their continued leadership and wealth of knowledge that has been provided to the Horse Council. Sue is also greatly appreciative for all industry partners that have influenced her success.

Sue would like to thank her husband of 41 years, Ray Armstrong for his continued partnership and supporting her through all the various projects.
​
Congratulations to Sue Armstrong, 2020 Michigan Horse Council Volunteer of the year award! 

Join us for the 2020 Michigan Equine Legislative Day on Tuesday, September 22nd to help build awareness about the economic impact, community enrichment and personal benefits of the Michigan horse industry. ​

The Michigan Horse Council is excited to invite you to the annual membership meeting!
​Details are as follows...

July 14, 2020 at 6:00PM
Annual elections will be taking place.

​Ingham County Fair Grounds
Pavilion
700 Ash Street
Mason, MI 48854

Individuals are welcome to bring their own lawn chairs.

Please RSVP below or email gloversasha@gmail.com if you intend on attending to ensure an accurate count for food ordering.

All COVID-19 guidelines and regulations will be implemented.  

​One of the 2020 Michigan Horse Council’s catalyst award recipients  is an individual that has influenced many lives through the Michigan High School Rodeo Association during his 15 years of involvement.

Elewyn’s passion for horses began when he was a child participating in 4-H. Soon after high school Elewyn would become involved in rodeo. In 2005 Elewyn became involved in youth rodeo through the   Michigan High School Rodeo and is currently serving as the National Rodeo Association Director for Michigan as well as the 1st Vice President.

Elewyn’s passion for coaching high school rodeo is driven by seeing the growth and development of high school riders as individuals as well as competitors. In addition to seeing the success of the riders Elewyn has worked hard to grow the industry as a whole and increase the number of entries.

Through high school rodeo Elewyn has greatly enjoyed seeing the opportunities it has provided to the students such as scholarships, college offers, and the self-confidence it has given to each competitor.
Today Elewyn and his wife, Bridget of 30 years, reside in Millington, Michigan where he has spent his entire life. He is thankful for Bridget’s continued support and willingness to participate in the family trips to rodeos.

When Elewyn was asked what his proudest moment was so far he said it was raising his three daughters and being a husband.

Thank you Elewyn for all your contribution to the Michigan High School Rodeo, Michigan horse industry, and the lives of hundreds of competitors that you have had the privilege to influence.
​
Congratulations Elewyn Pletcher, 2020 Michigan Horse Council Catalyst award recipient.

For more information about the Michigan High School Rodeo
For more information about the National High School Rodeo