PRESS RELEASE
April 17, 2022
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Michigan Horse Council Elects New Directors and Officers at 2022 Annual Meeting
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At the 2022 Michigan Horse Council Annual Meeting hosted at the MSU Pavilion on April 12th the organizational members voted to approve the following additions of board members which included Penny Wilson, Julie Vruggink, and Trevor Walton.

Additionally, the Michigan Horse Council Board of Directors voted to elect Julie Vruggink as Vice President for the upcoming year. For the upcoming year Inger Lenese will serve as President, Bruce Deur as President Elect, and Julie Vruggink at Vice President.

The offices of Secretary and Treasurer had no nominations, so the Council Board of Directors motioned to appoint Director and Communication Chair, Sasha Glover, to act as interim Secretary until the May 2022 meeting. Term-limited Treasurer, Sue Armstrong, will hold the position until the May 2022 meeting. Nominations for the offices of Secretary and Treasurer will be accepted/voted upon May 3, 2022, during the Board Member Meeting (7:00pm via Zoom).

The mission of the Michigan Horse Council is to provide individuals and organizations with a central authority that will support, encourage, supplement, and coordinate the efforts of those presently engaged in the constructive conservation, development, and promotion of the horse industry and horse community in the state of Michigan along with educate and inform individuals and organizations through all available media, educational programs, cooperation, and advocate the conservation and promotion of the horse industry and community.

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More Information to Come Available Soon! 

The Michigan Horse Council’s Statewide Trail Ride Challenge begins March 1, 2022 — This is the 2nd year for fun event open to Michigan Horse Council members who join Top Trail (see details below).
The rider with the most miles (subject to audit) at the conclusion of the ride challenge period will be showered with some amazing sponsor awards.

​All participants will receive a special award commemorating their challenge accomplishments.

Here’s what you need to know:

• The event leaderboard will be live March 1 through August 31, 2022. The riders with the most eligible ride miles according to Top Trail Challenge Rules (and additional guidelines applicable to this group) at the end of the challenge period will win sponsor awards.
• Special event Medallions will also be awarded to riders who reach certain milestones during the challenge (100, 250, and 400 miles).
• The event group is now accepting eligible participants through July 1, however, the leaderboard will not start reflecting posted mileage until March 1, 2022.
• Michigan Horse Council Members are eligible to join the this special event affiliate group by becoming a member of Top Trail (www.toptrailhorse.com) purchasing either the “Michigan Horse Council” membership level for $26.41 or Premium level for $41.95. Both membership levels are good for one year from the date of purchase.

Timeline:
Now through July 1, 2022: Eligible participants may join Top Trail at the Michigan Horse Council membership level and automatically be added to the special challenge group. Or join at the Premium level for added benefits. If Premium is chosen you will need to manually join the group here.
March 1, 2022 through August 31, 2022: Michigan Horse Council’s Statewide Trail Ride Challenge period. All tracks recorded and posted to your account will be reflected on the special leaderboard.
September 3, 2022: final day to post recorded tracks ridden on August 31, 2022.
September 4-10, 2022: results of the challenge are audited and results will be given to Michigan Horse Council personnel.
September 30 - October 2, 2022: Michigan Horse Council will announce winners and distribute awards.