Michigan Horse Trails Association Committees
MHTA has formed the following committees to put concentrated volunteerism towards promoting these efforts for Michigan.
Big Oaks Trail Riders Committee
Chair: Lannette Amon
Secretary: Darlene Alexander
Member: Heide MacDonald, Amy Scharmen
MHTA has formed a Big Oaks committee to pursue the designation of 30+ miles of DNR managed, high quality, scenic state forest trails in the Atlanta area. Thank you to the volunteers who have put much time into this effort. Join us on facebook to follow along on the progress and to share your experiences on this gorgeous trail system. Find more information on our Big Oaks Committee.
Large Animal Emergency Rescue Committee
Chair: Cathy Ruprecht
Secretary: Amy Scharmen
DNR representative: Kenny Whittaker
Member: Scott Cope
In June 2024, MHTA brought an initial LAER training to Michigan. Our LAER committee continues to work towards the goals of equipping a rescue trailer for Southeast Michigan DNR, equipping more trailers around the state of Michigan and providing more LAER trainings for horse owners and first responders. LAER Information
Elba Equestrian Friends Committee
Chair: Vera Kraft
Secretary: Steve Keim
MHC Representative: Melissa DeWitt
Members: Kayla Barber, Karen DeOrnellas, Amy Scharmen, Amy Switzenberg
MHTA has signed an Adopt-a-Park agreement with Genesee County Parks and created this committee to advocate for improvements and maintenance of the equestrian trails and campground at Elba. We are building a wonderful relationship with GCP and look forward to working with them to bring improvements to one of the most scenic equestrian trail systems in Michigan. Plans for improvements are mapping of the trails, trail repair, campground, day staging area and more. Join us on facebook, we’d love to have you help with work bees and attend events with us. Find more info on our Elba Committee.
Volunteer Recognition Committee
Chair: Brandy Miller
Secretary: Jenny Cook
Members: Amy Scharmen, Scott Cope
We felt it was time for our outstanding equestrian trail volunteers to get the recognition that is so well deserved. MHTA has two programs started to do so, one that recognizes the cumulative volunteer hours for individuals or families. And another that will honor nominees. Please help us by signing up for or nominating a deserving individual or association today. Volunteer Recognition Information
Explore the Trails
Chair: Jodi Myers
Secretary: Amy Scharmen
Members: Melinda Shipp, Kelly Cain, Lynda Hughey, Holli Jacobs
Explore the Trails is an overall program that Michigan Horse Trails Association will roll out in phases to encourage exploration of all our wonderful trail riding opportunities in Michigan, support for the hard working volunteer horse trail associations around the state and to collect data on trail riders experiences. Find more info on Explore the Trails.