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Palm Partnership Academy™ Building a Partnership with your Horse Western Dressage: Tips From a Judge’s Perspective Let’s Get Ready to Show & Grow! By Lynn Palm | lynnpalm.com In this series, Western Dressage from a Judge’s Perspective, I will give you tips from my point of view as a judge that may help your scores and learn to ride with more accuracy and precision. As we go through the levels, I will explain some common errors that I see and suggest ways to overcome these pitfalls. Level 5 is currently the highest Level of competition so here we go! First up is the Zig Zag Half Pass which are a series of half passes (two or more) performed beginning and ending at the centerline with changes of direction between the half passes creating a “zig zag” pattern/. The zig zag may be performed in either jog or lope gaits. The change of direction are performed with a counter change of hand in jog and a flying Change in lope. This is an advanced movement that shows precision as you have a certain number of strides to balance the movement going side to side of the center line. The “zig zag” movement done with the Half Pass is usually 5 or 6 strides of Half Pass and then a flying change, and immediately another 5 to 6 strides of Half Pass the other way to another lead change. There should be 4 zig zags on the center line with the flying lead changes and a lead change back to the center line before turning at C. This is a beautiful movement when done correctly. It takes an athletic horse with suppleness who responds from the rider with lightness and smoothness. Flying Changes in a Series are informally called “tempi changes”. The horse performs a flying change of lead or a sequential group of flying exchanges at the canter every stride, every two strides, every three strides, and so on. The number of strides begins at four to give the horse and rider time to prepare. As the horse and rider become more proficient, the number of strides between the changes decreases to one stride. Likewise, the number of sequential changes in a group starts at one and increases up FEI Grand Prix and Grand Prix Special.
For highest scores a full Lope pirouette is a smooth, willing transition with suppleness; balance; fluency; forward intent; engagement and correct size of pirouette The full pirouette is similar to the half pirouette as in Level 4. The rider must remember to keep the energy, small lope stride, bend and straightness as the horse is cantering each stride. Even, equal strides will give the highest score. The Pirouette usually is 7 to 8 strides in doing the Full lope pirouette. The Double Pivot is a 720% turn on the inside hind showing response to rider’s leg; forward intention; correct bend and willing, smooth transitions. As with the full pivot, there must be even steps and fluidity. If the horse has to rebalance the inside hind leg by moving it up and down with this turn, it is allowed, but should stay in the same spot. The biggest deduction of points come from pivoting on the outside hind and any backward steps in the turn. Judges take pleasure in watching riders perform beautiful tests. They are often the biggest cheerleaders and always want the horses and riders they judge to succeed, no matter what the level. As this series of Western Dressage tips from a judge concludes, look for more topics on this fastest growing discipline to come. Until then, happy training! Palm Equestrian Academy generalinfo@lynnpalm.com 352-362-7847 Cyril and Lynn offer clinics throughout the country and abroad as well as online coaching. Join them on their teaching tours or their Palm Equestrian Academy European Journeys.
What fun it is to build up your single flying changes to “Tempi Changes”. In the Level 5 there are two sets of tempi changes every 4 strides and every 3 strides on the diagonal of the entire arena. You are asked to do only 4 changes on the diagonal line, every 4 and 3 strides. This means that you ride 4 strides and do a flying lead change: then 4 strides and a flying lead change as the horse lands on the fifth stride. If called for every 3 strides, you ride the 3 strides at the lope and change on the 4 stride. Full pivot right to full pivot left requires straightness; a square, straight halt; immobility; 360% turn on the inside hind; response to the rider’s leg; forward intention; correct bend; and should show willing, smooth, transitions. This is a smooth balanced turn with even steps. Horse bending and staying straight in the direction of the turn. Often I see fast, uneven steps or hesitation in the turn. If the horse loses the inside hind leg pivoting it will lose the quality of the Pivot turn. If the horse pivots on the outside hind leg, it is undesirable as this turn has a backward tendency. If the horse swings the hips out during the turn without any pivot of the hind legs, this is a poor turn as well. The poorest pivot turn is one that has ANY backing steps.
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2025 EQUESTRIAN OF THE YEAR -𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐬-𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐬-
After the initial selection round and fan favorite voting, this prestigious award is presented to an individual who is passionate about the horse industry along with being a role model toward their peers. The 2025 Saddle Up! Magazine’s Equestrian of the Year is presented to Charlotte Bass. “Charlotte Bass embodies the spirit of Equestrian of the Year through her unwavering dedication, compassion, and commitment to serving others. As the founder and Executive Director of Starz Equestrian Center, a nonprofit therapeutic riding program, Charlotte has created a space where children and adults of all abilities can experience the profound healing power of horses. Running a nonprofit is a tremendous undertaking, yet Charlotte does it with grace and grit, working three additional jobs to personally help fund and sustain her programs. Her mission extends beyond therapeutic riding lessons, including a community-centered approach to scout troop badge programs, community service hours, reading programs, support for individuals with PTSD, abuse survivors, and even fun social gatherings like farm yoga, line dancing lessons, and music classes! Charlotte’s selflessness, passion, and determination have touched countless lives. She leads by example, showing that true equestrianism isn’t just about riding, it’s about using your gifts to uplift others. For her relentless dedication and genuine impact, Charlotte Bass truly exemplifies what it means to be Equestrian of the Year.”
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Mission of the Michigan Horse Council 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; To educate and inform individuals and organizations through all available media, education programs, and cooperation; To advocate the conservation and promotion of the horse industry and community
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Receive a monthly email newsletter, keeping you informed of events that are happening in the state, current health issues, pending legislation affecting the equine industry, trail issues, and more. Be a member of an organization that is working to promote the Michigan Horse Industry – assimilate information about and promote all aspects of the equine industry in the state, including all breeds and disciplines, including trail riding and racing. Have a chance to attend monthly, open board meetings (except during June, July, and August), many with informational speakers. Can become a member of one of the standing committees of the Michigan Horse Council, including Communications, Membership, Legislative/Land Use, Expo, Special Events, Education, Trails, and Philanthropy. Be associated with people who are working towards the enhancement, safety, preservation, and enjoyment of both the horse and owner. Eligibility to participate in the AHC Advantage program, which provides discounts to agricultural companies. Eligible for MHC Scholarships.
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LIVINGSTON COUNTY 4-H
HARTLAND TACK & CRAFT SALE
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14TH, 2026 | 10 A.M. - 2 P.M. Hartland Educational Support Service Center Gymnasium 9525 E. Highland Rd., Howell, MI 48843 Parking located at the West entrance No animals allowed (Except service animals)
FREE Admission
Gallop over to our Silent Auction Fundraiser to lasso some goodies for your twolegged or four-legged sweethearts! Bidding wraps up at 1pm, so don’t miss out! Bring your (two legged) sweetheart to grab a last minute valentines gift! bit.ly/4HTackSale26
VENDOR SPACES AVAILABLE:
Registration is now online! Scan the QR code or follow the link to register for your space today!
4-H members, volunteers, and clubs get a $5 discount! Email Kat VanDouser at Krollkat@msu.edu for more information.
For registration assistance, call the Livingston County MSU Extension office at 517-546-3950. Payments can be made by check or credit card through the registration system.
General and silent auction proceeds will be used for Livingston County 4-H Horse Committee programming, scholarships, and general funds. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status.
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RECALIBRATION: A NEW YEAR BEGINS IN THE NERVOUS SYSTEM By Kim Cardeccia | ConfidenceThroughConnection.com Horses remind us that intention is not something we declare. It is something we embody. It is carried in our posture, our breath, our presence. It lives in the quiet confidence beneath our requests.
Lessons from the Horses Who Already Know How January arrives carrying both hope and pressure. A new calendar turns over. Fresh goals are set. Quiet promises are made that this year will be different — that we will do better, be better, finally get it right. In the horse world, this often translates into new training plans, renewed determination, and a sharpened focus on progress.
Instead of pushing for results, we can begin the year by recalibrating to the vision we hold internally and allowing the horse to feel the congruence before we ever ask for movement.
But horses begin the new year the same way they begin every day. They recalibrate. Before a horse moves, responds, or connects, their nervous system checks in first. Are we safe? Is the environment
If horses were to offer New Year’s advice, it might sound simple, even understated. Slow down until you can hear yourself again. Let go of the tension that no longer belongs to you. Come fully into your body before you ask for connection. Believe in the intention behind your request. Trust the smallest yes.
steady? Is the energy around us trustworthy? Only when those answers are yes does true movement become possible.
Horses do not rush beginnings. They listen for readiness. This listening can become our ritual as well. Before your next ride or visit, take a long breath out and let last year leave your body. Feel your feet on the ground and return to neutral — the place where effort softens and awareness sharpens. Set one clear intention, not a dozen. Something quiet and true, such as: Today, I create safety. Or today, I listen for the yes. Or simply, Today, we move as one.
Perhaps that is where our new year should begin as well. Recalibration is not about fixing what is broken. It is not self-improvement, discipline, or another resolution to manage. Recalibration is a return — to our baseline, our center, the grounded version of ourselves that horses instinctively trust. When we soften our breath, release the tension we’ve been
Hold that intention without force. Let your body align with it. Let your horse sense it before you act. Then follow the smallest green light — a softened eye, a sigh, a shift of weight toward you. That internal yes is where all meaningful movement begins. We enter a new year already full of potential, not because the calendar has changed, but because recalibration brings us back to the leader our horses trust most: the grounded one, the intentional one, the woman who leads from the inside out.
carrying, or choose presence over performance, something profound happens. The horse feels relief. Their nervous system settles. Pressure dissolves. Confusion fades. Curiosity returns. Connection becomes available again. Horses do not need a new technique to start the year. They need the human they are standing beside to be steady inside her own body. That steadiness is leadership.
You do not need a bigger plan for this year. You need deeper alignment. Let this be the year of horse-centered recalibration — for both of you.
While humans often enter January focused on goals and outcomes, horses move through the world guided by something far more subtle: intention that matches energy. A horse can feel the difference between hope and trust, between wishing and knowing, between asking and
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believing. They sense internal hesitation long before a hand
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Kimberly Cardeccia, MA LPC Compassionately partnering with horses to heal both horse and human, Hidden Promise uniquely offers opportunities for empowerment.
This is why change cannot begin externally. If we want a different experience this year — in our partnership with our horses and in our lives — the shift must begin inside us first. JAUNARY 2026
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SHOW & EVENT DATES
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EVENTS
January 30- February 1, 2026 - Equine Connections Weekend Come for the Tack Sale and stay for the clinics! Farm Bureau Pavilion at MSU Lansing, MI For more information watch the MQHA facebook page or the MQHA website at www.miquarterhorse.com February 14, 2026: Hartland Tack Sale Open 10 am to 2 pm. 9525 E. Highland Rd., Howell, MI 48843. Free admission. Silent Auction. Vendor Spaces Available. Call 517-404-4544 or email hartlandtacksale@gmail.com for more information and to reserve a space. Flyer at bit.ly/4HTackSale26 March 6-8, 2026 Michigan Horse ExpoFarm Bureau Pavilion at MSU Lansing, MI Shop till you drop, learn from the best, and feel the adrenaline! From Shopping Galore and Equine Clinics to Educational Seminars, a Friday Night High School Rodeo, Extreme Cowboy Challenge, Great Lakes CBR Finals, Mounted Police demos, Equine Showcases—and SO much more—this is an event you do not want to miss! Tickets available at www.mihorseexpo.com March 29, 2026 TNT Arena Sunday Buckle Speed Series 5251 Lyons Rd, Lyons, MI 48851 1st show in the series! Barrel Racing, Pole Bending plus more. For more info: tnt-arena.com
MICHIGAN AUCTIONS
HORSE & TACK AUCTION: 2nd Saturday of each month. 5:00pm start. Lake Odessa Livestock Auction, 3675 Tupper Lake Rd., Lake Odessa, MI. Call Roger Leech 231.730.0353. Facebook or lakeodessalivestock.com HORSE/TACK AUCTION: First Saturday of each month (except July) Tack 2pm, Horses after 6pm. Consignments welcome. Northern Michigan Livestock, 1848 N. Townline Rd. Gaylord, MI. Office 231.439.5679. Find us on Facebook. northernmichiganlivestock.com MONDAYS: HAY & STRAW: 3:30pm, Livestock 5pm (cattle, goats, sheep, hogs, etc.) Ravenna Auction, LLC. 3265 S. Slocum Road, Ravenna, MI. Call 231.853-.5738. Facebook or visit us at ravennaauction.com JAUNARY 2026
TACK AUCTION: 3rd Saturday of each month, 5pm start. Longhorn Auction Service, 3265 S. Slocum Rd., Ravenna, MI. Call 231.730-0353. Facebook: Longhom Auction Service TACK AUCTION: Select Tuesday Evenings ALL ONLINE! Facebook: Tri-Pine Tack & Western Boutique. (517) 937-9439 tripinetack04@gmail.com Items bought can be shipped or you can pick up in Hastings, Michigan YODER BROS. AUCTION SERVICE: Spring and Fall Horse and Carriage Auctions in Mt. Pleasant, MI. Auctioneers: LeRoy Yoder or Willis Yoder, 989-386-9082, Clair, MI.
Ohio
EVENTS January 9-11, February 13-15, March 13-15, April 26: 𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒉 𝑻𝒊𝒎𝒆𝒅 𝑬𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒕 Series at Garwood Arena Seasons awards for each event and All Around Winners. 2538 Middleton Road, Columbiana, OH, United States, Ohio More Info: garwoodarena@gmail.com January 3, March 14, April 4, April 25: Foster Equine Fun Shows Payback Classes! Registration Starts at 8:00am 26326 Smith Rd, Coolville, OH 45723 April 9-12, 2026- Equine Affaire Ohio Expo Center in Columbus, OH Enjoy hundreds of clinics, an expansive trade show, fun competitions, interactive exhibits with live horses, and of course, Equine Affaire's own musical celebration of the horse, Fantasia! www.equineaffaire.com
OHIO AUCTIONS
ATHENS LIVESTOCK SALES: Sale every Saturday at 12:30pm. Consignment welcome. Athens Livestock Sales, 3738 Enlow Road, Albany, OH. Call 740.592.2322. Email: jdbrowning01@gmail.com or find us on Facebook. MT. HOPE AUCTION: Horse, rack, livestock auctions monthly. Mt. Hope Auction, 8076 SR 241 Millersburg, OH. Call us at 330.674.6188, email: info@mthopeauction.com. Find us on Facebook or mthopeauction.com
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LARUE HORSE SALE, LLC: Hay, straw, tack, and horse auction on the first Saturday of every month. 1059 Richwood-Larue Rd., Larue, OH. Call 419.889.9150, email laruehorsesales@hotmail.com. laruehorsesales.com
Indiana
EVENTS March 7th-8th, and April 4th-5th: Central Indiana Little Britches Rodeo Association 2 Rodeos on Saturdays and 1 on Sundays. Rough Stock will be Wednesday before each rodeo. Call in on NLBRA.com Hoosier Horse Park 7105 S Kern St, Edinburgh, IN Info: centralindianalb@gmail.com
INDIANA AUCTIONS HAMILTON COUNTY HORSE SALES: 1st & 3rd Saturday each month. New and used tack, hay, strawy, trailers, & horses. Consignors welcome. 22217 St. Road 37 N., Noblesville, IN. Call 317.946.4450 or 317.773.5590 or find us on Facebook for more information. IILLIANA LIVESTOCK, LLC: Tack, ponies, donkeys, and horse sales held at the Vermillion County Fairgrounds, 325 W. Maple St. Cayuga, IN. Call Clay Norris 574.780.8378 or Cobie Norris 217.260.5696. Facebook “Illiana Livestock LLC“ SHIPSHEANA TRADING PLACE: Horse Auction Fridays. 10:30am tack, 12:30pm horses. 345 S. Van Buren Shipshewana, IN. 260.768.4129, email: info@shipshewanatradingplace.com, or visit shipshewanatradingplace.com. TOPEKA LIVESTOCK AUCTION: Hay and livestock auction every Tuesday. 601 E. Lake St., Topeka, IN. Call 260.593.2522 or email us at info@topekalivestock.com. Find us on Facebook or topekalivestock.com.
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CLASSIFIED ADS ANIMAL SUPPLEMENTS Fastrack Animal Supplements – Less
breeding problems, healthier foals, healthier hooves, and shinier hair coats. COLIC problems? Use Fastrack Equine Gel. We now also carry Sisel Max Motion and Yoders Equine CBD Supplements. (S-12/25) FASTRACK ANIMAL SUPPLEMENTS Call Ray at 989-872-5216 or leave message at 888.266.0014, ext. 8778 LIQUID BIO CELL for the equine. Nutraceuticals support needs of the equine. Athletic performance & healthy joint support for all breeds. Shop MODERE products: us.shaklee.com/site/neovitality Laura Gabella neovitality.laura@gmail.com (S-10/26) 330-554-3469
AUTOMATIC WATERERS
BOARDING Boarding in Hastings, MI
(South East Grand Rapids area). Quiet, country with 165 acres of trails. Inside and outside board, large pastures w/shelters. 60x160 indoor riding arena. Lessons available. Horses for sale. EVERVIEW FARM – 269.948.9570 Hastings, MI (Barry) (S- 04/26) Email: lee@everviewfarm.net Online: http://www.everviewfarm.net/
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stalls and pasture board on over 20 acres. Miles of trail riding on the farm. Good location for trailering to nearby parks. Quality hay, outdoor arena, round pen, dry lot, heated tack room and restroom. Call Sandra Tuthill. TUTHILL FARMS - 248.207.6201 South Lyon, MI (Livingston) Email: sandratuthill@gmail.com (S-08/25) Online: https://www.tuthillfarms.com/
EQUINE THERAPY Quarter Moon Farm, LLC Gail Johnson-Independent Bemer Distributor Sales, Demos & Rentals. Equine sessions and farm visits by appoint. 517-881-3622 gailqmoon@gmail.com johnson-gail.bemergroup.com
FARRIER SERVICE Hoof Care Matters! Over 30 years of
experience in trimming, shoeing and corrective shoeing. Ask about teeth floating too! Serving Oakland County and surrounding counties. JOHN PETERSON FARRIER – 248.303.6498 Milford, MI (Oakland) (S-09/26)
North Point Farms – Horse Boarding & Lodging. Beautiful nature trails. A Private and Unique Equestrian Ride & Stay Experience. northpointfarms.com Howell, MI 248-872-3315 todsan9@yahoo.com (PS-08/25)
Nelson Automatic Waterers - Nelson preferred provider for repair and maintenance of your Nelson Automatic Waterers. Excellent response time. Most parts in stock. Honest, ethical and reliable. Will travel. Serving Michigan and Northern Ohio. WATERFIX COMPANY – John Guthrie Dexter, MI (Washtenaw) 313.418.5676 or 734.475.8898 (S-01/26)
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Boarding, Training Available Small dressage farm featuring: indoor & outdoor arenas dragged regularly; board includes 12x14 stalls, daily cleaning, turn out, two grain feedings, grass/hay continuously; individual lockers; heated bathroom; owners on site. Horsescape Farm, LLC Williamston, MI (M-10/25) text/call 517-655-2584 https://www.horsescapefarm.com/ OPEN 24/7 – Quality Boarding: Tack locker, heated rooms, 12% pellet grain, hay, large pastures, daily turnout. We have trails, two indoor arenas, and one outdoor arena with lights. HARDY FARMS – 313.363.2243 7215 N. Latson Rd., Howell, MI Email: info@hardysfarm.com http://www.hardysfarm.com/ Find us on Facebook
Now accepting commissions. They make EQUESTRIAN HEALTH/WELLNESS wonderful gifts for birthdays, holidays and special occasions. My goal is to give you a FINEST QUALITY SUPPLEMENTS providing painting you will look fondly now and years to energy & endurance for riders, trainers, athletes, etc. come. Products sold with 30-day money-back guarantee. Order from my website. Suzanne Frederick us.shaklee.com/site/neovitality suewmec@yahoo.com Laura Gabella Suzannefrederickart.com neovitality.laura@gmail.com (S-9/26) 231-740-1282 330-554-3469 JAUNARY 2026
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Automatically get rid of flies, mosquitoes, and spiders. Safe and inexpensive to use. Used throughout Michigan for over 30 years. We Install or Do-It-Yourself. SHOO-FLY INSECT CONTROL Bill Tressler – 517.927.8089 Webberville, MI (Ingham) (S-08/26) Email: bill@radiant-energy.com
HORSE BLANKET WASH GOOD AS NEW BLANKETS – Horse blanket
wash and repair service. 10 years experience. GOOD AS NEW BLANKETS –517.404.6336 2711 E. Grand River, Howell, MI 48843 Email: goodasnewblankets@gmail.com Online: https://www.goodasnewblankets.com/
HORSE TRAILERS
PET & FARM SITTING
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TAX ACCOUNTANT Sandalwood CPA, PLLC Mid Michigan's QuickBooks expert here to assist you with your business accounting needs. Sandalwood CPA specializes in equine and agricultural business taxation. Sara Kolenda, CPA 269-275-4769
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TRAINING & LESSONS THE TRAVELING TRAINER offers training, lessons, consulting at your facility or mine. Over SPARTA CHEVROLET & TRAILER SALES 30 years of experience. Bachelor’s degree in We specialize in horse trailers: full living quar- Equestrian Studies from the University of ters with slideout, to smaller two horse bumper Findlay. Also quality horses for sale. Find us on pulls. Cimarron, Lakota, Sundowner and Trails Facebook, or on Instagram: #thehappyhorse West. Great selection and even better prices! house, or: http://www.thetravelingtrainer.net/ SPARTA CHEVROLET & TRAILER SALES THE TRAVELING TRAINER LLC Call Jim Kelly – 616.887.3456 8955 Ann-Marie Lavallee – 810.796.3510 Sparta Ave. NW, Sparta, MI (M-12/25) Dryden, MI (Lapeer) Email: Email: jkelly@spartachevy.com Online: thetravelingtrainer3@gmail.com (S-10/25) www.spartachevytrailers.com
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Tonya Grant Dressage Grand Prix Rider 30+ years of experience CHARTIER AGENCY USDF Gold Medalist Specializing in tailored equine, liability, and I love teaching kids and older adults from farm and ranch insurance, we are here to beginner to advanced. Specializing in protect your livelihood and cover your classical training emphasizing the basics unique agribusiness needs. Contact local using exercises to train the horse's mind and agent Shelby Agnew. body.
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MISCELLANEOUS WANTED: Road safe, gentle, ride and drive gelding or john mule, 12-14 hands. Mid-Mich area. Free run in and out, 3 acres with electric fence. Will be an only child. Please contact : maggie1903@gmail.com phone: maggie 989-666-6601 (M-12/25) NO TEXTS JAUNARY 2026
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The Halter: Choosing the Right Tool for Your Horse or Mule By Robert Eversole trailmeister.com For something as old as horsemanship itself, you’d think the humble halter would be simple. You’d think the one piece of tack every horse and mule must have would be straightforward. Yet as anyone who’s spent time around barns knows, the halter world is full of opinions, debates, and “must-use” ideas that don’t hold up once you actually put miles on the trail. The halter, derived from a Germanic word meaning “holder”, is one of the most familiar tools we use: catching, leading, hauling, grooming, training, camping, packing. Yet despite its simplicity, choosing the right halter can make all the difference in communication, safety, and confidence, especially once you leave the arena and step onto the trail. After scores of trail miles, countless clinics across the country, and working with horses and mules of every personality, I’ve found that halters fall into three categories: useful, situational, and occasionally disastrous. Here’s a field-tested breakdown to help you make confident choices long before your next trail ride or camping trip. Flat Halters: Classic, Comfortable, and Often Misunderstood Flat halters, usually nylon or leather, are the standard in most barns. The broad straps distribute pressure and look gentle, which is why many riders gravitate toward them. Leather versions add a bit more give. Some include breakaway crowns intended for safety during panic situations.
instantly in an emergency. I keep spares in my truck, trailer, and saddlebag, because a rope halter can prevent a world of headaches. How to Tie a Rope Halter Correctly Most rope halter failures trace back to incorrect tying. Done right, it’s simple: 1. Stand on the near side (left side) of your horse. Reach over the neck and grab the poll strap with your right hand. 2. Slide the noseband over the horse’s nose and the throat knot upwards below the jaw. 3. Take the end of the poll strap pointing towards you and run it through the tie loop. 4. Put your thumb on the top of the loop. 5. Run the end of the poll strap behind the loop and then tuck through the space between the loop and the strap. This forms a sheet bend, a reliable, secure knot I teach step-bystep in my clinics. Always make sure the tail points toward the hindquarters and not the eye. The Breakaway Debate: Field-Proven Reality Few pieces of equipment spark more heated barn-aisle discussions. Here’s the blunt truth from real trail miles: In the backcountry, I do not use breakaways.
Used well, flat halters excel in: Trailering Grooming or daily handling Short rides with a bridle over top
A loose animal in deep country isn’t just inconvenient. It’s dangerous. I’ve horses can vanish into timber and not return. Closer to home, breakaways create new risks. Once a horse learns it can “break away,” many try again, usually at the worst time.
Ellie, my steady pack mule, wears a leather packer’s draw halter on the trail because it stays comfortable for long miles. She’s honest, consistent, and doesn’t test her halter, qualities that make flat a great match.
No matter the halter type, remember this: No halter is safe on an unsupervised horse. Remove it and remove the risk.
But flat halters have downsides: Nylon can be too strong, if your horse panics while tied, failure points are unpredictable and often dangerous. Breakaway straps sometimes break at the wrong moments. Clever animals learn fast when equipment creates easy escape routes. This is one of the most common issues I help riders troubleshoot during my clinics: equipment that looks kind but unintentionally reinforces bad habits. Rope Halters: Clarity, Precision, and Better Communication A rope halter is simply a single length of rope, usually 6–8 mm in diameter, tied into form. Because the knots and thinner material create more defined pressure points, your horse feels guidance more clearly. This clarity allows you to use less pressure, not more, which is why rope halters have become indispensable in my trail-skills clinics. Rope halters vary: Diameter: thinner = more focused pressure; thicker = softer Noseband style: knotted vs. flat braided Choosing the right one depends on your horse’s sensitivity and your goals. A major advantage, especially important for trail riders, rope halters rarely fail at the wrong time but can be cut loose JAUNARY 2026
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This safety mindset is something I emphasize heavily in my clinics, because the right habits prevent emergencies long before they happen. Your halter is the first conversation you have with your horse every day, choose the one that speaks clearly, kindly, and safely Final Thoughts (and Your Next Step) Choosing the right halter isn’t about trends—it’s about safety, communication, and confidence. No halter is perfect for every job, but each shines in the right situation. When you pair the right halter with good handling skills, everything gets easier: catching, tying, saddling, camping, and every trail mile in between. If you want to go deeper into practical, real-world trail skills, you’ll find more in my books: The ABCs of Trail Riding and Horse Camping, It’s a Cinch!, and Daily Wisdom from the Saddle. And if you want hands-on guidance, choosing safe gear, preparing for backcountry trips, or building your own cinches, join me at one of my upcoming TrailMeister clinics. For clinic dates, articles, videos, and the nation’s best horse trail and camp directory, visit www.TrailMeister.com.
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HORSE ASSOCIATION & TRAIL RIDERS NEWS FORT CUSTER HORSE ASSN.
Greetings from the Fort! Summer almost gone? Or even gone by the time you are reading this? Hard to believe, it was so busy. Great Fall riding to come! Here at Fort Custer, like many other places around the state have been doing battle with the aftermath of the spring storms. So many trees were damaged the night before the Spring campout, that we had to clear a number of trails before anyone could even ride! The DNR had a huge tree fall right across the road leading into the Special Events campground before many folks were able to actually get their rigs to the camp. During the event, our picnic shelters were blown down and a table or two flipped over. Happily, no actual damage to equipment, horses, or people was reported. Unfortunately, many, many trees were weakened by the storm, and continued to fall throughout the summer. The usual group of trail volunteers were hard pressed to keep up with sawing and brushing, let alone mowing. Extra workdays were needed in addition to the already established 8/27 date. These dates, 8/16, 8/23, 9/10 and 9/16 are all expected to begin at 8:00 A.M. so that we can avoid the worst of the heat. Please note that three are on Saturdays, in hopes that more volunteers will show up. The addition of these dates will make the trails once again as beautiful as usual for the Fall Camp outcoming up in September. Fall Camp out is slated for September 9/189/21. The fee again, is $50 for the full weekend, or $25 for just one night. It will be quite a fun time, as again, MiCMO is also hosting a competitive ride at the same time. This is a great opportunity for anyone that has wanted to try Mounted Orienteering but didn’t know how or where. Remember that Saturday evening includes a potluck and the AUCTION. The Camp Outs and Auction, along with membership fees, are how we raise funds for trail maintenance and camp improvements. Even if you can’t camp with us, you are welcome to ride and attend the potluck, and auction. We will love to see you there. Our long time Park Manager, Tony Trojanowski has retired from his post, and will be greatly missed. Currently we have Jody Nieschultz as Acting Park Manager. We welcome her, and hope the state will see fit to make her permanent. See you on the trails! JAUNARY 2026
MAYBURY PARK TRAIL ASSN.
Greetings, trail riders! Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday season. Get out those hand warmers for the coming months ahead! Our Annual Membership Meeting is set for December 18, 2025 at 6pm, a few days from when I am writing this post . We will have some special guests on our call: Amy and Kale from the DNR and Amy Scharmen from the Michigan Horse Trail Association. We hope to get some more volunteers to sign up at the meeting! Coming up in January, some of our long-term board members are going to be stepping down to embark on other adventures in their lives. We still have open board positions to fill. We are all set with our Members At Large (total of 4) but will need people to step up and help run our association. If you have any interest, please let us know via Facebook Messenger, our Contacts Page at www.mayburytrailriders.com. Thank you in advance for your interest! Please remember that there is NO hunting at Maybury State Park, which makes it a great place to ride all times of the year. Continue to follow us on our website, www.mayburytrailriders.com or Facebook for updates on the trails, events and general news going on in the park. Feel free to post pictures from your rides. Happy Trails!
IONIA HORSE TRAILS ASSN.
The biggest issue at the Ionia Recreation Area for 2025 was the “people” camp and dump station being closed. This necessitated a change in the entry road to the horse camp. Campsite #132 was closed for camping and a new access point was built off the road to Day Staging. This will continue to be the entry point for the horse campground for 2026, and potentially the future. The old driveway will be blocked off unless there comes an absolute need to use it. Again this year, we are saying, come spring we plan to install obstacles on Phase 2 of the Confidence Course. The obstacles are chosen and we’ll announce workbee dates as soon as we can get state DNR permission to move forward. Many obstacles are going to require purchased materials (your dues at work), and
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some building, so additional hands, more than board members, would sure be appreciated to help construct them. If you are on the trails yet this year or early next year, PLEASE plan to ride this trail each time you come to the park. Many have helped us out by riding the Phase 2 trail in 2025 and we need you to keep it up so the trail is packed in and kept open. Our Forbidden Trail Ride will be June 6, 2026. Our Chili Cookoff will be held on October 3, 2026. We hope to see you next season, and until then, hope you enjoyed a wonderful Christmas and have a very Happy New Year! Happy Trails!
MI FOXTROTTING HORSE ASSN.
Happy New Year! Start yours off by sending in your single or family membership. The form can be found on michiganfoxtrottinghorse.com. You can become part of the network of MFT owners who trail ride, camp and attend educational clinics. We are having a real Michigan winter. We are getting lots of snow and cold temperatures. What can you do? You can do groundwork with your MFT to keep up the connection and prevent boredom. Online trainer, Gabi Neurohr, has lots of useful videos to watch. If you have access to an indoor arena, you can practice gaiting, doing dressage to stay limber and obstacles. Or you can let your horse rest over the winter. There are many clinics and expos to attend which include saddle fitting and horsemanship. Sometimes a gaited clinician can be found at an expo. Tack sales provide opportunities to sell and update your tack inventory. Read a good book about the history of gaited horses while the wind is howling outside. “Of Royal Blood…the Missouri Foxtrotter” by Dyan Westvagen is a good one. The members of this association are available to help others enjoy camping and trail riding. We have gaiting experts, a shoeing/farrier expert, horsemanship and training experts and we have two successful breeders on board who supply Michigan with popular and handy bloodlines. The breeders are Chuck Fanslow (Riverflatranch.com) in Gladwin, MI and John & Kelly Sweet (klorneacres.com) in Barton City, MI. We have access to a number of clinicians and saddle fitters to help you learn how to get your horse to gait properly and comfortably outfit your horse as well. We meet frequently via Zoom and sometimes in person as everyone is just so busy. Our HTTPS://SADDLEUPMAG.COM/
HORSE ASSOCIATION & TRAIL RIDERS NEWS CONT. Mi Foxtrotting Horse Assn.
website (michiganfoxtrottinghorse.com) is very informative, details our history and has links to many valuable resources. Check out the various clinics that we have hosted and the pictures of our members riding on their beautiful horses. Please like us on Facebook. We invite you to join us. The Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Association(mfthba.com) in Ava, MO maintains the MFT registry where you can register and research a horse. All of the forms to become a member, transfer your horse and member benefits are also listed on their plus so much more. Our mission is to educate those interested in Missouri Fox Trotters and to promote the breeding, training and enjoyment of them in Michigan.
MI TRAIL RIDERS ASSN.
September Ride - September 5th – 27th Criss Cross Ride We will be starting this ride on the North Spur at Stoney Creek Trail Camp near Afton in Northern Michigan. Then ride approximately 207 miles to Cadillac Trail Camp on the South Spur. This is the first trophy option. On September 16th, we will drive to/arrive at Garey Lake Trail Camp. The second trophy ride starts in Lake Michigan on September 17th and continues approximately 237 miles to Lake Huron. You don’t have to ride for both trophies. However, a special Criss Cross trophy will be awarded to those who complete all 444 miles! Color Ride - October 3rd – 11th Come join us at Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp. This area is mostly hard woods with lots of circle riding. The fall colors will make this a beautiful time to be riding in the woods! On October 7th, you have the option to ride 20 miles to Garey Lake Trail Camp. This camp also has beautiful circle riding.
2026 Ride Calendar Blossom Ride – May 7th - May 11th Experience camping and circle riding with your horse at Luzerne Trail Camp near Luzerne, Michigan. This is not a trophy ride but a great way to start the summer riding season with the MTRA. We will have a Potluck dinner on Saturday May 9th. A riding option is to the boardwalk that was re-built in early 2025.
A membership is required to attend our trail rides. For more information, please visit our website: mtra.org or call the MTRA secretary at 989-324-8549
June Ride - June 13th - June 28th Welcome to the Shore-to-Shore trophy ride with Layover days! During this 15 day ride we have 4 layover(rest) days. On these days we remain at one camp. Members can relax, or go do laundry, replenish supplies, etc. We will start this ride with your horse’s hooves in Lake Huron and end with them in Lake Michigan after riding approximately 237 miles!
Happy New Year!!! It’s time to make your New Year’s resolutions! We hope to help make your dreams come true!! Here’s some good resolutions!
July Ride - July 11th - 15th We welcome anyone who would like to try a MTRA ride to join us at River Road Trail Camp near Oscoda, Michigan. We will start off with an orientation to help new trail riders feel more comfortable. On the 13th, you have the option to ride 18 miles to South Branch Trail Camp. It is mostly single track and would be great for children and new members to sample what our Shore to Shore Trail is like. Once we are at South Branch, you can enjoy beautiful circle riding and activities for all ages. AuSable Pines Endurance Ride – July 24th– 26th We will be co-hosting this ride with GLDRA at South Branch Trail Camp. The details are still being finalized; we will have more information soon. JAUNARY 2026
ORTONVILLE REC. EQ. ASSN.
“I resolve to ride my horse more often!” OREA version: “I resolve to ride my horse at the Ortonville Recreation Area / Hadley Hills!!” Come ride with us at Ortonville / Hadley Hills. We are in southeastern Michigan on Fox Lake Road. It’s between M-15 and M-24 south of I69. Click on the OREA https://www.hadleyhills.com/ website for directions. Looking for someplace new to ride? Check out the Michigan Horse Trails Directory!! It is your one-stop location to locate places to ride in Michigan as well as the groups that support those places!! “I resolve to go camping with my horse!” OREA version: “I resolve to go camping with my horse at the Ortonville Recreation Area Equestrian Campground!!” The Michigan DNR Reservation System is already open!!! You can reserve a campsite up to six months in advance!!!!!!
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Ortonville Equestrian Campground is open from April 1 through the end of November. Looking for somewhere else to camp? The Michigan Horse Trails Directory also lists the campgrounds around the state!! Never camped with your horse before? If you want to learn in a safe, guided environment the DNR is featuring a Ride Into Camping weekend June 5-7 at the Ortonville Recreation Area Equestrian Campground. This FREE CAMPING weekend is jam-packed with information with informal seminars and riding the trails!! Don’t have a Living Quarters (LQ) trailer? You can use the back of your horse trailer or a tent – we help teach you how because that’s how we started out! Don’t know what to do with your horse? We will teach you about corrals/pens, high-lines, and portable corrals. (This is intended for those new to camping with their horse!!) “I resolve to join/renew a paid membership with my local equestrian group!” OREA version: “I will be a paying member of OREA this year!!” “I resolve to help a trail association at a work bee for a trail I use or am interested in!” Are you ever in luck with this one!!! This is the issue of Saddle Up! Magazine that has Membership Applications for lots of horse groups! For an application to OREA, click on the OREA website, then click on Join Now!! You can download a membership application, fill it out and mail it in. You can also join directly online using a credit or debit card with automatic renewal!! Most groups have a January-toDecember calendar year membership. OREA Memberships are for a full year from the day you join! Personal membership is $20 and family membership is $30. You may be able to deduct your membership donation if the group you are joining is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (like OREA). For tax years 2026, 2027, and 2028, recent legislation has made it so that you will be able to deduct up to $1000 for chartable contributions even if you do not itemize – and that becomes $2000 for those married filing jointly. With OREA, your membership donation is combined with the rest of the money we raise to improve the experience at Ortonville / Hadley Hills via enhancements to the campground, trails, and day use area working with our partners at the DNR. OREA membership also qualifies you for 50% off membership with the Michigan Horse Trails Association (MHTA). MHTA works with the Michigan DNR & Forest Service and US Forest Service at a higher level regarding equestrian trails and camping and are the providers of the Michigan Horse Trails Directory. Hope to see you all out on the trails!
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WESTERN DRESSAGE ASSN OF MI
It’s 2026 and snow and ice are part of our lives right now as we plan for the coming spring and summer events. As you make those plans, I have a few things you may want to add to your list! The annual WDAMI Year End Banquet is February 8, 2026, beginning at 11 am at the Double Tree Bay City Riverfront, One Wenonah Park Place, Bay City, Michigan. We ask that you please RVSP so that we can make sure we have adequate food and seating. If you have any questions, call Carol Baldwin at 231-525-8842. The 2026 Michigan Horse Expo will take place on March 6-8. WDAMI will once again have a booth and we hope to see you there. WDAMI will present our online Winter 2026 Educational Zoom Meetings starting in January. Join us Via Zoom on the following dates at 7 PM: •Tuesday, January 13, 2026: featuring Ida Norris on Suppleness and Relaxation •Tuesday February 17, 2026, featuring Joanne Coy on Collective Marks •Tuesday March 10, 2026, featuring Cindy Butler on Rail and Pattern Classes and the USEF Medal Combination Equitation classes. •Tuesday April 14, 2026, with Ida Norris and Joann Coy discussing “What Do the Basics Mean?” and “How western dressage Improves other Disciplines.” Our WDAMI Online show Series begins in April with Dressage at Waters Edge (April 17 – May 10, 2026, with videos due by May 31, 2026). Next is the Sunflower Horse Show (June 6 – June 28, 2026, with videos due by July 10, 2026). And, finally, the Battle of the Saddles (September 1– September 27, 2026, with videos due by October 18,2026). We are offering three division high score ribbons, one each for Amateur, Open, and Junior riders. We still have our versatility award and door prizes. Enter all three shows and have a chance to win the Grand Prize. Our Quote of the Month is from Reiner Klimke – “Necks that are pulled in stop the muscles of the back developing and interfere with the natural paces.” WDAMI is looking for sponsors for our year-end awards and educational events. If you would be willing to help by sponsoring or by helping us to find sponsors, please contact us by email at infowdami@gmail.com. If you would like to volunteer or offer other services we need, please contact us. We can always use the help. Please don’t forget to renew your membership.
We produce two issues of Saddle Up! Magazine each month; one that is printed and one that is a digital format for our online readers. Non-profit groups can receive one full page, full color ad in our online edition FREE of charge. We ask one thing in exchange.... share the issue link to your social media page(s). All ads must be online ready (7.13" W x 9.43" H). Limit one ad per month per non-profit group. Ad format: PDF, JPG, or PNG
FEBRUARY DEADLINE January 16
Thank you for your support. Be safe, have fun, enjoy your equine partner and exercise acts of kindness to all. Until next time…
JAUNARY 2026
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Phone: 517-881-3622 Email: gailqmoon@gmail.com Website: johnson-gail.bemergroup.com
RENTALS, SALES and DEMOS Human & Equine Sets
JAUNARY 2026
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KATHIE CROWLEY (248) 207-7222 Realtor & Equine Professional | kathie.crowley@yahoo.com A heartfelt thank you to everyone for making 2025 a great year for Real Estate! Here is to a prosperous and wonderful New Year! Love, Kathie
FOWLERVILLE/PERRY - Nice ranch home, 3 bedroom 1 bath & plumbed for a 1/2 bath. Open Floor Plan. Situated on 10.25 acres, polebarn is 48X36 with concrete floor, 12X20 lean-to, fenced paddock/pasture in 5 strand hi-tensile. Great set-up for horses or other animals. Easy access to I96, Brighton, Howell and Lansing. Offered at $299,000! 10321 E Lovejoy Road - Conway Twp. - MLS#20251053429 Contact Kathie for Details.
Boarding/Training Facilities: small to large, with or without indoor arenas, in the southeastern areas of Michigan. I have several qualified buyers ready to purchase! WANTED/NEEDED: Horse Farms and Vacant Land of all sizes and price ranges! I have SOLD all of my inventory and have great, qualified buyers that are looking for property. Contact me today!
UNDER ALL IS THE LAND Put My Expertise to Work For You – Licensed Real Estate Professional for 40+ Years! Specializing in horse and country property/equestrian estates/farms, residential/condominiums, and vacant land.
Realtor & Realtor & Equine Equine Professional Professional
KATHIE CROWLEY (248)207-7222
kathie.crowley@yahoo.com
Horse Farms – Country Estates Residential – Vacant Land
6870 Grand River Ave. Brighton, MI 48114
KATHIE CROWLEY
My Philosophy: “YOU CAN’T BUILD A REPUTATION ON WHAT YOU ARE GOING TO DO” JAUNARY 2026
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2026 4 SEASON SPONSORSHIP FORM PLEASE PRINT
SPONSOR NAME (CLUB, BUSINESS OR NAME YOU WOULD LIKE ADVERTISED:
MAILING ADDRESS: CITY & ZIP: EMAIL ADDRESS: PHONE NUMBER: We require a minimum of one valid form of contact for all sponsors
Sponsorship Options Available
Rate
Grand Champion Buckle for Buckle-1 Per Division -Includes: Recognition of sponsorship for the Grand Champion level, advertisement on our website, and your name (or company name) on Gist silversmith buckle that you get to keep for display or to wear.
$400 Per series per division. Please indicate which division you would like to sponsor.
Reserve Champion Buckle for Buckle Sponsor- 1 Per Division -Includes: Recognition of sponsorship for the Reserve Champion level, advertisement on our website, and your name (or company name) on Gist silversmith buckle that you get to keep for display or to wear.
$300 Per series per division. Please indicate which division you would like to sponsor.
Grand Champion Buckle / Appreciation Award-1 Per Division -Includes: Recognition of sponsorship for the Grand Champion level
$220 per series per division.
Reserve Champion Buckle / Appreciation Award- 1 Per Division- Includes: Recognition of sponsorship for the Reserve Champion level.
$170 per series per division.
Friend of 4 SEASON ASSOCAIATION- May provide any kind donations for door prizes, #yourock awards, or monetary donation to be used for awards and more.
List item or monetary amount.
Total
ALL SPONSORS AND THEIR LEVEL OF DONATION WILL BE ON OUR WEBSITE FOR THE YEAR WITH AN OPTION TO LINK THEIR WEBSITE OR FACEBOOK PAGE. ALL SPONSORS WILL BE RECOGNIZED ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE THROUGHOUT THE SEASON, AND HAVE THEIR BUSINESS ANNOUNCED THROUGHOUT OUR EVENTS. YOU MAY ALSO PROVIDE A BANNER OR POSTER NOT TO EXCEED 3FT BY 6FT IN SIZE TO BE DISPLAYED AT EVENTS. For office use only: Date Form Received: _______________________ Received By:____________________ Payment Form: ____________ Forms can be submitted to the show booth or mailed to Kelly Leonhard 10349 Blackman Rd, Kingsley MI 49649
DIGGER’S TILE SERVICE
BREAKING GROUND. SETTING STANDARDS. Proudly Serving Central Michigan For Over 25+ Years 989-239-6460
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March 6-8, 2026 FARM BUREAU PAVILION AT MSU LANSING, MI
"Where All Things Horse Come Together" @MichiganHorseExpo Hosted By
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2026 MI Horse Expo Program Place your ad in BOTH Saddle Up! Magazine’s March 2026 edition AND the 2026 Michigan Horse Expo Program for ONE LOW RATE! (Both distributed at the Michigan Horse Expo March 6-8, 2026)
March 2026 Saddle Up! Magazine AND the Michigan Horse Expo Program B&W Ad Size Full Page $315 Half Page $210 Quarter Pg. $155
Color $445 $315 $235
Dimensions 7.13”w x 9.43”h 7.13”w x 4.59”h 3.44”w x 4.59”h
7,500 Printed Copies Plus Online!
2026 Michigan Horse Expo Program ONLY Rates (Distributed at the Michigan Horse Expo entrance)
B&W Ad Size Full Page $150 Half Page $100 Quarter Pg. $ 75
Deadline: February 16, 2026
Color $210 $150 $110
Dimensions 7.13”w x 9.43”h 7.13”w x 4.59”h 3.44”w x 4.59”h
4,500 Printed Copies Plus Online!
Email: saddleupmag@gmail.com https://saddleupmag.com/
43rd Annual
"Where All Things Horse Come Together" JAUNARY 2026
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