INAUGURAL DAY OF THE HORSE

This story first appeared in the August 11, 2023, Mackinac Island Town Crier print edition

Equestrians young and old competed in the 54th Annual Horse Show at the Mackinac Community Equestrian Center Saturday, August 5, complete with a costume competition, games classes, and the grand finale – barrel races. The day also recognized the inaugural Day of the Horse celebration on the Island.

Allison Layman was named the 10-year-old and under English reserve champion, and the champion was Evelyn Novakoski. Lennon Perault was named the 10-year-old and under Western champion. The 11- to 13-year-old English champion was Jadyn Rickley, and the 11- to 13-year-old Western champion was Madison Morse. Charlotte Chambers was named the 14- to 17-year-old English champion, and the 18-and-up champion was Claire Dunnigan.

The day ended with a celebration marking the first annual Day of the Horse, officially declared by the Mackinac Island City Council earlier this year. Candice Dunnigan, who also competed in the show with her horse, Nicolet, gave a speech describing the importance of the Island’s horses. She talked about how the horses went from being farm animals to being used mostly for tourism, and that the power of the horse persists even in the face of outside influences like bicycles and e-bikes. She said too many people are in too much of a hurry these days to prioritize the Island’s horse culture. But not everyone.

Horse Show champions Claire Dunnigan, 18-and-up division, and Charlotte Chambers, 14- to 17-year-old English division, celebrate.

“A lot of us [still] feel that Mackinac would not be Mackinac without the horse – whether they’re perfect or not perfect,” she said. “It’s not a perfect society, but it is this funny little Island that all of us are a part of.”

At the end of the show, after Mrs. Dunnigan’s speech, Trish Martin, who also helped record the scores for the show, gave a blessing of the horses.

Many of the kids at the competition shared horses, like the Island’s resident teaching horses Ellie and Blaze. Because there were more kids than horses to go around, some categories had to be split into two or more groups. Throughout the show, Mackinac Horsemen’s Association President Steve Rilenge emphasized the need for more horses at the equestrian center in the hopes that someone can loan a horse or donate money toward the purchase of another horse.

Allison Layman wins the 10-year-old and under the English reserve crown. 

Dozens of spectators made it out to the equestrian center for the show, and Mr. Rilenge remarked that it was one of the biggest competitions they have had in recent years. There were 11 events and 22 participants, up from 20 participants last year. And there were 79 entries this year, up from 53 last year.

The judge for the competition, Denise Webber, of Nottawa Paint Horses, LLC, in Marshall, said this was her 10th year judging the competition, and she thought it was a beautiful show day. “I absolutely love it,” she said. “It’s become part of my life.”

Her assistant, Elaine Hunsicker, said she liked how there was such a variety of ages in the show. The youngest contestant, who competed in the lead line class, was just 2.5 years old, and the eldest competitors were in their late 60s. They also appreciated how many attended to support the show, and they were happy to see so much support from the community.

Makayla Rickley and her horse Ellie compete in the barrel race.

After ribbons and trophies were handed out, everyone agreed that it was a beautiful, eventful day celebrating the first annual Day of the Horse and the 54th Annual Mackinac Island Horse Show. 

Natalie Ouimette, 2.5 years old, rides Ellie in the lead line class. She tied for first place with Kennedy Crawford, Max Crawford, and Ziva Jaffer (not pictured).

Evelyn Novakoski and horse Ellie celebrate winning the 10-year-old and under English championship at the 54th Mackinac Island Horse Show Saturday, August 5.

Jadyn Rickley is named the 11 to 13-year-old English champion. 

Charlotte Chambers competes in the barrel race.

Jenavieve Fisher (left) and Andrew Layman prepare for their next event in the horse show.