Pilot program offers horseback riding at Silver Lake.

Pilot program offers horseback riding at Silver Lake.

GOLDEN TOWNSHIP — After the Silver Lake Sand Dunes close for the season to ORV users Oct. 31, the unique landscape will be available to horseback riders as part of a pilot program Nov. 1-14.

For the past four years, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources has been working with the Equine Trails Subcommittee to explore opportunities for shoreline horseback riding along Michigan’s Great Lakes.

Pilot rides have been hosted at Muskegon and Silver Lake state parks in the past. This year, the DNR partnered with the Michigan Horse Council to host a two-week event at Silver Lake as part of a pilot program to simulate what a riding season would look like at Silver Lake State Park.

This event provides an opportunity for more than 800 equestrians to ride the Lake Michigan shoreline, connect with MHC and DNR and explore a new region of Michigan on horseback.

To register for the event, text “BeachRide” to 80888. To volunteer, text “Rider” to 80888. For further info on future shoreline rides, text “Trot” to 80888.

The 2021 season will be offered through the Michigan Horse Council, and each participant must join the Michigan Horse Council, which is $20 for individuals or $30 for family for annual memberships.

Each participant can ride in one session per season. Sessions are 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m. Each vehicle must have a Michigan State Parks recreation passport.​

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