By Jenny Cook
Michigan Horse Trails Association VP
In an area that is known for dune buggies, side-by-sides and four-wheel-drive vehicles, Silver Lake State Park has now gone from mechanical horsepower to true "horse power" for the month of November.
There is nothing comparable to the wind in one's hair, breathing the fresh air, surveying the beauty of the dunes, the expansive sky, and amazing Lake Michigan while navigating this terrain on your favorite horse.
Equestrians have always dreamed of riding their horses along the sandy shorelines and fresh waters of Lake Michigan, and now the Michigan Department of Natural Resources has made these dreams a reality by changing their Silver Lake State Park Management Plan to welcome people with horses during the month of November.
The Michigan Shoreline Horseback Riding Season is available with a $10 per horse reservation and a Recreation Passport on one's vehicle. Participants must bring their own horse. There are currently no horse rentals available at this location. Please visit the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Shoreline Horseback Riding Season website for Michigan DNR Shoreline Horseback Riding Registration, parking and safety tips. https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/t...
With a limit of 125 horses per day, there were over 2,400 horse reservations for the 2025 Shoreline Horseback Riding Season, indicating great interest in these opportunities. Many days during the first two weeks and most weekends were sold out.
People from throughout Michigan, the Midwest, and across the nation traveled with their horses to the Mears/Hart communities to enjoy these unique experiences of riding their horses across the dunes and along the sandy Lake Michigan shoreline.
These opportunities are some of the best shoreline horseback riding in the world when one considers the preferred sandy shoreline, which provides excellent footing for horses. Horses can soak their legs in the cool, fresh water of Lake Michigan, take a drink and keep on running!
The horses also thoroughly enjoy the open spaces where they can relax from the threat of predators, allowing them to give riders their full attention and run freely.
Horses of all ages, breeds, colors, patterns, shapes, sizes and styles all enjoy the Michigan Shoreline Horseback Riding Season at Silver Lake State Park. On any day throughout November there were a variety of horses from polo ponies, show horses, trail horses, Western, English, Dressage and more, all enjoying these very unique riding opportunities along the Lake Michigan shoreline. These are also relationship- and confidence-building opportunities for horses and riders. Exposing horses to new terrains and waters develops added value for horses too.
Another bonus from the Michigan Shoreline Horseback Riding Season is the positive economic impact generated as horseback riders travel from various areas of Michigan, surrounding states, and even across America to Oceana County. Riders stay overnight and camp at the Double JJ Ranch, the Oceana County Fairgrounds and many other horse-friendly campgrounds in the area. The Oceana County Fairground leaders are planning improvements such as new restrooms, developing horse-friendly trails and hosting campfires with BBQs. Riders also visit restaurants and purchase fuel and supplies, boosting revenue for businesses in Oceana County.
Equestrians have expressed their thanks for the Michigan DNR Shoreline Horseback Riding Season.
The following are some quotes from riders expressing their appreciation, as shared on the Michigan Shoreline Horse Friends Facebook Page:
• “I look forward to this ride all year long! I feel like my horse loves it here as much as I do!” Julia C.
• “The Shoreline Ride is one of my horse’s favorite rides. He loves diving his nose into Lake Michigan and having a nice long fresh drink. He loves standing in the cold water on his hocks and knees. Several times I caught him just soaking in the scenery with us, breathing in the fresh air, and licking his lips with so much comfort and contentment.” Karen M.
• “This was my first time doing this ride yesterday. I had so much fun! There were so many beautiful horses there and the people were friendly. This was the best time that I’ve had in I don’t know how long. I truly believe my horse has such a great time too! I couldn’t keep her out of the water. She just wanted to play in the water and was a happy camper. I am so looking forward to doing this again!” Connie M.
• “100% My daughter and I were first timers, and we had a blast! It was amazing and so much fun. They did a great job setting everything up. We look forward to the next time!” Rhonda M.
• “It’s magical!” - Terry R.
• “Nothing short of breathtaking. A truly unforgettable experience creating lifelong memories.” - Kelly L.
• “The sand, sky, and water are gorgeous!” - Kira G.
• “We had the absolute best time! This has been a dream of mine for years!” - Kaylee B.
• “The ultimate feeling of FREEDOM!” - Veronica C.
• “The Shoreline ride is an amazing opportunity to push boundaries and deepen trust between horse and rider.” - Dorothee K.
• “Michigan Shoreline Ride will now forever be one of my favorites. It was so exhilarating and closest thing to heaven I could feel!” - Patricia l.
To learn about more ride details, find places to camp with one's horses, and other locations to ride, visit the Michigan Horse Trails Association Website Shoreline page at michiganhorsetrailsassociation.com/shoreline/
