Michigan Shore-to-Shore Endurance Trip: 6 Days
This ride is a unique one time event only being offered this year and the perfect for recreational distance riders looking to do multiple 15+ miles a day rides.
More information about the Michigan Shore to Shore Ride: https://michiganhorsetrailsassociation.com/projects/distance-ride-shore-to-shore-2025/
We strongly suggest that riders join three days of 15 mile introductory rides and experience the point-to-point ride experience. If on Day 3 both horse and rider are up to it, they can increase the ride to the 25 mile LD for the last ride before heading home.
NUMBER OF RIDERS: 2 Rider Minimum, 8 Rider Maximum
TRIP INTENSITY LEVEL: Intermediate
All riders and horses must be fit enough and skilled enough to join this trip. Each ride will be 15 to 20 miles per day. Riders must be able to walk, trot and canter independently and have the skills to be self sufficient with their horse in terms of readying them and caring for them.
Introductory Ride distances are 15 miles per day. Consecutive days of Introductory Rides are welcome!
The Limited Distance Endurance rides at the event are between 25-35 miles. All riders joining this event must understand the rules, vetting procedures and etiquette expectations at an endurance event.
NON-COMPETITIVE RIDERS WELCOME:
Riders do not need to be competitive in this event, but must register in order to receive the camping and recreational trail riding access to the estate. Riders have the option of competing competitively, completing slowly but within parameters, or even just recreationally riding the designated routes and only doing half or coming in past time. This is one of the best marked trails in the United States with permanent markers and well established winding trail routes making it an easy event to ride independently.
There are various categories of riders that participate in these races:
Turtle Riders enter endurance races not for the race, but for the opportunity to enter organized events that allow them to take their mounts further distances with the support of well marked trails, watering stations for the horse, and veterinarians on deck for support. These riders tend to ride a bit slower pace (6 mph) and enjoy the trail, the event and the ambiance of the endurance race community, who supports these riders by awarding them with the "turtle award" to the rider who finishes the race last!
Support Racers are students who are looking to compete but are either new to the sport, or stepping up to the next level or distance of racing and require the guidance of a seasoned rider or instructor on the ride. These riders may be riding slower mounts, or may be riding fast mounts, but will be riding with a staff member or advanced level student for support to get them through the new challenges.
Independent Racers are students who are ready to go out and compete at their selected level independently without the support of another rider. They have usually raced at their distance before and are working on perfecting that distance.
Jack Rabbit Racers are the riders in our barn who are looking to place in the top ten and potentially even win best condition for their mount. These are riders who are mounted on competitive horses and capable of riding at a faster pace (9-10 mph) without putting horses at risk of injury or metabolic distress.
INCLUDED:
Riding:
- 1-3 days of endurance racing - entry fee not included.
- 1/2 day of recreational riding
- recreational riding on the days not competing
- All home-made meals for the trip (except those purchased en route at restaurants as we drive).
- Overnighting is camping at the race event.
- One Month of membership specifically on the horse you will be using for the trip
RATES:
$2400 for Painted Bar Students for 6 Day Trip
Additional cost for staff escort during the race.If you need a Painted Bar Stables staff to ride with you, they are available at the following rates:
- A Staff Member or PBS Appointed Sponsor: an additional $100
- Erika Eckstrom or Jennifer VanDusen: an additional $150
Refund Policy summarized:
Cancelation of Trip Prior to Departure
60 Days Prior to Trip Start:
- 95% Refund
- 5% Non-Refundable
30 Days Prior to Trip Start:
- 50% Refund
- 25% Held as Account Credit
- 25% Non-Refundable
14 Days Prior to Trip Start:
- 50% Refund
- 50% Non-Refundable
Date of Trip Start:
- 0% Refund
- 100% Non-Refundable
Starting on the day of the event, there will be absolutely no refunds. Please be sure to coordinate with us prior to the start of the program if there are any concerns.
Anyone exhibiting symptoms of COVID19 may be asked to leave with no refund. Please make sure you are symptom free before arrival. We strongly suggest testing if you are prone to "mock symptoms" such as allergies that may be confused with COVID19.
Why do we have these these cancelation policies?
In order to plan your vacation, we need to prepay a number of reservations for our journey including hotels, cabins, stalls, certain banquet meals and event registrations. Many of these are non-refundable.
In addition to this, there is a lot of work that goes into the calculation of the price of the trips and the minimum number of people. As we get closer to the start of the trip it becomes impossible to advertise to fill places left to cancellation.
Are there any exceptions?
Yes! If someone is able to fill your place on the trip then we will give you a 95% refund and only hold 5% as a non-refundable inconvenience fee.