The Michigan Horse Council (MHC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the purposes of education and promotion of the Michigan equine industry. The objectives of the MHC are to (1) act on behalf of the horse industry as a whole to coordinate horse – related activities, organizations and research efforts; (2) assist the Legislature with information on the horse industry so they may be better equipped to act upon horse-related legislation; (3) promote educational programs for horse owners and prospective horse owners; and (4) to impress upon the government and the people of Michigan the economic impact and value of the horse industry upon our state. The MHC is recognized as the largest equine advocate in Michigan and is an affiliate member of the American Horse Council.

The Michigan Mountain Biking Association (MMBA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. The mission of the MMBA is to promote responsible mountain biking and to work toward the goals of common land access and natural resource protection through interaction with policy makers, the cycling industry, race promoters, mountain bikers and other trail users. The MMBA is the recognized IMBA-affiliate for the state of Michigan.

The MHC and MMBA will foster an equitable, factual partnership that will aid, educate and inform the trail user community and land management representatives. This partnership will allow for direct action to common ground solutions on land preservation, trail access, environmental and recreational issues.

The MHC and MMBA will:

1. Create open, equitable dialogue to form partnerships that will create and maintain trail access on a local, county, state and national level.
2. Take a proactive approach to conflict resolution.
3. Educate association membership and landowners to the benefits of multi-use trails systems.
4. Jointly recognize that not all trails are suitable for multi-use designation.
5. Collaborate to form a unified voice to advocate for the preservation of green space regardless of future use.
6. Conduct joint social and trail work events that will serve as a basis for positive interaction.
7. Work together to develop awareness of each other’s needs and requirements on the trail.
8. Establish relationships with fellow trail user groups and associations that will benefit the entire trail user community.

The MHC and MMBA agree to work together to make Michigan the model of cooperation between equestrians, mountain bikers, and land management authorities.

R. J. Smith, President
Michigan Horse Council
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