On April 13, 1987, the Moose Mountain Trail Riders club was formed to promote family friendly monthly trail rides and to host a reasonably priced annual ride, open to the public. The first club trail ride saw seventeen riders enjoy a very windy, sunny day riding in the west end of the park.
The first annual ride was held on June 28 that year. It was, in effect, rained out. Many people left after several hours of visiting. The intrepid few remaining enjoyed an afternoon riding. Although it was a wet start to their annual rides the tradition continues with rain, hail, or snow making frequent visits on their ride weekends. It doesn't seem to dampen too many spirits and they continue to enjoy good food, horses (some good and some not so good), fellowship, games for the youngsters, tall tales around the campfires, and the natural beauty of Moose Mountain Park.
Throughout the years many improvements have been made for the comfort, safety and enjoyment of the riders. The most notable of these would be from dining at picnic tables under the wide open skies to tarp and pole shelters that frequently dump loads of icy water down some poor souls neck, to the comfort of a large tent for dining and entertainment.
This year the Moose Mountain Trail Riders 27th annual ride will be held on June 6, 7, and 8 from Saskairie. Although the weather has been uncooperative, trail guide Doug Ilchuck has scouted trails that he hopes will be enjoyable for both young and old. Shelly and David Slykhuis are preparing to provide their usual feasts for hungry riders, games are being planned for the youngsters and the big tent will go up on June 5, just before the first campers arrive. If you are looking for a great way to spend the weekend load up the family and the horses and join the ride.
