What does it feel like to ride across an entire state… on horseback?

In this episode of the Endurance Horse Podcast, we step into the heart of Michigan’s legendary Shore-to-Shore Trail—a trail system that stretches across the state and has been shaped, protected, and preserved by generations of riders.

Joining us today is Jan Gould, Secretary of the Michigan Trail Riders Association (MTRA) and a third-generation Shore-to-Shore rider. Jan shares the history behind this iconic trail, the origin story and the riders who helped build it, and the ongoing work required to maintain access for future generations.

From how to sign up for the organized ride… to favorite sections of the trail… to the deeper meaning of preserving equine access—this episode brings the Shore-to-Shore to life.

Whether you dream of hauling in for a weekend ride… or crossing the entire trail… this conversation will inspire you to get out there and ride.

• The history and formation of the Michigan Shore-to-Shore Trail

• The role of the Michigan Trail Riders Association (MTRA) in preserving access

• What it’s like to ride across the state of Michigan on horseback

• Weekend-friendly trailheads and camping recommendations

• The magic of trail life—and why riders return year after year

• Favorite sections of the trail from a lifelong rider

• The why & how behind the iconic “big blue bus”

• How volunteers help maintain and protect the trail

• Why preserving equine trail access matters now more than ever

• How YOU can experience the trail—both in person and virtually

Ready to experience it for yourself?

🐎 Michigan Trail Riders Association (MTRA) Join an in-person Shore-to-Shore ride in June or September 👉 https://mtra.org

🏁 Great Lakes Distance Riding Association (GLDRA) Explore endurance rides across Michigan 👉 https://gldrami.org (see Events tab)

🌎 WARHORSE 250 Mile Shore-to-Shore Virtual Challenge Ride from wherever you are and be part of the journey 👉 https://warhorseendurance.com

Sign up at WARHORSE Endurance for the Virtual 250 Mile Shore to Shore Ride to gain access to the online journal & the awards packet of bracelet, belt buckle, metal sign, patch and more! This event greatly supports GLDRA & endurance in the Great Lakes Region.

The Shore-to-Shore trail exists because of riders who care.

• Join MTRA

• Volunteer for trail work days

• Support organizations that protect equine access

• Share this episode to spread awareness

If this episode inspired you, encouraged you, or kept you company on your ride or drive today…

You can support the podcast by:

• Sharing this episode with a friend

• Leaving a positive review on your favorite platform

• And if you’d like to support in a tangible way—join a WARHORSE event at 👉 https://warhorseendurance.com

Endurance Horse Podcast brings riders together from all across the world—sharing their stories, progress, and goals as they train for or compete in endurance events at every level.

Endurance Horse Podcast is produced by Christina Hyke Photography, LLC, a WARHORSE Endurance® production.

🎙️ THIS IS ENDURANCE HORSE PODCAST SIGNING OFF FOR NOW — Every mile a memory.

Natalie Law & CH-SH Mo Motion Jack — Brave on the Mountain: The American Saddlebred in Endurance

A 16.3-hand American Saddlebred steps to the Tevis starting line.

Tall. Big-moving. Refined. Not the typical silhouette in an Arabian-dominated sport — but unmistakable in presence.

In this episode we cover a lot of ground and hear from Natalie Law about CH-SH Mo Motion Jack — “Brave” — and the rider who believed he belonged there. ( and of course, Flash, Brave's sidekick hackney pony makes an appearance on the podcast again )

Stepping outside of the place where a Saddlebred is typically expected to be, Brave brought power, elegance, and a brave heart to one of the most demanding endurance rides in the world — the Tevis Cup.

And he didn’t go alone.

Natalie Law and her daughter made history as a mother-daughter team on that mountain — one riding this magnificent American Saddlebred, the largest horse in the event that day, other piloting Piece of Perfection, a 11.2-hand Hackney pony affectionately known as "Flash", the smallest equine to ever complete Tevis. Together, they proved that endurance is not defined by breed, height, or expectation — but by preparation, partnership, and courage.

In this Year of the Horse spotlight, we explore the athleticism and mindset of the American Saddlebred, what it takes to condition a big-framed horse for 100 rugged miles, and why representation of diverse breeds in endurance matters.

We also discuss EDRA's young rider program, distance riding organizations, and the importance of preserving the trails we ride..

🔹 American Endurance Ride Conference

🔹 Equine Distance Riding Association

🔹 VERSA

🔹 Saddlebreds in Endurance (Facebook Group)

🔹 Back Country Horsemen of America

Race Against Time by Claire Eckhardt

If you enjoy these stories and want to see Endurance Horse Podcast continue to grow, there are a few meaningful ways you can help.

Share this episode with a friend. Post it on social media. Or leave a positive review on your favorite podcast platform.

Word of mouth is one of the most powerful ways this show reaches new riders, and we truly appreciate your support.

If you’d like to support the podcast in a tangible way, visit warhorseendurance.com and sign up for a WARHORSE Endurance® Challenge. Every mile you log helps sustain this show — and yes, we give out some beautiful awards.

Join the miles. Join the community. Be part of the story.

What does it take to ride 20,000 endurance miles?

Belief. Patience. And the courage to ride your own path.

As part of our Year of the Horse spotlight, February celebrates the American Saddlebred — and in this episode, I sit down with lifelong Saddlebred horsewoman and endurance rider Shelah Wetter, owner of Blue Haven Stable.

Shelah has logged over 20,000 endurance miles aboard American Saddlebreds and was honored in 2025 as Sport Horse Owner and/or Breeder of the Year by the American Saddlebred Horse & Breeders Association.

In this conversation we talk about: • How she chose her endurance partner • What makes a Saddlebred shine on the trail • And how welcoming new riders strengthens the future of endurance

If you love strong partnerships and the long game — this one is for you!

• American Saddlebred Horse & Breeders Association (ASHBA): https://www.saddlebred.com

• Versatile Saddlebred Association (VERSA): https://www.saddlebredversa.org/

• Equine Distance Riding Association (EDRA): https://www.equinedistanceriding.com

• American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC): https://www.aerc.org

Head to https://warhorseendurance.com and sign up for a WARHORSE Endurance® Challenge. Whether you ride one mile or one hundred, you’ll be part of a supportive community that celebrates every step forward.

Join us on Facebook in WARHORSE Challenges.

Free ways to support: • Leave a positive review • Share this episode • Text it to a friend

Word of mouth keeps this podcast growing — and I truly appreciate you for helping us to grow on this journey.

This is Endurance Horse Podcast signing off for now — Every mile a memory.

Endurance Horse Podcast is produced by Christina Hyke Photography, LLC, a WARHORSE Endurance® production.