In this episode of the Endurance Horse Podcast™, I sit down with longtime endurance rider Marci Cunningham, an AERC Decade Team rider, Pacific Southwest Region Director, and horsewoman whose endurance career spans decades and thousands of competition miles.

🎧 Endurance Horse Podcast Show Notes 🌲 Riding Across Michigan: The Shore-to-Shore Trail with Jan Gould (MTRA) 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. 🐎 In This Episode, We Cover: 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 🌲 Ride the Shore-to-Shore Trail 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 ChallengeRide 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.  🤝 Support the Trail 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 💛 Love the Podcast? 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 🎙️ About the Podcast 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.

A 16.3hh American Saddlebred steps to the Tevis starting line. In this Year of the Horse spotlight, Natalie Law shares the story of CH-SH Mo’ Motion Jack — “Brave” — and what it took for this magnificent Saddlebred to conquer one of endurance riding’s most demanding challenges.

n this Year of the Horse spotlight episode, I sit down with Shelah Wetter of Blue Haven Stable — lifelong Saddlebred horsewoman, 20,000-mile endurance rider, and 2025 Sport Horse Owner/Breeder of the Year. We talk about how she chose her endurance partner, what makes a Saddlebred shine on the trail, why slowing down builds longevity, and how welcoming new riders strengthens the future of endurance. If you love strong partnerships, brave horses, and the long game — this one’s for you.

Endurance Horse Podcast  It started with a Valentine’s Day surprise.  Years ago, Dennis Summers  surprised his wife Sue with a special Valentine’s Day gift, a Paint/Arabian cross — before the fence was even up on their property, Dennis tied the horse a tree while they finished preparing the property. That moment would become part of a lifelong journey with horses and eventually into endurance riding for both  Sue and Dennis Summers. In this episode of Endurance Horse Podcast, we trace that journey — from an article in Western Horseman that sparked a deep curiosity about endurance, to competing at some of the top rides in the world, and eventually back to the grassroots level of growing and protecting the sport he loves. Dennis is an international endurance rider, author of 4th Gear and The Long and Winding Road, and a founding member of the Equine Distance Riding Association (EDRA). But more than titles or accolades, this is a story about partnership, perspective, and the horses that shape us. Along the way, we talk about more than one special horse — including the one that truly inspired his most recent book. We talk about training, longevity, listening to the horse, and what matters after thousands of miles. So sit down, grab a cup of your favorite beverage, and enjoy this story as it unfolds around our virtual campfire. Every mile a memory. Dennis Summers books available on Kindle Dennis is the author of: 4th Gear: Power Up Your Endurance Horse The Long and Winding Road Both titles are available on Kindle through Amazon. 🌍 Learn More About EDRA Dennis is a founding member of the Equine Distance Riding Association (EDRA), an organization focused on horse welfare, education, and supporting endurance riders. 🔗 EDRA- Equine Distance Riding Association Support this Podcast & Ride With Us WARHORSE ENDURANCE® If you enjoyed this episode and want to be part of a supportive endurance community, we invite you to join us at: 🔗WARHORSE Challenges fb group 🔗  https://warhorseendurance.com Log miles. Share stories. Encourage one another. You can also join our WARHORSE ENDURANCE® Facebook community and connect with riders from around the world who believe in honoring the horse, the journey, and the miles in between.  Your participation in our virtual challenges helps keep this community growing. This podcast is a Christina Hyke Photography, LLC & WARHORSE ENDURANCE® production  THIS IS ENDURANCE HORSE PODCAST SIGNING OFF FOR NOW — Every mile a memory.

ayaMae Kaur shares her journey from the hunter-jumper world to endurance riding with her Missouri Fox Trotter mare, Foxfire’s Little Britches, a decade team partner who earned three Tevis Cup completions. Along the way, we laugh about first-ride lessons, explore her role as a ride manager, and dive into the heart behind giving back to the endurance community.

AERC Decade Team Wisdom: Dr. Ashley Sansome, DVM, MPVM & Her Missouri Fox Trotter Barney’s Single Shot

Virginia City 100 Hosted by Christina Hyke of WARHORSE Endurance™In this heartfelt 71st episode of the Endurance Horse Podcast™, we head to the wild beauty of Nevada to visit with Tami Rougrau, ride manager of the legendary Virginia City 100.

”Welcome back to the Endurance Horse Podcast! In our last episode, we heard from endurance rider and dedicated volunteer Jennifer Shooshanian, and today, we’re shifting gears to explore another incredible equestrian story. We’re excited to introduce David Silver, the founder of Detroit Horse Power, a nonprofit bringing the life-changing power of horses to urban youth in Detroit. David’s mission is to provide kids with opportunities to develop confidence, perseverance, and leadership through horsemanship—proving that horses have an impact far beyond the trails. Get ready for an inspiring conversation about how horses are making a difference in places you might not expect. Let’s dive in!”

Hello and welcome to another episode of the Endurance Horse Podcast! I’m your host, Christina Hyke, and today, we’re diving into an inspiring story from the Michigan ride, the Metropark Express—also known as Detroit Horse Power, named in honor of the charity tied to this event. In this episode, I’ll be talking with Jennifer Shoshanian, who helped bring this ride to life, and in a follow up episode we will then be talking with with  founder of Detroit Horse Power, David Silver.  We recorded close to the event date, so while I couldn’t share it with you before it took place, I’m thrilled to bring it to you now. Hopefully, you’ll be inspired to add this one to your ride calendar for next season! So, without further ado, let’s jump into this episode of Endurance Horse Podcast.