Ride Across Michigan on Horseback: The Shore-to-Shore Trail with Jan Gould (MTRA)

🎧 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 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. 

🤝 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.