Northern Saddle Club thanks sponsors for successful mounted orienteering event

Pictured left to right at the recent Northern Saddle Club event are Allison Mentink, Mary Brunette, Tracy Haelterman and Rikki Zahn.

Submitted photo

Posted Wednesday, August 26, 2026 6:00 am

FOR THE PESHTIGO TIMES

NORTHEAST WIS. – The Northern Saddle Club and the Wisconsin/Minnesota Competitive Mounted Orienteering Club extend their sincere appreciation to the businesses and organizations that donated in support of their mounted orienteering event held June 13 and June 14 at the Halls Creek Equestrian Facility.

Riders from Wisconsin, Michigan and Minnesota attended the weekend event, which featured a fun treasure hunt on horseback through Florence County’s scenic trail network. Participants enjoyed a weekend of horsemanship, navigation and camaraderie while exploring the trails and competing in a friendly, mounted orienteering challenge.

The success of the event was made possible through the generous support of local sponsors and donors, including 4 Seasons Beer Distributing, Boss Plow, Stephenson Marketing Cooperative, Tractor Supply, Mirror Lake Customs, the Northern Saddle Club and the Florence County Forestry and Parks Department.

The Northern Saddle Club is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting horseback riding and preserving equestrian opportunities in the region. The club works closely with the Florence County Forestry & Parks Department to help maintain and promote the county’s horse trail system.

Florence County’s equestrian trail network features more than 35 miles of trails and two trailheads, Halls Creek and Bush Lake Flats, both located off County Highway C in the Town of Homestead. The extensive trail system attracts riders from throughout the Upper Midwest and provides opportunities for recreation, competition and outdoor adventure.

Riders can also take advantage of rustic camping with no reservations required and no camping fees at either trailhead. Amenities include potable water, privies, highlines and areas for portable horse pens, making the area a popular destination for weekends and extended riding trips.

The club’s next meeting will be held Sept. 10, at the Aurora Town Hall, located at 1358 Calvary Dr. A social hour will begin at 5 p.m., followed by the meeting at 6 p.m. Members, prospective members and anyone interested in Florence County’s equestrian trail system are encouraged to attend.

The Northern Saddle Club’s next event will be its annual Fall Ride and Poker Run on Saturday, Oct. 10. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m., and the cost is $10 per rider. Participants are invited to ride at their own pace, meet new friends and enjoy Florence County’s beautiful trail system.

Bucket raffles, a 50/50 drawing and Northern Saddle Club t-shirts will be available for purchase throughout the day. Ticket sales will continue until 3:30 p.m., then raffle drawings will be held and winners announced. Around 4 p.m., a potluck meal and campfire gathering will follow the day’s activities.

The Northern Saddle Club welcomes everyone with an interest in supporting local trails and equestrian recreation. You do not need to own a horse to become a member or participate in club activities.

The club is currently accepting donations for the Fall Ride and Poker Run. Funds raised through donations and fundraising activities are used for trail maintenance and improvements, helping ensure Florence County’s horse trails remain safe, accessible and enjoyable for future generations of riders.

For more information about the Northern Saddle Club, visit the club’s Facebook page or www.northernsaddleclub.org to find trail maps and more. Questions may also be directed to Heidi at (906) 396-7457.