About Us

It all kicked off with our shared passion and a big dream. Even with our schedules and a million things going on, we managed to channel our energy into something awesome. With a lot of teamwork determination, we turned our vision into reality and created a ride that truly shows our journey. Now, we’re super proud to run something that brings joy to others and highlights how far we’ve grown!

Our Story

We came together one night online and realized that our beloved ride had to continue, even though it was heartbreaking to think it may not survive without a manager. This has been a cornerstone of Region 5 for as long as we can remember. While managing it has been a huge undertaking, especially with our busy—small children and one of us running a business—we know what a great ride looks like, and we're eager to learn to make it happen. The trails are familar, but organizing and handling finances is more challenging. Thankfully, our families have been a great support, helping us discover strengths we didn't know we had. We couldn't have come this far without our amazing volunteers and everyone who has offered advice, encouragement and support to turn this dream into a reality. This is where our hard work began.

Petoskey Spot

NATRC Novice Jr - Dawson Forest

VA Highlands AERC

Petoskey Spot

1/37

Hello, and my name is Rebecca Wall. When first heard that this ride had no manager last fall, I couldn't let this ride fail. I have too much history here and those that came before me wouldn't stand for it.

I am just a kid who grew up in Region 5 NATRC. My mother, Kathy Neunzig, got into competing in the 80's and well, I came along. I toddled through camp and I think everyone left in camp during the day held a sort-of responsiblity for babysitting me. I, as well as my older sister, were flung into the sport of horseback riding and started on our pony at home. We then transitioned to bothering everyone in camp that we knew and soon we didn't have a memory of NATRC or even a conditioning ride without Garrie Bates and her grandaughters. We all formed a junior clan and before you knew it, we were all competing in a full class of juniors. This class was comprised of several girls, and one boy that were highly competitive and often achieved national awards. We competed heavily throughout the 90's and into the 2000's. It's hard to believe it, but somehow I racked up over 3,000 miles during those years. Us juniors seperated in our own ways and very few of us still ride today and make it a part of our lives. We still connect from time to time and remember all those miles and fun times. Since the old days, I have transitioned to endurance riding and the occasional equathon. I am an operating room nurse by trade and most people on social media know me as the person with the injured horses. I seem to accumulate them, but with my medical knowledge and horse background - they're coming along. I am happy to give tribute to Garrie, Mema, or the Mule Lady as most knew her by continuing this ride on her trails and keeping the good times going.

Hi I’m Mikayla Young, this NATRC ride has always been very close to my heart, when I was asked to help manage I just couldn’t say no. When I was a young teen when Nancy Sluys started bringing me along to NATRC rides. I quickly moved from competing in Novice division to Open by my second year. Most members from then would remember me by my hot roan gelding speeding down the trails. I believe NATRC truly shaped by ever growing desire to continue learning to improve my horsemanship skills. Currently train horses and mules for the public, traveling teaching clinics and lessons with my toddler in tow. I am honored to keep the “Mule Lady’s” legend alive with this NATRC ride and give tribute to Garrie.