With Pinckney Trail Riders Association (PTRA), equestrian trail advocacy is more than a mission—it’s our passion! We’re a nonprofit organization led by local riders, committed to preserving the beauty and accessibility of the Pinckney Recreation Area trails. Since 2003, we’ve been a reliable voice for riders in Southeast Michigan, working to ensure these beloved trails stay safe, scenic and open for generations to come.
My passion for horses started as a child when my mom used to take my brother and I up to our cousins’ farm in Lachine, MI where she was raised near Alpena. They raised cattle and horses and operated the rodeo in Alpena. My cousin and I would hop on the horses and be gone all day. We knew no fear! Fast forward to age 40 when I finally got my first horse and it was history after that. I got involved with PTRA when Kathy Moffit resurrected the club at Hell Creek Ranch when she was running a riding and boarding facility there. I became President after Kathy and held that position and Treasurer for 20 years. Dianne Martin stepped in as President when I stepped down but I still hold the Treasurer role. Some things I’m proud to have accomplished is getting the club’s 501C3 IRS status, taking the accounting online so it can be pasted forward and fund raising to hire trail maintenance and expand the miles of trails in the Pinckney Rec Area. It’s been a fun ride!
I’ve been riding since I was 10 and spent years showing hunters throughout Michigan before retiring my beloved show horse. These days, I enjoy camping and trail riding with my horse Timmy. I live in Whitmore Lake with my husband Darrin, our dog Pepper, 2 goats Darla and Clare, a mini named Mylo, my horse Timmy and 17 chickens. I work as a licensed professional counselor and school counselor.
I feel extremely fortunate to live adjacent to our trails. My partner Fredd, our son Tanner, and I spend a great deal of time riding, hiking, and maintaining our trails. Since joining the PTRA Board in 2009, my main focus has been to implement an ecologically sustainable approach to our trail maintenance program. I am proud of all of the work PTRA has accomplished and look forward to continuing to serve trail riders and our trail system.
I love riding, almost more than anything. I’m Susan Hanawalt, a fellow lifelong horse enthusiast. My husband, Bob, and I live in the area on our horse farm. We are always on a trail, somewhere, Pinckney is a favorite. I welcome you to enjoy them as much as we do. I look forward to meeting you out there!
Happy Trails!
Bio Coming Soon
PTRA was founded by a small group of riders who saw the need for organized horse trail maintenance support. Over the years, our efforts have grown thanks to the dedication of our members and volunteers. Three main milestones stand out during our 20 years of advocacy.
Organization officially founded & began its first trail workdays
Hosted our first Blessing of the Horse event, now a community favorite
Expanded our reach to include online resources & digital advocacy
© Pinckney Trail Riders Association
2025. All Rights Reserved.
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