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NOTICE:
- NOTICE:FCHFA Board and members maintain the trails for all who ride these equestrian trails. Volunteers are needed to assist in this effort. We have the work days posted on our calendar, but here's a poster with the days. Please consider helping us keep the trails clear and safe.
- NOTICE:FCHFA 2023 Spring Camp Out registration forms are available here.
- NOTICE: For anyone who would like to print a copy of the 2023 FCHFA Calendar, click here.
- NOTICE: Our Manure Pit is overflowing! Anyone with a trailer, buckets, bags or other containers is welcome to take whatever they need for their gardens, trees or other plants.
- Read Info from DNR on trail etiquette for "Muddy Trails".
- FCHFA riders, Jan Enyart and Judy Johnson, featured on the DNR Horseback Riding page. Check it out!
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Calendar
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Friday, March 31, 8:00 AMMUSH Dog Sled Race runs March 31, April 1 and April 2. Avoid riding the Historic Trail.Read More
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Saturday, April 1, 9:30 AM - 4:00 PMThis workday will be used to work on a fix for the area that goes downhill around B5. There will be work to dig trenches and apply gravel to the sides of the trail where the water washes out to the bottom and causes treacherous footing. We will need people with shovels and rakes to work the area. There will also be work done to repair the spots on the trail where the orange barricades have been damaged. Reminder that for every 20 hours volunteered in a year, we take $10 off the Spring or Fall Camp Out fee in the following year. In addition, there are plenty of trees down on North River and Antenae loop and also on the Blue trail near the modern camp ground. Will need chain saws, loppers, hedge trimmers and rakes. Quad vehicles, too.Read More
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Wednesday, April 5, 9:00 AMExact days and times will be determined soon. These days will be used to prepare for the cement pouring of the foundation for the new FCHFA Equipment Shed that will be located near the DNR office. Reminder that for every 20 hours volunteered in a year, we take $10 off the Spring or Fall Camp Out fee the following year.Read More
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Wednesday, April 5, 4:30 PM - 6:30 PMBoard meetings are open to all members.Read More
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Sunday, April 16, 9:30 AMWe don’t normally ride as a group, though experienced members will cheerfully act as guides if needed and available, let us know. We are bringing back the potluck for rides and will meet at the pavilion at 12:00PM.Read More
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Equestrian Campground
New Equestrian Campground Opened for Reservations
Construction of a new equestrian campground with 7 large campsites has been completed. The new campground is now open for camping. Reserve your site by using the DNR reservation system.
DNR web site reservation system
After choosing Fort Custer as the park and the size of your camping vehicle it will take you to a map where you can choose the Equestrian site of your choice. There is a description of each site.
These are primitive sites with no electricity or water hookups. There is a hand pump and pit toilet. Manure should be deposited in the manure bunker near the outhouse not in the woods. Site No. 7 is a drive through. The others are a back in or out situation. Picket poles are located in the back of the site. A fire pit and picnic table are at each site. Please clean up after ourselves and let’s make this a grand success.
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WELCOME!
Fort Custer Recreation Area is located in Southwest Michigan near the small town of Augusta between Kalamazoo and Battle Creek. While there are many opportunities for outdoor activities our group's focus is the equestrian trail system. There are almost 20 miles of wooded, marked trails for equestrian use within the park, some with water crossings. Our "Maps" section has more info. The equestrian trailhead allows easy parking, even for big rigs. You need not be member of our group to ride at the park. But we would sure love to have you join! Hope to see you on the trails!!!
Ft Custer Rec Area website
Fort Custer Recreation Area address is:
5163 Fort Custer Drive
Augusta, MI 49012
Check out the great pictures taken by Judy Johnson, one of our Board members, that show the trails, the wild flowers, and the fun that we have at the potluck rides!
The "About Us" page shows how dedicated volunteers keep these trails some of the best in Michigan!
Please check out the new January 2023 Newsletter!
We've added a page of horse quotes and inspirational quotes to remind us how grateful we are to be able to be with a horse and to inspire us in these trying times. Check it out. -
Trailhead Parking
When parking at the trailhead, please clean up all manure around your trailer and put it in the manure pit at the edge of the parking area. Also, anyone who would like the compost is welcome to take it.
Fort Custer is getting so popular it is important that we use parking at our staging area to its best advantage. Ideally we can get three rows of trailers. For that to happen the first row has to be as far forward as possible - see map. First comers please pull forward and leave just enough room for trailers to drive in front of you (On the map, for example, the big rig is in a pretty good spot but could be forward a bit. The dark truck and trailer could come forward a lot.) The second row should also allow enough space in front on them to allow for a trailer to pass - judge space by the longest trailer in the front row. Same for Row number 3. Admittedly this would be an ideal situation but that’s what we’re trying for. Make sure you are not blocking anyone in and let’s do our best. We want as many folks as possible to enjoy our beautiful trails. -
Tribute Proofs of PurchaseBoard member Wayland Funk has volunteered to coordinate an ongoing fund raiser through Tribute Horse Feed Partners Program. If you use Tribute Feeds please save the proof of purchases on feed bags and click the link below to contact Wayland about getting the proofs to him:
Each one is worth $.25 for the club and could provide a small but steady source of funding for the club.
(Proof of Purchase from any Tribute feed bag is eligible. These are examples.)
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