Deborah Prescott | Daily Press Student Makayla Marshall brushes Lad before getting him ready to ride Friday morning. Before each ride, and after, riders are required to go over the horse thoroughly. Marshall said she’s liked horses since she was four and if she had to choose the name of a horse, she would have to know the kind of horse it was first.

BARK RIVER — Many sporting activities have had to cancel due to COVID-19 this summer, but activities at the Bay Run Equestrian Center in Bark River Township have continued on a limited basis during the coronavirus pandemic.

“We’ve had to limit operations, but because we are outdoors I can still teach a few students … even the governor is promoting get out and be active,” said owner Karen Alvord. “I only teach two people at a time, or one student while a parent is by their side.”

Alvord allows small riding groups, between two to three people in an area at a time. She says groups frequently consist of family members — which are not subject to the same social distancing guidelines as people from different households. For those who do come from different households, staying six feet away from others, is easy when riding a horse.

“When mounted, a safe riding distance is more than six feet separation,” said Alvord.

Enclosed areas are sanitized regularly and soap and water, hand sanitizer, are both available for use if needed.

Alvord and her husband Doug, purchased the 263 acre farm as a dairy farm and knew they didn’t want cows, but horses. Almost 30 years ago they started out boarding horses.

The Alvords converted the farm into a horse-friendly facility, boarding horses for others. The Center has trails, cross county jumps, limited riding lessons, 22 stalls, tack lockers and two arenas — an outdoor arena and a 66-foot-by-150-foot indoor arena.

In January 2001, the Big Bay Pony Club was founded at the Center. Members previously attending the Marquette Lake Superior Pony Club now had an alternative club closer to their homes.

“The United States Pony Club is a national organization with ­international ties,” said Alvord. “It’s an educational institution that is committed to teach how to manage a horse safely.”

Big Bay Pony Club frequently holds meetings at the Center and is open to all ages. Members do not need to own a horse.

“Lesson horses may be available or members may be willing to share their mount,” Alvord noted.

When riding at the Center, most riders use an english saddle, a saddle without the “horn” in front, as a western style saddle has.

Members of the Pony Club work to improve their horse management, unmounted knowledge about horses, and riding abilities.

“Members advance through the levels at their own pace,” said Alvord. “Mounted and unmounted lessons are grouped according to the member’s level. More advanced members mentor the less experienced members.”

For information about the Big Bay Pony Club contact Molly Rebholz at 399-5164.

Big Bay Equestrian Center is open Sunday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and is located at 6425 D Rd, Bark River. For more information call 280-1759.