United States Eventing Association

USEA Events A-Z: Hunter’s Run Farm Horse Trials

In the rolling countryside of Metamora, Michigan, there’s a place where eventers gather not just to compete, but to celebrate the spirit of the sport. Area VIII’s Hunter’s Run Farm—home to the Hunter’s Run Farm Horse Trials—has long been a beloved destination for riders across the Midwest, and this year, it’s gearing up for one of its most exciting seasons yet.

For more than three decades, David Emmons has been the steady force behind Hunter’s Run. Leasing the property for 36 years, Emmons has devoted himself to creating a premier eventing experience on the 80-acre farm, where he also runs a small boarding business. With its gently rolling hills, charming barns, and a cross-country course that rivals those on the East Coast, Hunter’s Run is a rare gem in Michigan.

“We were the first facility in the state to offer Intermediate,” Emmons recalled. “Back then, we were drawing 225 entries. Things shifted over time, but now we’re excited to bring in a Modified division—something only one other Michigan venue offers.”

The Aug. 23–24 event will feature Starter through Training levels, and if all goes well with USEF approvals, the much-anticipated Modified division. Prize money offered at all levels adds another draw, giving riders an extra incentive to make the trip.

Beyond the ribbons and rewards, it’s the atmosphere that sets Hunter’s Run apart. “It’s a pretty laid-back, friendly event,” Emmons noted. “People know me; they know I’ve been doing this for 30 years. There’s a sense of community here you don’t always find at the big venues.” That sense of familiarity is something competitors have come to appreciate—whether they were first-timers or seasoned regulars.

Emmons and his late wife, Sue Emmons, ran 24 USEA-recognized events together before her death in 2019. Sue was the powerhouse behind fundraising and sponsorships, rallying the local horse community and even selling plaques for fences to raise money for the Intermediate course. “Susie was the real rock of this whole thing,” Emmons reflected. “She was the go-getter who made sure we had what we needed.” The memory of her dedication still lingers around the farm—engraved on those plaques and alive in the spirit of the volunteers who return year after year.

After Sue’s passing, David took a break from recognized competitions, but it wasn’t long before friends and fellow horsemen encouraged him to return. “I just love designing courses,” he said. “That’s my thrill. And with the support of folks like Heather Lawson, we’ve been able to bring Hunter’s Run back to the USEA calendar.”

Lawson, a professional trainer from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and president of the Eventing Association of Michigan (TEAM), played an instrumental role in reviving the event. “We were losing recognized events in Michigan, especially after Richland stopped running,” Lawson explained. “I told David, ‘If I organize, would you consider running it again?’ He agreed—and it’s gone awesome.”

This year marked a fresh chapter, as the event returned to a two-day format for the first time since its Intermediate days. Dressage and show jumping will take place at nearby Rattlewood Farms, with cross-country following at Hunter’s Run. The new setup provides on-site stabling and ample space, making for a smoother, more enjoyable experience for horses and riders alike. “The ability to have the stabling and warm-up on-site is a game-changer,” Lawson said. “It’s really going to elevate the experience for competitors.”

A competitors’ party at Rattlewood, complete with food trucks and vendors, will cap off Saturday’s competition—a nod to the camaraderie that has long made the event special. And just down the road, riders often gather at the historic White Horse Inn, a local landmark, to swap stories over dinner.

One of the notable updates this year is the handoff of course design duties to Janine McClain. For decades, David carefully crafted the courses himself, known for their thoughtful use of the farm’s natural terrain and for keeping things fresh year after year. A former USEF ‘r’ licensed technical delegate and course designer, he worked alongside top names like David O’Connor, Tremaine Cooper, and Derek di Grazia when the event ran at the Intermediate level. “My whole thrill is designing courses,” said David, who retired from his licensed roles last year. “It’s been such a joy to watch horses and riders take them on.” McClain now takes the reins as course designer, bringing her own perspective while building on the strong foundation that David established.

“We have lots of hills here—lots of terrain—which is unusual for Michigan,” he said. “People compare it to riding in Virginia.” The two water complexes are a highlight, especially for Novice riders, who get to splash through three times. David has always taken pride in refreshing at least 25% of the course each year, ensuring riders face new challenges and never feel like they’re running the same track twice. “The younger generation tends to prefer flat galloping tracks, but the old-timers love coming here because of the hills,” he added with a laugh. “It’s a real test of horsemanship.”

Lawson agreed. “The terrain reminds me of Loch Moy [the Maryland Horse Trials] on the East Coast—rolling, beautiful, and technical,” she said. “It’s a unique venue, and the water jump always draws a crowd.” She added, “We even get the local photography club out there, practicing their action shots at the jumps.”

Behind the scenes, fundraising continued to bring the Modified course to life. “We’re really close,” Lawson said. “We’ve raised money and are repurposing some of the old Preliminary jumps to create a true Modified track—not just an oversized Training course.” David emphasized the importance of doing it right: “We want to make sure the Modified is its own challenge, not just a slightly bigger Training course. That’s why we’ve put so much effort into the design and materials.”

For David, it has always been about the horses, the riders, and the sport he has loved for decades. Now 77, he said, “I still ride, though now it’s at Starter level. I just love being out here every day. And I’ve been lucky to have wonderful landlords who let me keep doing what I love.” In addition to the horse trials, David also hosts several dressage shows, eventing derbies, and clinics each year, as well as an unrecognized horse trial in conjunction with TEAM. These events help keep the facility active and provide opportunities for riders at all levels to come enjoy the farm.

David also credited his local team: “We have volunteers who have never missed a year—they’re starting to age out, but they keep showing up. That’s the kind of loyalty that keeps this event going.”

Lawson believed the partnership with Rattlewood would help Hunter’s Run continue to grow in the years ahead. “It’s the best of both worlds,” she said. “Having dressage and show jumping at a top show facility with stabling, warm-up, and space, and then finishing with cross-country at Hunter’s Run—it’s going to make a big difference.”

David's passion for course design has remained at the heart of the event. “When Susie was alive, she did all the social stuff, all the fundraising. I was the guy in the background trying to make it fun for everybody,” he said.

That spirit of fun and dedication lives on today. Whether aiming for a Training victory or tackling a first Starter course, Hunter’s Run offers a warm welcome, a true test of horsemanship, and a lasting connection to Michigan’s eventing community.

Entries for the Hunter’s Run Farm Horse Trials open July 8 and close Aug. 5. The event takes place Aug. 23–24.

The USEA is profiling the history behind all USEA-recognized events in the USEA Events A-Z series.