Featuring $150,000 in Total Prize Money
Traverse City, MI — Traverse City Horse Shows (TCHS) has added two significant equitation championships to its Tournament of Champions series, taking place September 10–14, 2025. The $50,000 Cherry Capital 3’3” Equitation Championship and the $100,000 Dudley and Barb Smith 3’6” Equitation Championship will provide junior riders exciting opportunities to showcase their skills and earn significant rewards.
Expanding Opportunities for Equitation Riders
“We take pride in offering innovative opportunities to athletes at all levels across all disciplines,” said Matt Morrissey, Event Director at Traverse City Horse Shows. “We’ve already multiplied derby and prize money opportunities for hunters along with unmatched summer offerings for international jumpers. It was time for us to welcome equitation riders to share in the spotlight.”
Qualification & Hosting Opportunities
Qualifying for both championships will occur at participating events throughout the 2025 competition season. Each championship will feature the top 50 qualified riders and consist of two rounds, each judged by one panel of two judges. Venues interested in hosting a qualifier can sign up with Ryegate Show Services to support riders nationwide.
“This will be an exciting equitation extravaganza to prepare all of our riders for the fall circuit,” said Don Stewart of Don Stewart Show Stables. “Traverse City has always provided us with a great facility and strong competition so I’m excited to see it further support the up-and-coming talents of the sport.”
More Information
These finals highlight TCHS’s commitment to fostering top-tier competition and rider development while delivering a world-class equestrian experience. For more details about the TCHS Tournament of Champions and these championships, visit the official TraverseCityHorseShows.com/competitors.