Traverse City, MI (February 4, 2025) – Traverse City Horse Shows will host a CSIO3* Nations Cup during Week Four of the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival (GLEF), presented by B&D Builders, from July 23–27, 2025. This fan-favorite team competition will feature athletes from up to 14 nations and marks the first FEI Nations Cup held in Michigan. One of three FEI Nations Cups on U.S. soil, it provides a valuable opportunity for U.S. athletes to compete in a top-tier international team event without traveling abroad.
The FEI Nations Cup at Flintfields Horse Park will take place on Thursday, July 24, and showcase international athletes in a test of teamwork, strategy, and skill. This competition reinforces Traverse City Horse Shows’ commitment to top-level sport and elevates Michigan’s presence on the global equestrian stage.
“We are honored to host a Nations Cup at Flintfields Horse Park,” said Matt Morrissey, Event Director of Traverse City Horse Shows. “This is a significant milestone for us and reflects our dedication to providing world-class equestrian competition. To offer such a high-caliber team event in Michigan is a testament to the growth of our venue and the increasing enthusiasm for the sport across the state.”
“We’re thrilled to welcome the CSIO3* Traverse City to the calendar – an exciting addition that will provide vital team experience and foster the next generation of talent in North America,” said Erin Keating, USEF Director of Jumping Development Programs. “The 3* Nations Cups are a key component of the U.S. jumping athlete pathway. Thank you to Traverse City Horse Shows for providing this invaluable opportunity on home soil.”
A Global Team Competition Comes to Michigan
The Nations Cup will welcome a selection of teams from up to 14 nations, including the USA, Canada, Ireland, Great Britain, Brazil, and Mexico, with reserve slots available for Belgium and the UAE. Each five-rider team will field four competitors per round.
The format creates dynamic team combinations of seasoned athletes and rising talent. Beyond team honors, the Nations Cup is a key qualifying opportunity for the GLEF CSIO3* Grand Prix on Saturday, July 26, rewarding standout performances throughout the week.
The Traverse City Nations Cup underlines the importance of the six-week Great Lakes Equestrian Festival, which kicks off July 6 with the $120,000 Meijer CSI3* Grand Prix. Following the Nations Cup in Week Four, the series continues with the FEI North American Youth Championships in Week Five before culminating in a Major League Show Jumping CSI5* during the series final.
Showcasing Michigan as a World-Class Equestrian Destination
The arrival of the Nations Cup CSIO3* reinforces Flintfields Horse Park’s reputation as a premier venue within North America, featuring world-class footing, permanent stabling, and state-of-the-art infrastructure tailored for top international competition. Beyond the arena, Traverse City offers stunning landscapes, a vibrant downtown, and a renowned culinary scene, making this event a true destination experience.
“This event is a milestone for Traverse City and a defining moment for Michigan’s equestrian presence on the world stage,” continued Morrissey. “With a growing reputation for hosting top-tier events, the state is establishing itself as a premier destination for show jumping at a high level.”
For more information on the Nations Cup and the entire 12-week season in Traverse City, visit TraverseCityHorseShows.com/competitors. The 2025 season begins June 4 with the Traverse City Spring Series, presented by Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel, followed by the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival, presented by B&D Builders, from July 2–August 10, and concludes with the Tournament of Champions, September 3–21.