Traverse City, Mich. – Oct. 22, 2020 – Though the fun and excitement of the 2020 Traverse City Horse Shows season is still lingering, the management team is already thinking about 2021! With the calendar now solidified, exhibitors can save the date for their favorite destination horse shows, making it easier than ever to plan the competition schedule. Traverse City’s favorite equestrian events will be returning to Flintfields Horse Park in 2021, plus a series of new additions will surely add even more appeal to spending part of the year in northern Michigan. Between 12 weeks of FEI competition, multiple championships and plenty of prize money to go around, the 2021 Traverse City Horse Shows season is shaping up to be the best yet.
In 2021, Traverse City Horse Shows will host all the weekly competition that participants have come to love, plus the venue will welcome the FEI North American Youth Championships (NAYC) for both show jumping and dressage as well as the USHJA Zone 5 Team Jumper Championships, both of which will be making their debut in Traverse City. Stay tuned for more announcements about exciting schedule news!
Traverse City Spring Horse Show
Presented by Turtle Creek Hotel & Casino
June 9 – 13, 2021 FEI 4* / AA / 6 Jumpers
June 16 – 20, 2021 FEI 2*/ B (Pending AA) / 5 Jumpers / $25,000 International Derby
June 23 – 27, 2021 World Championship Hunter Rider Week / FEI 3* / AA / 6 Jumpers
Great Lakes Equestrian Festival
Presented by CaptiveOne Advisors
July 7 – 11, 2021 FEI 3* / AA / 6 Jumpers
July 14 – 18, 2021 World Championship Hunter Rider Week / FEI 2* / AA / 5 Jumpers
July 21 – 25, 2021 FEI 5* & 2* / AA / 6 Jumpers
July 28 – Aug. 1, 2021 FEI 2*/ AA / 5 Jumper / $25,000 Int. Derby
Aug. 4 – 8, 2021 USHJA Zone 5 Team/Platinum Jumper Championship / FEI 3* / AA / 6 Jumper
Aug. 11 – 15, 2021 FEI North American Youth Championship / FEI 3* / AA / 6 Jumper
Traverse City Fall Horse Show
Sept. 1 – 5, 2021 FEI 3* / AA / 6 Jumpers
Sept. 8 – 12, 2021 Silver Oak Jumper Tournament / FEI 3* / AA / 6 Jumpers
Sept. 15 – 19, 2021 American Gold Cup presented by CaptiveOne Advisors / FEI 5* & 2* / AA / 6 Jumpers
The NAYC is a historic annual event aimed to provide aspiring elite athletes with the opportunity to gain valuable team competition experience in a championship atmosphere, representing their region or zone alongside a group of their peers. It is the premier equestrian competition in North America for children, junior and young riders ranging in age from 12 to 21. Young equestrians have to qualify to earn entry, and then vie for team and individual FEI medals. The competition is run under rules of the FEI, the international governing body for equestrian sport, and is the only FEI championship held annually on this continent. Athletes from various nations will compete over fences ranging in height from 1.25m to 1.50m, with the competition format similar to that of international senior championships like the Olympic Games.
The USHJA Zone Jumper Team Championships provide riders with a competitive team experience and an opportunity to earn Zone Horse of the Year points in the Children’s and Adult Amateur Jumper (1.10/1.15m), 1.20/1.25m Junior and Amateur Jumper and 1.30/1.35m Junior and Amateur sections. The Championships will consist of both team and individual competition, pitting eligible horse-and-rider pairs against each other after qualifying in their respective division at USEF-licensed competitions. Additionally, competitors in the Championships are considered USHJA Emerging Jumper Riders for the year during which they participate, offering them the opportunity to earn the title of USHJA Gold Star Emerging Jumper Rider and a coveted spot at a USHJA Gold Star Clinic.
The FEI North American Youth Championships and USHJA Zone 5 Team Jumper Championships were slated to be held in Traverse City for the first time ever in 2020, but both events unfortunately had to be canceled due to COVID-19. Now with more than a full year of preparation under their belt, the Traverse City team is confident that the 2021 events will be some of the best in recent years.
Traverse City Horse Shows is pleased to welcome back a number of its titular sponsors for 2021, such as Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel and CaptiveOne Advisors. Both organizations have already contributed greatly to the success of the horse shows, and the management team is thrilled to have them back for another year of equestrian action.
Though the 2021 season may feel far off, Traverse City is a popular destination for equestrians and non-equestrians alike, and lodging and accommodations around town will go quickly due to high demand. Whether you are dreaming of a room at a resort or a house on the lake, don’t wait to book your housing!
The team at Traverse City Horse Shows has proudly partnered with Grand Traverse Resort and Spa and Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel, the Official Resort and Fun Partners, as well as Traverse City Tourism to make your visit to north Michigan as enjoyable as possible. Both the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa and Turtle Creek Hotel & Casino are conveniently located just a few miles from Flintfields Horse Park, making for an easy commute to and from the horse show. A lengthier list of Community Hotel Partners will be forthcoming.
For exhibitors planning a lengthier stay, home rentals are an ideal and cost-effective option for visiting the Traverse City area. Winterwood Property Management (WPM) is the official home rental agency for Traverse City Horse Shows, so if you would like to offer your property for rent, choose your availability or secure your rates, WPM can take care of you. Please call Stephen or Tiffany at Winterwood Property Management at (231) 342-4686 or email stephen@sckaras.com to set up a listing agreement or to learn more about rentals.
For more information, please visit traversecityhorseshows.com or theamericangoldcup.com.
Traverse City Horse Shows Fast Facts
When: Traverse City Spring Horse Show: June 9 – 27, 2021
Great Lakes Equestrian Festival: July 7 – Aug. 15, 2021
USHJA Zone 5 Team Jumper Championship: Aug. 4 – 8, 2021
FEI North American Youth Championships: Aug. 11 – 15, 2021
Traverse City Fall Horse Show: Sept. 1 – 19, 2021
Silver Oak Jumper Tournament: Sept. 8 – 12, 2021
American Gold Cup: Sept. 15 – 19, 2021
Where: Flintfields Horse Park
6535 Bates Road, Williamsburg, MI 49690
Ten miles east from the beautiful resort town of Traverse City.
Sponsorship, vendor and advertising opportunities:
Nicolle Meyer – nicky@mmg.management/440-258-5099
Matt Morrissey – matt@mmg.management/941-915-3457
Accommodations: Traverse City is a popular vacation destination and accommodations go quickly. Don’t wait – book your housing early!
Official Hotel & Fun Partners
Grand Traverse Resort and Spa | 231-342-4786
Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel | 800-922-2946
Official Home Rental Partner
Winterwood Property Management
231-342-4686 | stephen@sckaras.com
Official Tourism Partner – Traverse City Tourism
Please call or email Sarah Barnard to book groups of 8+ guests.
231-995-3912 | sarah@traversecity.com
For more accommodations information, including a full list of partner hotels, please visit
www.TraverseCityHorseShows.com/accommodations
Flight accommodations: Traverse City is as easy to get to as life is once you arrive! Book your flight to Traverse City’s Cherry Capital Airport – TVC for the season. Visit www.tvcairport.com for more information!
Official Equine Ground Transportation Partner
Brook Ledge Horse Transportation
Phone: Craig at 847-815-2175; Christina at 847-815-6533; Chicago Office at 888-265-3007
Email: Chicagodispatch@brookledge.com
Website: BrookLedge.com
Official Equine Air Transportation Partner
The Dutta Corporation
Request a quote: https://timdutta.com/request-a-quote/
Community Partner Program: Local business or hotel interested in becoming Community Partners, please contact Audra Jackson at audra@greatlakesequestrianfestival.com or call 231-835-1650.
Management:
Morrissey Management Group
PO Box 1375
Bradenton, FL 34206
Phone: 941-744-5465
Media contact:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Blvd., Suite 201
Wellington, FL 33414
Email: info@phelpsmediagroup.com
Phone: 561-753-3389
Website: www.phelpsmediagroup.com
Traverse City Horse Shows
Operated by the Morrissey Management Group, Traverse City Horse Shows encompass some of the most popular equestrian events in the Midwest. In 2020, the Traverse City Spring Horse Show, presented by Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel, takes place in June, followed by the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival, presented by CaptiveOne Advisors, in July and August. The Adequan®/FEI North American Youth Championships will also be hosted by Traverse City Horse Shows during Week VI of the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival. In September, the American Gold Cup, presented by CaptiveOne Advisors, will make its debut in Traverse City.
CaptiveOne Advisors, LLC
CaptiveOne Advisors, LLC, supports the elevation of equestrian sport in the United States with the goal of uncompromised excellence. As long-time horse show competitors and equestrian enthusiasts themselves, their vision is to help support GLEF’s initiatives to provide exhibitors and spectators with the most memorable show experience imaginable. Boasting a team of the best and brightest minds in the field of captive insurance, CaptiveOne is a family of companies that offers captive assessment, formation and management services.
Grand Traverse Resort & Casinos
Owned and operated by the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, Grand Traverse Resort & Casinos offers world-class gaming, golf, dining, and spa amenities in the northwest corner of Michigan’s lower peninsula. The premier properties include Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel, and Leelanau Sands Casino & Lodge, along with EDC ventures Turtle Creek Market, Eagletown Market, and more. For more information, visit gtbindians.org and TurtleCreekCasino.com.
Silver Oak Jumper Tournament
The Silver Oak Jumper Tournament, known nationally as “the rider’s horse show,” is thrilled to be part of the Traverse City Horse Shows and this year as a CSI2*. There are dozens of sponsors making the 501c3 charitable mission and operations possible and we are grateful for their continued support. Details and class schedules will follow shortly, but expect the best of these two worlds as both Traverse City and the Morrissey Management Group, plus “the rider’s horse show”, The Silver Oak Jumper Tournament, join forces. Come enjoy the country’s best venue and a more gracious customer-centric experience than found elsewhere.
Traverse City Tourism
Traverse City Tourism is a nonprofit corporation that serves as the area’s official destination marketing organization. Traverse City Tourism works to enhance, reinforce, and develop the northern Michigan brand for potential visitors through advertising, marketing, trade shows, publications, sales missions, media relations, and Visitor Center services. Its experienced and knowledgeable team members are motivated by pride for their community and a desire to advance its economic well-being without sacrificing the values that make it a pretty great place. For details on lodging, attractions, and area events, visit traversecity.com.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS