Traverse City, Mich. – June 8, 2021 – Traverse City Horse Shows is proud to announce their continued partnership with the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians and their properties Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel, Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, and other businesses, for the 2021 season.
The partnership, which started in 2019, was created to celebrate the culture and history of the Tribe, while at the same time connecting horse show competitors and spectators with the many wonderful opportunities and amenities available to them at Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel and the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, both just a short drive from Flintfields Horse Park.
Over the years, the partnership has also played a significant role in the growth and success of the event. Thanks in part to the Tribe’s support, Traverse City Horse Shows expanded from six weeks with the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival, to three events and eleven weeks in 2020, and 12 weeks of top-level competition in 2021.
Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography
“With so much uncertainty going into last summer, the Tribe was steadfast in their commitment,” said Event Director, Matt Morrissey. “They were an active partner in helping us navigate uncharted waters during the pandemic and played an integral role in helping us successfully and safely run eleven weeks of events in 2020. Despite many challenges, it was our biggest summer to date.”
“We were happy to collaborate with the horse show last year,” said CEO, Michael Schrader. “With so many other events canceling and businesses struggling, we understood how important the horse show’s economic impact would be in helping the community recover. Continuing our partnership made sense not only for our business, but also because of the larger impact the event has on our region.”
Looking ahead to this summer, Traverse City Horse Shows is poised for another record summer. Entries are up across the entire season and all six-weeks of the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival were sold out before May 1.
“We are thrilled with the momentum going into this season,” said Morrissey. “It’s taken several years of hard work and investment, and most importantly great partners, to get to this point. Financially, the Tribe’s support has allowed us to make important improvements to the venue. Perhaps equally significant however is Turtle Creek Casino and the Grand Traverse Resort’s role as our Official Fun Partners. As a destination horse show, our competitors return year after year because of the memories and experiences they are able enjoy with their families.”
As the Official Resorts & Fun Partners of Traverse City Horse Shows, Grand Traverse Resort and Spa and Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel provide competitors and their families with everything they need to Stay and Play while they are in Traverse City. In addition to offering guaranteed, discounted room rates and accommodation options, the wealth of amenities offered on both campuses—including the spa, restaurants, shopping, fitness center and world-class golf courses—provides something fun for everyone to do while they are in town.
The 2021 season will kick off with the Traverse City Spring Horse Show presented by Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel June 9. The three-week event will feature world class show jumping, including the $213,300 Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel Grand Prix CSI4* Sunday, June 13, as well as national level hunters, jumper and equitation competition. Turtle Creek Casino will also have a high-profile presence at Flintfields Horse Park throughout the season as the naming rights partner of the Grand Prix Ring.
Later in the summer, as an Official Partner of the FEI North American Youth Championship (NAYC) and the Presenting Sponsor of the Junior Jumper Team and Individual Championship, Grand Traverse Resort and Spa will help us roll out the red carpet for the athletes and their families. In addition to providing a room block, they will also collaborate with event organizers to create a special Riders Lounge on-site for the athletes and chef d’equipes and will host a Golf Tournament to kick off the Championship.
A highlight of this year’s NAYC will be a cultural celebration during the Opening Ceremony featuring dancers and drums.
“We are incredibly grateful for the Band’s friendship and are honored to share their culture and traditions with our athletes and their families,” said Morrissey.
To learn more about the Turtle Creek Hotel & Casino, click here.
To learn more about the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, click here.
