Traverse City's own world-class equestrian event, Horse Shows by the Bay, announced that it will bring the storied sport and spectacle of polo to Traverse City. The region's first ever polo match will be a charity exhibition between the University of Michigan and Michigan State University co-ed polo teams on Friday, August 1, at 6 p.m. The event will raise funds for both teams.

The event will be held in the new Team Elmers competition ring at Flintfields Horse Park on Bates Road in Williamsburg, the site of the three-week long horse show festival to be held July 16-August 3.

Commenting on the special announcement, Horse Show Organizer Alex Rheinheimer said, "This event is going to be a spectacle in every sense. We're delighted to be working with both Michigan State and Michigan to build an event that will include sporting competition, high fashion, the rivalry of Michigan and Michigan State, and more. We're looking forward to a fantastic evening."

To top off the polo match, attendees are also invited to participate in a first-ever hat contest. Prize money totaling $500 will be awarded in four categories: Most Over the Top, Best Team Spirit MSU, Best Team Spirit U of M, and Silliest. The Silliest category will be open to kids only. The hat contest will be sponsored by Meadowview Farm and The Johnson Family of Grand Rapids.

In addition to polo, the three-week long festival will also include competitions for hunters, jumpers, and dressage and award prize money in excess of $360,000. Other events this year include Local Rider Competition Day, scheduled for Tuesday, July 29, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Kid's Day on Saturday, July 19, when all visitors under age 18 are admitted free and can enjoy such activities as horseless jumping, barn tours, face painting, dog agility, and demonstrations.

The public is invited to attend and experience the grace and excitement of equestrian competition each of the three weekends, as well as during the entire final week. Admission is $5 per person.

Polo, the oldest team sport, was originally used for training cavalry more than 2,000 years ago. The first recorded polo tournament was played in 600 BC between the Turkomans and the Persians. Today, polo is an international sport played in more than 60 countries across the world. There are more than 250 active polo clubs in the United States Polo Association and more than 50 million people worldwide enjoy the sport each year.

Additional horse show information can be found by calling (231) 267-3700 or by visiting www.horseshowsbythebay.com.

Horse Shows by the Bay is sanctioned by the United States Equestrian Federation as an "AA-Hunter/Level 4 Jumper" and is also recognized by the World Champion Hunter Rider Awards Program, Show Jumping Hall of Fame, North American League and the Young Jumper Championships. Feature events include four $5,000 hunter classics, weekly $25,000 grand prix, and a $10,000 United States Hunter Jumper Association International Hunter Challenge Derby Classic.