Hundreds of highly trained horses will descend upon Traverse City, MI, for a three-week United States Equestrian Federation-recognized hunter, jumper and dressage festival slated for July 13–31, 2005. Recognized as “Horse Shows by the Bay,” this unique multi-discipline event qualifies riders and horses for prestigious year-end national finals and titles. Event highlights include a weekly $25,000 grand prix, $10,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame Junior/Amateur Owner Prix, young jumper qualifiers, “AA” hunter divisions and classics. New for 2005 is the feature event Zada Enterprises, LLC, “Dressage by the Bay”--a rated USDF/USEF dressage show offering classes from introductory level to grand prix.

“We are very excited to be bringing national level equestrian competition to Northern Michigan again. Traverse City is a perfect site for our event. We love the great weather and resort-like atmosphere, and the town loves the horses,” says Dean Rheinheimer, Production Manager for Horse Shows by the Bay. “We are also very pleased to be offering a rated dressage show in conjunction with the hunter/jumper classes—this is very unique to the Midwest.”

Special interest events have been added to the schedule, such as “Local Weekend,” “Kid’s Day” and dressage exhibitions. These events in particular will showcase local equestrian talent. Leelanau based “Stepping Stones” are scheduled to attend and the Leelanau 4H will host a petting zoo. Nancy Kotting, Carol Grant and Pati Pierucci, three Michigan based international dressage experts, will be on site throughout the festival demonstrating complicated and intricate dressage movements to music. Specialty vendors from all parts of the country are preparing to offer unique equestrian merchandise.

“Horse Shows by the Bay, Series I, II and III” and “Zada Enterprises, LLC, Dressage by the Bay” are produced by Horse Sports by the Bay, Inc., based out of Wellington, FL.

Festival activities start July 13 and end July 31, 2005. Show days are Wednesday through Sunday, with admission free during the week. Advanced or at the gate tickets are available for Saturdays and Sundays. Special ringside tailgate packages are available for advanced purchase. The show facility is located six miles south of downtown Traverse City, off of Meadowlane Drive and M31/37.

A portion of ticket sales are to benefit the Leelanau 4H and the Michigan Lighthouse Conservancy.

For more information, please visit www.horseshowsbythebay.com or call (561) 723-6287.~~~