Traverse City, MI - Junior and Amateur riders could not ask for a better start to a busy weekend of competition, as there were just a few small clouds in the sky at Horse Shows by the Bay today in beautiful Traverse City, MI. Amateur-owner hunters started the day off in the R.L. Polk main hunter ring, and the WIHS Hunter Phase concluded the day with nearly a dozen entries. Greer Hindle had a spectacular day in nearly every ring, from equitation to jumpers. Hindle, of Ann Arbor, MI, won both phases of the Washington Equitation Classic. In addition, the skilled young rider also won the USEF Platinum Performance Talent Search and the $10,000 Welcome Prix.

Hindle rode her way straight to the top of the hunter phase of the Washington International Horse Show Equitation Classic. With a score of 83, Greer and her horse, Freedom, were able to take the lead from Laura Baginski of St. Louis, MO, who had been holding the top spot with a score of 81 points. Hindle and Freedom have only been a team for about six months, when she received him for her birthday in January. Meehan Shirey and Cassady, owned by Fox Meadow Farm, received the red second place ribbon in the hunter phase, while Laura Baginski took home the yellow ribbon in third place.

Hindle was also able to take home the blue ribbon in the jumper phase of the WIHS Equitation Classic. She was the first one in the ring, as she was set to ride another one of her talented mounts, Viper, in the $10,000 Welcome Prix. She walked into the arena with a confident smile and, after watching a few rounds, the time allowed in the course was adjusted, bumping Hindle right into first place. The eighteen-year-old remained there for the duration of the class. Lauren Ditallo rode to second place and Kendra Martenfeld earned third place in the jumper phase today, close behind Hindle. Having won all phases of the WIHS Equitation Classic, Greer Hindle was the overall winner of this challenging test of horsemanship..

Ten entries in the USEF Platinum Performance Talent Search left little room for error, as Greer Hindle once again showed great form and a smooth ride to the blue ribbon. As in the jumper phase of the WHIS Equitation Classic, Lauren Ditallo rode her way into second place, just behind winner Hindle. Rachel Fladung was able to take home third place honors in the talent search today, proving that one doesn't have to search far for talent at Horse Shows by the Bay. The competition in the equitation ring was tough this morning and promises to continue to challenge riders' equestrian skill sets..

"My favorite thing about the equitation ring is the finesse, making everything perfect. It can be difficult at times but I love that challenge. I'm having a great time here; I haven't been here in two years but I'm glad to be back." said Hindle of her time here so far at Horse Shows by the Bay. "It's hard to imagine such perfect horse show weather. All the horses seem to really love it here and I couldn't ask mine to be any better," exclaimed Marika Raff after her fabulous ride in the Ariat Adult Medal. There does not seem to be much of anything missing here at Horse Shows by the Bay: great weather, generous sponsors, varied vendors, friendly competition, and so much more.

The Ariat Adult Medal was another one of today's highly anticipated classes. Totaling twelve entries in the class, there was plenty of incentive for riders to step up their game. Marika Raff showed off great form and feel for her mount, Axel, owned by Fox Meadow Farm. Kendall Meijer and her horse Tigger earned second place in the medal, with smooth and flowing rounds. Not to be left at the back of the pack, Abigail Wujek and Magic Man showed the judges what magic they have together taking home the third place ribbon in the medal class.

Horse Shows by the Bay will continue to welcome athletes, inspire spectators, and award over half a million dollars in prize money over the next four weeks. Upcoming events for the remainder of this week include the $10,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Prix on July 9, as well as the $30,000 Grand Prix of Traverse City on July 10.

During Series II, held July 13-17, highlights include a new $10,000 Horse Shows by the Bay Open Hunter Classic, a new $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Classic, and a $30,000 Grand Traverse Bay Grand Prix and VIP Sponsor Luncheon. Series III, which occurs July 20-24, includes a $20,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, a $10,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame Junior Amateur-Owner Jumper Prix, and a $30,000 Grand Prix of the Great Lakes and VIP Sponsor Luncheon During the fourth and final week of competition, exciting events include the $30,000 D-BRAIDER Cherry Capital Classic Grand Prix, as well as a $10,000 Children's/Adult Jumper Prix and VIP Sponsor Luncheon.

For more information or to view schedules, please visit www.horseshowsbythebay.com or call 231-267-3700.