Traverse City Horse Shows in Michigan has become a popular summer destination for Canadian equestrian riders, offering over $7 million in prize money and championship-level events. The 13-week series at Flintfields Horse Park combines high-level jumping and dressage competitions with family-friendly amenities and natural surroundings. Recent facility upgrades and a unique trail system enhance its appeal as a strategic stop on the competition calendar.
For Canadian riders seeking to expand their competition schedule, Traverse City Horse Shows provides a compelling northern option. Held at Flintfields Horse Park in Williamsburg, Michigan, near downtown Traverse City, the series runs for 13 weeks each summer. It features FEI 5-star Major League Show Jumping, a 5-star World Cup qualifier, the American Gold Cup—the longest-running Grand Prix in the United States—and the FEI North American Youth Championships (NAYC) for dressage and jumping, which the venue has hosted since 2021.
Prize money exceeds $7 million per season, including the $100,000 Dudley & Barb Smith 3’6” Equitation Championship and the $50,000 Traverse City 3’3” Equitation Championship. Other highlights include USHJA International Hunter Derby regional championships and USHJA North Central Championship Green Hunter Incentive Championships.
Since Morrissey Management Group acquired the property in 2019, significant investments have improved the facility. “The first priority was footing,” said Matt Morrissey, Managing Partner of Traverse City Horse Shows. They rebuilt rings with premium GGT fibre footing and underground watering for consistency and safety. The park now has seven competition rings, seven warm-up rings, and additional riding areas, totaling 19 ring spaces. Over the last four years, additions include 850 permanent stalls, permanent bathrooms, and a large fibre Wi-Fi network.
A standout feature is the 80-acre trail system, developed in partnership with the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. “That was the big hit with the venue last year,” Morrissey noted, referring to the hacking paths. Plans are underway for a cross-country course to expand eventing opportunities. The venue maintains green space, working with the natural topography for an organic feel.
Beyond competition, the series offers extracurricular activities like cornhole tournaments, bingo, trivia, kids’ days, and Pony Palooza with snacks, photo booths, and crafts. An on-site concierge assists with bookings for local experiences, such as restaurants, fishing, golf, and spa visits. Located at a latitude similar to Tobermory and north of Toronto, Traverse City provides cooler weather and access to Lake Michigan beaches, championship golf, and a renowned culinary scene with James Beard-recognized chefs.
Over the past three years, exhibitors have invested in the area by purchasing farms and building barns, fostering a growing equestrian community. For Canadians, the venue is drivable from Ontario or accessible by short flights, complementing winter circuits in Wellington or Ocala with elite sport and family appeal.
