Traverse City, Mich. – Oct. 22, 2020 – Though the fun and excitement of the 2020 Traverse City Horse Shows season is still lingering, the management team is already thinking about 2021! With the calendar now solidified, exhibitors can save the date for their favorite destination horse shows, making it easier than ever to plan the competition schedule. Traverse City’s favorite equestrian events will be returning to Flintfields Horse Park in 2021, plus a series of new additions will surely add even more appeal to spending part of the year in northern Michigan. Between 12 weeks of FEI competition, multiple championships and plenty of prize money to go around, the 2021 Traverse City Horse Shows season is shaping up to be the best yet.
In 2021, Traverse City Horse Shows will host all the weekly competition that participants have come to love, plus the venue will welcome the FEI North American Youth Championships (NAYC) for both show jumping and dressage as well as the USHJA Zone 5 Team Jumper Championships, both of which will be making their debut in Traverse City. Stay tuned for more announcements about exciting schedule news!
The NAYC is a historic annual event aimed to provide aspiring elite athletes with the opportunity to gain valuable team competition experience in a championship atmosphere, representing their region or zone alongside a group of their peers. It is the premier equestrian competition in North America for children, junior and young riders ranging in age from 12 to 21. Young equestrians have to qualify to earn entry, and then vie for team and individual FEI medals. The competition is run under rules of the FEI, the international governing body for equestrian sport, and is the only FEI championship held annually on this continent. Athletes from various nations will compete over fences ranging in height from 1.25m to 1.50m, with the competition format similar to that of international senior championships like the Olympic Games.
The USHJA Zone Jumper Team Championships provide riders with a competitive team experience and an opportunity to earn Zone Horse of the Year points in the Children’s and Adult Amateur Jumper (1.10/1.15m), 1.20/1.25m Junior and Amateur Jumper and 1.30/1.35m Junior and Amateur sections. The Championships will consist of both team and individual competition, pitting eligible horse-and-rider pairs against each other after qualifying in their respective division at USEF-licensed competitions. Additionally, competitors in the Championships are considered USHJA Emerging Jumper Riders for the year during which they participate, offering them the opportunity to earn the title of USHJA Gold Star Emerging Jumper Rider and a coveted spot at a USHJA Gold Star Clinic.
The FEI North American Youth Championships and USHJA Zone 5 Team Jumper Championships were slated to be held in Traverse City for the first time ever in 2020, but both events unfortunately had to be canceled due to COVID-19. Now with more than a full year of preparation under their belt, the Traverse City team is confident that the 2021 events will be some of the best in recent years.
Traverse City Horse Shows is pleased to welcome back a number of its titular sponsors for 2021, such as Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel and CaptiveOne Advisors. Both organizations have already contributed greatly to the success of the horse shows, and the management team is thrilled to have them back for another year of equestrian action.
Though the 2021 season may feel far off, Traverse City is a popular destination for equestrians and non-equestrians alike, and lodging and accommodations around town will go quickly due to high demand. Whether you are dreaming of a room at a resort or a house on the lake, don’t wait to book your housing!
The team at Traverse City Horse Shows has proudly partnered with Grand Traverse Resort and Spa and Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel, the Official Resort and Fun Partners, as well as Traverse City Tourism to make your visit to north Michigan as enjoyable as possible. Both the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa and Turtle Creek Hotel & Casino are conveniently located just a few miles from Flintfields Horse Park, making for an easy commute to and from the horse show. A lengthier list of Community Hotel Partners will be forthcoming.
For exhibitors planning a lengthier stay, home rentals are an ideal and cost-effective option for visiting the Traverse City area. Winterwood Property Management (WPM) is the official home rental agency for Traverse City Horse Shows, so if you would like to offer your property for rent, choose your availability or secure your rates, WPM can take care of you. Please call Stephen or Tiffany at Winterwood Property Management at (231) 342-4686 or email stephen@sckaras.com to set up a listing agreement or to learn more about rentals.
For more information, please visit traversecityhorseshows.com or theamericangoldcup.com.
