Traverse City, MI – November 10, 2011 – With snow falling in many areas of the country and predictions for a colder than average winter, it’s not too early to dream about your summer showing plans. And if you want to enjoy the perfect summer getaway, save the dates of June 22-July 29, 2012, and attend the Horse Shows by the Bay Equestrian Festival at Flintfields Horse Park in the enchanting resort town of Traverse City, Michigan.

Why Traverse City? Well, imagine combining one of Bon Appetit’s top-five “Foodie” Towns, NationalGeographic.com‘s top Adventure Towns and AOL Travel News’ Top-10 “Coolest Towns in the States” awards with five weeks of USEF rated competition! You’ll not only be competing with some of the best hunters, jumpers, equitation and dressage riders in the country, you’ll also enjoy one of the most memorable vacations of your summer. 

Kicking off events next summer at the beautiful Flintfields Horse Park will be Dressage by the Bay Series I and II, June 22-24, which are two back-to-back USDF Level 3-rated dressage competitions. The shows will include a variety of qualifying and special classes, with more details to be announced soon.

One week later, on July 4, begins four consecutive USEF AA-Hunter/Level 4 Jumper shows known as Horse Shows by the Bay Series I-IV.

Throughout the festival, exhibitors will be vying for more than $550,000 in prize money and awards. The hunter/jumper shows include a weekly $30,000 show jumping grand prix, a United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) International Hunter Derby, a USHJA National Hunter Derby/Classic, plus World Championship Hunter Rider sanctioning and the Hunter Jumper Association of Michigan Equitation Medal Finals. 

Show manager Alex Rheinheimer said last year’s schedule was quite popular, so she’ll continue on with the same week-by-week schedule.

“We’re looking forward to hosting another terrific    five weeks of competition,” said Rheinheimer.  “There truly isn’t a better place to spend the  summertime than in beautiful Northern  Michigan.”

Flintfields Horse Park is located 10 miles east of  downtown Traverse City, Michigan. In addition to  its superb dining, beaches and water sports,  Traverse City is the heart of Michigan’s famous “Golf Coast.” The region is regularly considered one of Golf Digest magazine’s top golf destinations in the country, and is a great lure for those family members who enjoy the links.

“Traverse City’s unique and varied coastline and climate lend itself to providing the ultimate destination, especially if you’re into summertime sports like boating, golfing, hiking, etc.,” said Rheinheimer. 

“The downtown area is also known nationwide for its gourmet restaurants, indie movie house and interesting boutiques. All of these many amenities create a great distraction on non-show days,” she added.

More information on the exciting 2012 Horse Shows by the Bay Equestrian Festival held at Flintfields Horse Park will be available soon. 

Please check the show’s website for news and frequent updates: www.horseshowsbythebay.com