Summer Heights

Tucked along the shoreline of Lake Michigan, with turquoise waters and postcard-worthy sunsets, Traverse City isn’t just a summer getaway—it’s a serious destination for world-class equestrian sport. Each summer, the Traverse City Horse Shows (TCHS) and the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival (GLEF) transform this idyllic Northern Michigan town into a mecca for elite show jumping, drawing Olympians, international contenders, and ambitious up-and-comers alike.



But this isn’t just about pretty backdrops and boutique hotels. For riders chasing points, prize money, and prestige, Traverse City is a tactical stronghold on the calendar. With FEI-rated competitions spanning from CSI2* to CSI5*, and coveted ranking classes including the Major League Show Jumping (MLSJ) series and the American Gold Cup, this circuit now rivals Wellington in significance—and sometimes surpasses it in summer star power.

A Summer Circuit with Global Pull

The Great Lakes Equestrian Festival, now fully integrated into the Traverse City Horse Shows brand, runs from June through August, offering more than ten weeks of back-to-back hunter, jumper, and equitation action. The evolution of this venue has been nothing short of meteoric. What began as a regional summer show has morphed into a strategic international fixture, thanks in large part to investments in world-class footing, amenities, and the ability to consistently attract top-tier sponsors and competitors. For show jumpers specifically, the appeal is multifold: generous purses, Olympic-caliber course design, and exposure on the MLSJ and Longines FEI World Ranking circuits. Riders like Kent Farrington, McLain Ward, Margie Engle, Conor Swail, and Daniel Bluman are frequent contenders here—not simply for the glory, but because Traverse City delivers crucial points in a high-stakes sport where rankings can make or break a season.

Why Rankings Matter

In show jumping, FEI rider rankings dictate everything from World Cup qualifications and Nations Cup selection to sponsor leverage and invitation-only entry into the sport’s most prestigious competitions. Traverse City’s inclusion of ranking classes—including multiple Grand Prix events with $100,000+ purses—makes it a key destination for riders looking to gain ground over the summer. For those not heading to Europe or gearing up for Pan Am or Olympic cycles, it’s one of the few North American venues offering such concentrated opportunities in a condensed time frame. The presence of Major League Show Jumping has only elevated the stakes. With its innovative team format, high production value, and televised coverage, MLSJ has injected fresh energy into the sport and turned Traverse City into a summer arena where drama and strategy unfold in real time.

A Venue That Delivers

Part of what makes Traverse City so critical is that it’s more than just a showground—it’s a high-performance environment designed for success. Rings are meticulously maintained, stabling is top-class, and amenities like permanent VIP pavilions, on-site lodging, and rider lounges elevate the experience for competitors, owners, and sponsors alike. And while the intensity of the sport is palpable, so too is the sense of summer ease. Riders often bring family, dogs, and even their fishing rods. After all, it’s not every horse show where you can compete at the FEI level by day and unwind with cherry wine and a lakeside bonfire by night.

The Future is Now

As equestrian sport continues to professionalize and globalize, the Traverse City circuit is proving that world-class competition doesn’t have to mean crossing an ocean. It’s redefining what a North American summer show can be—strategic, scenic, and stacked with talent. For riders chasing rankings, for horses developing under international lights, and for fans who want to see the sport’s future unfold—it’s all happening here, ring by ring, summer after summer.