Published: April 25, 2008 10:07 am      

Horse Shows by the Bay returns July 16

WILLIAMSBURG — The fifth annual Horse Shows by the Bay event will return to the area July 16 through Aug. 3 at the expanded Flintfields Horse Park in Acme Township.

The event is expected to attract 3,000 riders vying for more than $360,000 in total prize money in Olympic English riding events in jumping and dressage. New attractions this year include the Grand Prix Ring, an amphitheater-style competition ring with seating for up to 4,000 spectators that is the largest of its kind in Michigan.

"The construction and debut of this new ring is a big step for the show," event president Alexandra Rheinheimer said. "It will allow us to conduct larger events with bigger purses and eventually use the space for non-horse events as well."

Other highlights of the three-week show include a local rider competition day on July 29, and a Kids Day on July 19 to raise money for Michigan 4-H.

The event is sanctioned by the United State Equestrian Federation and other governing bodies. More information is available at the show's Web site at www.horseshowsbythebay.com