MAPLE CITY -- Betsy Van Dyke travels hundreds of miles a year to attend horse shows around the country, but her favorite, by far, is right here in northern Michigan.
Van Dyke is referring to Horse Shows by the Bay, a three-week equestrian festival that features riders from around the country and Europe who represent the crème de la crème of the equestrian world.
The fifth annual event will return to the region July 16-Aug. 3, this year bringing about 3,000 riders, their families and crew to compete in the Olympic English riding disciplines of jumping and dressage.
"I've competed there every year they've held it," said Van Dyke, who is based out of Cold Spring Farm in Maple City. "But even if I didn't live here I would go anyway. It's a really great show and they have a very high-class competition with good judges and good incentives in the way of awards and prizes," added Van Dyke, who will compete in dressage riding.
Dressage is sometimes referred to as equine ballet in which the horse is maneuvered in response to body signals by the rider. Van Dyke also will be doing dressage demonstrations during the hunter jumper show.
This year, the show's total prize money will surpass $360,000 and will be divided among three Grand Prix events, as well as other competitions throughout the festival.
Organizers said this year's show, which will be held at the 80-acre Flintfields Horse Park in Williamsburg, is bigger and better than ever. There is more prize money, more community involvement and a new amphitheater-style competition ring, said Alexandra Rheinheimer, Horse Shows by the Bay president.
The public is encouraged to attend and experience the excitement of the equestrian competition each of the three weekends, as well as during the entire final week.
"We really want people to come out and see the very best in the sport. This show attracts the best in the nation and some of the riders also compete internationally," said Rheinheimer.
"The whole sport is unique because there is no given moment that is the same because you're working with an animal. It's also more than just technique; seeing a rider communicate with a 1,500-pound animal is remarkable and amazing to watch," she said.
"It's really just an incredible facility and incredible show," echoed Van Dyke. "It's the best show we go to."
The new state-of-the art Team Elmer's Grand Prix Ring opens this year and features seating for 4,000 and a competition ring that is the largest of its kind in the state.
This year, local riders also will be able to get involved in the fun during the new Local Rider Competition day that will be held on July 29.
"This is geared toward those who live within 150 miles and have not competed at an upper level circuit in the last three years," said Rheinheimer.
Kids under 18 are invited to the annual kids day program on July 19, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free and they can enjoy activities like horseless jumping, barn tours, face painting and dog agility and demonstrations, including a Junior/Amateur Show Jumping Prix.
"We have kids day every year, but each year we ramp it up," said Rheinheimer.
One of the events organizers will be promoting during that week is a new exhibition and charity fundraiser polo match between University of Michigan and Michigan State University, the area's first polo match.
Spectators also will have a chance to see Olympic silver medalist Lisa Jacquins ride, as well as Shane Sweetnum from Ireland.
Van Dyke believes visitors will not be disappointed.
"This show is really high caliber," she said. "People are driving here from all over the country to attend and if you have any interest at all in horses it would be worth your while to come," she added. "Just seeing the facility is amazing, there are a lot of horses in one place."
Daily general admission is $5 per person and tickets can be bought at the gate. Children under 5 are free. For more information about the show, visit www.horseshowsbythebay.com or by calling 267-3700.
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