Traverse City, MI - The third and final week of Horse Shows by the Bay began today at Flintfields in Traverse City, MI. Also at Flintfields this week, Dressage by the Bay I and II, sponsored by Zada Enterprises, LLC. Competing at Horse Shows by the Bay and Dressage by the Bay are some of the top horses and riders in the country from as far away as Florida and Texas.

Horse Shows by the Bay III features a $10,000 Welcome Prix on Thursday, August 2, and the D-Braider $25,000 Cherry Capital Classic Grand Prix on Saturday, August 4. The three-week long equestrian festival concludes on Sunday, August 5, with a $10,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Prix and a $10,000 NAL/WIHS Children's/Adult Jumper Prix.

Dressage by the Bay I and II, which run August 2-3 and August 4-5, respectively, are qualifying competitions for the USDF/GAIG Region 2 Championships and are recognized by the USEF and the USDF. The levels offered range from USDF Introductory to Grand Prix.

During its final week, Horse Shows by the Bay will be hosting a fundraiser for CANTER, an organization dedicated to providing new opportunities for retiring racehorses. Made possible by Meijer and Kodiak Equipment, the fundraiser consists of a complimentary party, silent auction and raffle. Coinciding with the D-Braider $25,000 Cherry Capital Classic Grand Prix on Saturday, August 4, the Meijer-sponsored party, located in the VIP/Hospitality tent, offers free food for everyone. During the party, the silent auction will take place and the winner of the raffle will be announced. Kodiak Equipment donated a Jeep-style golf cart for the raffle. Tickets for the raffle will be sold throughout the week for $25, or five tickets for $100.

For more information about Horse Shows by the Bay, please visit www.horseshowsbythebay.com.

PHOTO CREDIT: Competitors at Horse Shows by the Bay. Photo (c) 2007 Randi Muster.