Traverse City, Michigan: Horse Sports by the Bay, Inc. is proud to announce that for 2007 the second week of it’s three part United States Equestrian Federation recognized hunter/jumper series titled “Horse Shows by the Bay” has just been awarded the prestigious World Championship Hunter Rider Program (WCHR) sanctioning by the American Hunter-Jumper Foundation (AHJF). AHJF members were mailed a ballot that asked them to select shows that meet the highest of standards such as footing, scheduling, awards presentations and ceremonies, caliber of judges, stabling, hospitality, and responsiveness to exhibitor feedback. Out of a possible 25 + “AA” rated events held in the Mid-West Region, Horse Shows by the Bay Series II, July 25 – 29, 2007, was one of six shows chosen and is the only one of its kind in Michigan.

“We are truly flattered,” remarked Horse Sports by the Bay, Inc co-founder, Alexandra Rheinheimer, “and we will do everything in our power to meet if not exceed the list of criteria set forth by AHJF.” Horse Sports by the Bay, Inc. has already decided to add a $10,000 Hunter Classic to coincide with Series II as a way of demonstrating their desire to showcase and promote the elite show hunter to the community.

AHJF members that win during Series II will earn points that count towards both WCHR Regional and National Level Awards. “In our industry winning a World year end title is like winning the super bowl,” explained Rheinheimer.

Last season horse show competitors enjoyed daily exhibitor socials, weekly charity fundraisers, quality footing, competitive prize money, and a schedule that allowed them the evening free to enjoy all of the resort amenities Traverse City, Michigan has to offer. Famous show hunters such as Boulevard Deir, Rio Renoir, Fellini, Rockette, My Little Dickens, Far From Home, Caped Crusader, Lance, Odette, Eye Remember Rio, Harmony Bay, and Cologne among others graced the show grounds winning champion rosettes and Grand Hunter Titles. Janet Read, recipient of the 2006 WCHR Alabama Clay Conformation Hunter Award, presented to the owner of the 2006 WCHR Grand Conformation Hunter Champion, remarked that she thoroughly enjoyed watching her prized Boulevard Deir perform in the Main Hunter Ring and that the presentation of the fences and trophies surpassed other venues they had seen this season. Management expects an expanded list of esteemed horses and riders to show next summer with many new barns already requesting information on the events and area.

Horse Shows by the Bay Series I, II, and III runs from July 18 – August 5, 2007 and is sanctioned by the United States Equestrian Federation, which is the National Governing Body for Equestrian Sport. The series offers over $340,000 in total prize money featuring a weekly Show Jumping Grand Prix, Welcome Prix, Show Jumping Hall of Fame Junior-Amateur/Owner Prix, Classics for Adult and Children Jumpers, Young Jumper Qualifiers, and a whole host of special hunter classics, equitation and non-rated hunter/jumper events. Special Charity Events and a comprehensive Kid’s Day are also scheduled. For more information on the World Champion Hunter Rider Program please visit www.ahjf.org and on the horse show please see www.horseshowsbythebay.com or call 561-723-6287.