Horse Shows drive Traverse City tourism economy

Photo Credit: Traverse City Tourism

(TRAVERSE CITY, Mich.) A new economic impact report released by Traverse City Tourism and Traverse City Horse Shows highlights just how much of an impact the Horse Shows at Flintfields Horse Park has on the local economy. 

The Sports Management Research Institute (SMRI) conducted the report and found the annual Horse Shows and Equestrian Festival contribute $120 million to the local economy. 

There have been some improvements made at Flintfields Horse Park and last time the economic impact study was done, these events brought in just $8 million to the local economy. 

“This has a profound, direct impact on the economy,” said Traverse City Tourism President Trevor.  “It adds local jobs and strengthens a year-round economy. Visitors are eating in our restaurants, staying in our hotels, and enjoying our attractions."

The report found that people who attended the Horse Shows travelled from 46 states and 28 countries. 

The average horse show participant stayed in the area for 33 nights. 

The average participant group consisted of 8.9 people. 

All of this economic growth occurred even after public attendance to the competitions was limited because of health restrictions. 

“Recently we have been able to double the capacity for horse housing and stretch the shows from six-weeks to 12-weeks,” said Matt Morrissey, Managing Partner of Morrissey Management Group, which operates Traverse City Horse Shows. “That investment has established Traverse City Horse Shows as one of the top equestrian destinations in North America."

The 2022 Spring Horse Show is scheduled to take place from June 8th to June 26th. 

The Great Lakes Equestrian Festival is scheduled to last from July 6th to August 14th. 

The Fall Horse Show will take place from August 31st to September 18th.