Welcome!

Hello and welcome to the inaugural issue of Mane Events, your new, inside connection to Horse Shows by the Bay!

Mane Events will deliver regular updates to people like you who want and need to know more about our

event. In the off-season, you'll receive updates monthly and, as the Show approaches and takes place, our e-news will increase in frequency.

The beauty of email as a medium for communicating our Show information is that we can deliver up-to-the-minute registration and lodging information, schedules and results, and much more.

Most importantly, we're delighted to announce that the 2009 Horse Shows by the Bay Series will be held July 8-July 26, and Dressage by the Bay Series July 29-August 1.

You'll be hearing much more after the first of the year, but this first Mane Events is designed to provide some basic Show information, outline partner hotels in place so far, and share the results of our 2008 Survey.

So thank you as always for your support of the Horse Shows by the Bay! Good luck this winter, safe travels, and Happy Holidays!

-- Alex and Dean Rheinheimer

Blue Ribbon Lodging Partners

(as of Dec. 2008)

Coldwell Banker Schmidt: 888-242-7555. Vacation & cottage rentals. Link here.

Gold Coast Inn: 231-938-2538. Link here. East Bay views; Economically priced & pet friendly

Grand Beach/Sugar Beach Resorts: 231-938-4455/231-938-0100. Link here. East Bay beachfront hotel; condo suites available

Great Wolf Lodge: 231-941-3600. Link here. Best family resort in town

Honcho Rest Campground: 231-264-8548; Link here. Full-service RV Park located 8 miles from show grounds; full service hook-ups with family playground

Park Shore Resort: 231-947-3800. Link here. East Bay beachfront hotel; on-site restaurant, bar, and water sports amenities

Sleep Inn: 231-938-7000. Link here. Overlooking East Bay, 3 miles to show grounds; complimentary breakfast, heated pool and fitness room amenities

Super 8 East Bay: 231-938-1887; across from East Bay; Economically priced & pet friendly

Traverse Victorian Inn: 231-947-5525; Link here. Simple elegance at an affordable price; Pet Friendly.

“Survey Says”

Results from our 2008 Survey

Last summer we asked you, our participants, to participate in a survey about a variety of topics, ranging from whether or not we should expand to four weeks to what you most enjoyed about Traverse City. The survey was a success! The majority of the results were very favorable, and many returned surveys included some concerns and suggestions that we've taken to heart. Here's a summary:

• Schedule – Series I, II, and III will now be solely dedicated to the Hunter, Jumper and Equitation community who compete at the “AA-Hunter & Four Star Jumper” level. This season Series I will feature the Hunter Derby; WCHR points will be awarded during Series II, and Series III will showcase the newly revived HJAM Medal Finals. Horse Shows by the Bay Series I, II, and III will run from July 8 through July 26. Are you a dressage rider? Then plan on showing the week of July 29 – August 1st. Two shows will be held “back-to-back” and again will be Great American Insurance Group Regional Championship Qualifiers as well as USDF Breeder’s Championship Qualifiers. Wondering about the Polo? It’s making a re-appearance that week too – but as an all day tournament and we’re also tossing around the idea of a reining clinic and a local schooling series, so stay tuned.

• Vendors & Concessions – Our already varied list of concessionaires is growing! Red Ginger with their grab-n-go sushi and gourmet roasted nut vendor Nuttie Buddies are new additions to our concession line-up. Equis Video Productions has been chosen as this season’s official equine videographer.

• Restroom Facilities –We are currently in the process of receiving bids to provide a more permanent restroom facility. Our plans are to add at least one full service trailer to the already extensive fleet of on-site port-a-johns.

• Manure Bunkers – Concrete pads. Need we say more?

These improvements are just a few that we have planned for the 2009 season. We're putting the final touches on the schedule, our new web-site, and the Prize List, so now is the time to catch us if you would like to see anything else tweaked for next summer! Email us here.