Five-star team and individual competition September 11–12 lead a season finale with more than $3 million in prize money, 10 of the world's top 30 riders, and the American Gold Cup.

TRAVERSE CITY, MI — Major League Show Jumping returns to Flintfields Horse Park September 11–12, bringing two evenings of five-star team and individual competition to Traverse City as part of three weekends of international show jumping. Ten of the world’s top 30-ranked riders are expected to compete during September.

The Tournament of Champions runs September 2–20 with more than $3 million in prize money and back-to-back weeks of five-star competition. The season concludes September 20 with the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Traverse City for the American Gold Cup presented by Frank & Eileen.

Now in its 12th season, Traverse City Horse Shows closes its 13-week summer circuit with back-to-back weeks of five-star competition.

Major League Show Jumping | September 11–12

“Major League Show Jumping brings a completely different energy to the International Ring,” said Matt Morrissey, Event Director for Traverse City Horse Shows. “The team format, evening schedule and five-star field make September 11 and 12 a great introduction to the sport, even if you've never been to a horse show.”

Major League Show Jumping adds a team element to a sport usually focused on individual horse-and-rider combinations. Riders compete as team members throughout the season, earning points toward standings while also pursuing individual five-star victories. Traverse City is the second stop of the 2026–27 MLSJ season, following the opening event in Toronto.

Friday, September 11, features the $200,000 ClipMyHorse.TV MLSJ Team Competition, where each rider’s result contributes to the team outcome. Saturday, September 12, shifts to individual competition with the $340,000 CSI5* MLSJ Grand Prix powered by World Wide Technology. Competition starts at 4 PM both evenings.

Saturday also features a special dinner in the VIP Club presented by Chicago steakhouse Gene & Georgetti, offering guests another way to enjoy the MLSJ Grand Prix evening.

World Cup and American Gold Cup Close the Season | September 20

Following Major League Show Jumping, the season reaches its finale Sunday, September 20, with the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Traverse City for the American Gold Cup presented by Frank & Eileen at 2 PM.

The class marks the opening leg of the North American League, giving leading riders an early opportunity to earn qualifying points toward the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final next spring.

First contested in 1970, the American Gold Cup has been won by generations of Olympic and international champions. Last year, World No. 1 Kent Farrington and Greya captured the title as part of their sweep of Traverse City's final two five-star Grand Prix events.

You Don’t Have to Know Show Jumping

For first-time spectators, Grand Prix show jumping is straightforward. Horse-and-rider combinations navigate a course of jumps, with penalties for knocking down a rail or exceeding the allowed time. When multiple combinations finish clear, the fastest may return for a shorter jump-off to determine the winner.

Spectators don’t have to understand every rule or stay in their seats to enjoy the experience. Guests can explore Flintfields Horse Park, watch horses and riders prepare near the schooling areas, shop, enjoy food and drinks, and experience the competition from different spots around the International Ring.

New Ways to Experience September

This fall offers expanded options for groups, families, and guests looking to make an afternoon or evening of the horse show.

New for September, the Tailgate Tent Experience offers private furnished tents for groups of up to 15 alongside the International Ring, with food, beer and wine, outdoor gathering space and dedicated parking.

Guests can also choose reserved La Marca Box Seats, hospitality in The Overlook or the all-inclusive VIP Club overlooking the International Ring. On September 12, VIP Club guests can enjoy a special Gene & Georgetti dinner during the Major League Show Jumping Grand Prix.

General admission remains the most flexible way to experience Flintfields Horse Park, letting spectators walk the grounds and enjoy the competition at their own pace. All general admission ticket revenue benefits Northern Michigan nonprofits through the Traverse City Horse Shows Charity Ticket Partner Program.

“September is a special way for us to bring athletes, spectators and the community together,” Morrissey said. “Whether you follow the sport or are coming for the first time, we want Flintfields Horse Park to be a place where you can experience the horse show your own way.”