There’s a certain magic to a summer morning at a horse show — the scent of fresh hay, the gentle clink of bridles, and the thunder of hooves warming up in the ring. For those uninitiated in the equestrian world, horse shows can seem a little mysterious, but Michigan’s vibrant and welcoming show circuit offers the perfect place to jump in as a spectator.

With events ranging from casual open shows to a world-class Olympic-level competition, there’s something for lifelong horse lovers and curious newcomers alike. And as local horse show professionals, Liz Gear of ShoMe Horse Shows and Taylor Fabus of Fabus Farms explain, there’s no better time to come watch the beauty and precision of horse and rider in action.

The show behind the show

Before the first class is called, months of preparation have gone into what spectators see in the arena. Gear knows this better than most. Alongside her husband Kurtis, she owns and operates ShoMe Horse Shows, a Michigan-based show series that welcomes hundreds of horses and exhibitors to each event.

“My husband and I both showed as youths,” she said. “Despite our equestrian background, horse show management was something we fell into by accident. We got our start when my mother-in-law asked us to help her run the show office for an event she was involved with. … We launched EKG (Elizabeth & Kurtis Gear) Equine Services the following year. We started with a small four-show contract with the Ranch Horse Association of Michigan. To be honest, we had absolutely no idea what we were doing, but we stuck with it and quickly picked up additional contracts, including one for the Michigan Quarter Horse Association’s six shows. After three years of managing shows for various associations, we purchased the ShoMe Horse Shows.

“I didn’t realize how much went on behind the scenes until I was in it,” Gear said, explaining that they’re always planning, ordering awards, hiring judges and setting up software. “I’m never not managing awards.”

ShoMe Horse Shows hosts four all-breed pleasure-type shows annually. These events emphasize rider skill and horse responsiveness over speed or jumps, and welcome a wide array of breeds, with many horses coming from “stock-type” lines like Quarter Horses, Paints and Appaloosas.

“But you’ll also see some fine horses like Arabians and Morgans — it’s a great mix,” Gear said.

Fabus, owner of Fabus Farms, a horse show judge, and a lifelong Michigan horsewoman, agreed.

“I host mainly open horse shows, which are open to all ages of exhibitors and all breeds of horses. They are typically all-around shows offering many classes,” she said. “It takes a great deal of industry knowledge, as well as event management experience, to organize a successful horse show. … Typically a horse show manager like myself is responsible for building and designing the event, creating a budget, securing venue and insurance, marketing the event, taking reservations and entries, hiring appropriate staff, ordering awards, and then day-of operations. It’s a huge undertaking, but can be very rewarding, both professionally and personally!”

Yellowstone fan? Reining Horse Shows in Midland

Fans of Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone will find a taste of that Western world in Midland, where the Michigan Reining Horse Association hosts reining competitions throughout the summer. The sport combines cowboy grit, athletic horse-and-rider teamwork, and showmanship straight out of a Dutton Ranch scene.

The Liberty Derby, one of MRHA’s premier events, will be held at the Midland County Fairgrounds from July 10-13. Spectators are welcome to attend. Organizers note that any class labeled “futurity” or “derby” promises elite competitors, bigger prize money, and action-packed performances, typically held Friday and Saturday nights. With categories like the Open & NonPro Derby and the Kimes Ranch Green 2 Shootout, the stakes are high and the talent is world-class.

Visit mrha.org for full schedules and details.

Olympic-level jumping in Traverse City

Visitors can experience elite equestrian action set against one of Michigan’s most scenic backdrops at one of the Traverse City Horse Shows. Held at the upgraded Flintfields Horse Park from June through September, this 12-week series features Olympic-level show jumping, more than $7 million in prize money, and some of the world’s top riders and horses.

Just a short drive from the beaches of Lake Michigan and vibrant downtown Traverse City, the venue blends high-caliber sport with Northern Michigan charm. Entry to Flintfields Horse Park is free and open every week starting at 8 a.m. Wednesdays. For a nominal ticket price, guests can enjoy VIP seating with elegant hospitality, ringside bars and lounges, and an on-site concierge.

The shows are designed with families in mind — Sundays are dedicated to family fun, with kid-friendly activities, special guests, and entertainment that make the sport exciting and accessible to all ages.

Learn more at traversecityhorseshows.com.

What to expect as a spectator

One of the best things about horse shows? They’re almost always free and open to the public.

“It is very rare for a horse show to have an admission fee, and most are open to the public. We encourage spectators and love to have new faces in the stands,” Fabus said. “Bring a comfortable chair or a bleacher seat. … There are typically food vendors at most horse shows, so bring some cash and support these great small businesses.”

Fabus also said visitors should stop by the show office and ask for a schedule or a “show bill” to help them keep track of what’s happening in the arena.

If you’re hoping to catch a specific class, though, be prepared to wait.

“There’s no strict timetable,” Gear said. “Class times depend on how many entries there are, how quickly judging moves — it’s very fluid.”

That said, some parts of the show day are especially fun to watch.

“Our nightly special events are really when the excitement amps up. These events have a traditional competitive aspect, but also a nontraditional twist that makes them so fun. Spectators are welcome and encouraged to watch these from the stands,” Gear said.

While open shows may not have the heart-pounding pace of a rodeo or show jumping event, Fabus said, the nuance is in the details.

“It’s not always fast and flashy, but if you love horses, you will see we are extremely fortunate in Michigan to have a very healthy open show industry, one of the biggest and most successful in the entire nation,” she said. “There are so many horse shows to see within our state and these events provide a great deal to many local economies, I encourage you to visit a horse show and check it out.”

How to be a great guest

Spectators play a key role in setting the tone for a successful show. Horse shows may be open and welcoming, but horses themselves are still animals — prey animals, in fact — and sudden noises or movements can spook even a seasoned mount.

“Umbrellas are a big one,” Fabus said. “It might be hot and sunny, but opening an umbrella ringside can really scare a horse. The same goes for plastic bags, running kids, or loud noises. Just be mindful.”

“Don’t walk through the warm-up ring or try to pet a horse without asking,” Gear added. “Most horses are friendly, but some have quirks, and safety has to come first.”

Spectators are always welcome to explore the grounds, but both Gear and Fabus encourage people to check out the show office if they’re curious or have questions.

Where to find horse shows near you

• ShoMe Horse Shows — All-breed open pleasure shows in Michigan, shomehorseshows.com

• GLASS-ED Dressage — Regional dressage competition schedule, glass-ed.com

• Traverse City Horse Shows — National and international show jumping, traversecityhorseshows.com

• Michigan Quarter Horse Association — Breed-specific events and youth competitions, miquarterhorse.com

• Michigan Reining Horse Association — Reining competitions, mrha.org