Northern Michigan’s summertime horse-riding competition is just about half over.
The Great Lakes Equestrian Festival is held in Williamsburg, right outside of Traverse City
The eight-week long event started earlier this month and continues through August.
Competitions happen every week, including the highest level of jumping known as the Grand Prix.
On hand to keep hundreds of horses healthy is a staff of veterinarians, including Lori Bidwell.
Like a private physician for athletes that weigh over a thousand pounds, these five medical professionals keep horses ready to ride by presiding over each show in case there are any problems.
"A lot of it is like if a horse had a sore foot, trying to figure out what the problem is," Bidwell said. "We will take x-rays of those. I do a lot of Acupuncture, so a lot of just maintaining, sports medicine type work. The show circuit is really kind of a gypsy circuit. Everyone travels and follows the sun and good weather."
Sunday was the last day of the first circuit for the festival.
After a week off, those showing their horses will return in August for the last three weeks, which includes International Grand Prix competitions.
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