Massage Services Await Horse Show Enthusiasts in Acme

If you’re one of many planning to enjoy this summer’s horse shows at Flintfield Horse Park in Acme Township, a new service awaits thanks to the entrepreneurial genius of a Traverse City business owner who discovered a unique niche with horse show goers.

It’s Elemental Compass and its highly successful owner Beverley Fryer and the therapeutic massage services they offer to support wellness and physical and mental health from their studio in Traverse City and also, until mid-August, at Flintfield Horse Park.

Known as the Traverse City Horse Show since 2015, the competition began about twenty years ago as Horse Shows by the Bay.  The series of horse shows evolved into an annual event of national prominence with millions in prize money awarded to riders from around the world during three months of competition. It all takes place at the 130-acre Flintfield Horse Park at 6535 Bates Road in Williamsburg and is open to the public.  It is a stunning, 13-week circuit of over ten equestrian shows and events focused on jumping, hunting and equitation skills.

For Elemental Compass, it all began with a 2023 phone call from a Traverse City Horse Show equestrian seeking massage therapy in the community.   Fryer began the business in 2022 with the help of startup capital from Venture North Funding and Development, a nonprofit that provides resources for small businesses in northwest Michigan.

“The client was pleased and told us ‘I’m going to get you into the horse show’” said Fryer.  “We were asked to participate, said ‘yes’ and, in a week, we were there.”

Owner, Beverley Fryer, an example of their flexible outdoor set up and a team member giving a massage.

“We found that equestrians, their families and show-goers found our massage services and self-care products to be therapeutic and convenient,” said Fryer.  “The catalyst was equestrian competitors and the mix of needs they brought, including neck and low back pain and rotator shoulder and pelvic issues to name a few.  This was particularly true for the unfortunate competitors who experienced falls as part of the show.  Pretty soon we were serving families and general event participants and our business in the Horse Show took off.”

Fryer said that she and her team aim to serve people of all needs, abilities and ages with the very finest therapeutic massage solutions.

“We put a lot of effort into our own training and education with the intent of translating the time we invest into happy, healthy client partners.”

Elemental Compass has a 10 x 20 booth at Flintfield Horse Park five days a week from Wednesday through Sunday and offers private table and chair massage and a host of carefully selected self-care products.  Those interested can phone ahead or simply visit the booth in the Vendor Section of the Fairgrounds.

 “Let us help improve your health and sense of well-being,” said Fryer.  “When you feel better, so do we!”