142 SIDELINES APRIL 2014
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
southeast show managers favor both facilities. The strategic
location, easily accessible from interstates I-26, I-85 and I-40,
make traveling to Tryon Horse Country easy.
With these two facilities, developers of Tryon International
Equestrian Center have expressed their confidence in the
area with plans for a large equestrian competition venue with
accompanying residential, commercial and hospitality offerings.
The Tryon International Equestrian Center is expected to host
world-class equestrian events.
Equestrians also find the area appealing for both recreational
and professional pursuits because of the goods and services
in place. There are several feed and farm stores, several area
tack shops including The Farm House in Landrum and the Tack
Shop in Greenville, South Carolina. The area boasts some of the
industry’s finest farriers and equine veterinarians. Tryon Equine,
the area’s surgical hospital, is in the process of building a new,
larger facility to accommodate the growing number of area
horses. Also in place are well-respected barn builders, equine
chiropractors, an equine dentist and two equine ambulances. New
arrivals often mention how spoiled they feel with the abundance of
quality support services.
For whatever your passion, Tryon Horse Country has 24
equestrian organizations to support the needs and activities of
its community. One such group, the Western Carolina Hunter
Pace, is one of the most respected in the country with paces in
the fall and spring, benefitting the community’s charities and non-
profits. A Sheriff’s Department Mounted Patrol is ready to assist
law enforcement with trained horses and riders. Two Pony Clubs,
two recognized foxhunts, the Carolina Carriage Club, a dressage
and combined training club, a hunter/jumper organization are just
some of the organizations that area equestrians enjoy.
Arguably the best part of Tryon Horse Country is its people.
Carter Brown knew this when he and others promoting the area as
a horsemen’s paradise dubbed Tryon the “friendliest town in the
South.” The people of this Appalachian enclave are what make it
so special. Missing are the divisions drawn along discipline lines
as the entire horse community takes special pride in its ability to
“cross pollinate.”
Victories and challenges are shared by all. In times of crisis,
such as eventer Amy Barrington’s critical injury last fall, the
equestrian community always pulls together. Visitors and the new
arrivals often comment about the unabashed neighborliness of
the community.
Native and life long horseman Gerald Pack sums it up best.
“What sets us apart from every other venue is our natural beauty,
combined with great terrain for training and weather that’s perfect
for year-round riding. Our beauty is unprecedented, everywhere
you turn there’s a different view. It’s the perfect place for horses.”
About the writer: Libbie Johnson is the owner of Horse Country Productions as
well as the Director of Economic Development for Polk County where we believe
“Our Horses Mean Business.”
The race is on in the Block House Steeplechase.
Photo by Erik Olsen
Carriage driving at FENCE – the Foothills Equestrian Nature
Center.
Photo by Mark Lehner
A young rider and her pony at a Tryon Hounds show.
Photo by Erik Olsen
