Glenn Petty Named as Tryon International’s General Manager, Equestrian Operations
For Immediate Release
Mill Spring, NC - March 29, 2024 - Tryon International is pleased to announce Glenn Petty has joined the Tryon International team as General Manager, Equestrian Operations, beginning March 18. Petty comes to the venue with a wealth of management experience in the equestrian industry. He served as Manager of the Governor James B. Hunt, Jr. Horse Complex in Raleigh and managed the all-breed and discipline NC State Fair Horse Show for 24 years beginning in 1983. He has most recently been CEO of the Virginia Horse Center. Prior to that, he served as EVP of the Arabian Horse Association.
Throughout his career, he and his wife Joan have maintained a residence in North Carolina where they own and operate Triangle Farms and Raleigh Indoors, an indoor hunter/jumper show circuit and the Duke Children’s Benefit Horse Shows.
“I am thrilled to join the Tryon International team,” Petty emphasized. “In my short time here, I have quickly noticed the teamwork exhibited not only among the equestrian staff but restaurant workers, lodging staff, security as well as grounds maintenance all benefitting our wonderful exhibitors. Another thing I’ve noticed is the cleanliness of the grounds as well as the beauty of the Center. The footing is great in all kinds of weather. [Again], I am thrilled and excited to be part of the leadership team here."
“Glenn comes with a tremendous amount of experience as we ask him to oversee our equestrian operations, across all disciplines, lead our efforts in continuous improvement of our horse show facilities, improve our bio-security processes and procedures and pursue additional shows in equestrian sport for our facilities,” said Tryon Equestrian Partners Carolinas Operation President Sharon Decker. “With our team, Glenn will ensure that the championships which continue to grow at our facility have the best and safest competitor and guest experience possible. As we host both IEA and IHSA National Championships this spring, Glenn’s leadership paired with our team, will bring an extraordinary experience to Tryon.”
Petty has served on numerous boards and committees of USEF, USHJA and AQHA throughout his career. He has chaired NCHJA, The NC Horse Council and the NC Thoroughbred Breeders Association as well as the NC State College of Veterinary Medicine board. He is currently Chair of USHJA’s Competition Management Committee and serves on the American Horse Council’s Show and Competition Committee.
Petty’s team will include:
JP Godard, Show Manager
Lizzie Lengling, Horse Show Promotions and Special Events Manager
Lance Bennett, Stabling Manager and Show Manager
Sarah Arpke, Show Secretary
Dennis Brown, Equestrian Facilities Manager
A Shelby, NC native, Petty will be returning to his roots in the Foothills of Western North Carolina as well as returning to some familiar colleagues.
“I’m thrilled to have Mr. Petty joining our team,” said JP Godard, Tryon International’s longtime competition manager. “I’ve known him a long time; I actually worked the Raleigh shows for him and Joan during my high school years. He has a great deal of experience in equestrian sports and facilities. I believe he’ll be a perfect fit here at Tryon International.”
The 2024 competition season is underway at Tryon International, with more than 36 weeks of competitions across 10 disciplines featured throughout the season. To view the 2024 competition schedule and learn more about horse shows at Tryon International, visit www.Tryon.com/compete.
