Preview: 95th Tryon Spring 6/Tryon Riding & Hunt Club Charity Horse Show
A USEF Heritage Show
For Immediate Release
Sarah Madden for Tryon International
Mill Spring, NC - The Tryon Spring Series presented by Main Street Insurance Group is capped by the iconic Tryon Spring 6/Tryon Riding & Hunt Club Charity Horse Show, celebrating its 95th consecutive year as one of the few US Equestrian Federation Heritage Horse Shows in the nation. The show has inhabited multiple venues throughout its near century-long history, most recently moving to Tryon International Equestrian Center & Resort (Tryon International) in 2016. Read below to learn more about the competition highlights, festivities and events surrounding this marquis week, hosted from June 6-11, 2023.
USHJA Hunter Derbies presented by The Farm House:
Friday, June 9th will host three hunter derbies at the national and international levels. The $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby presented by The Farm House will take place at 8am in the International Arena, followed immediately by the $10,000 USHJA Junior/Amateur Hunter Derby presented by The Farm House.
The $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby presented by The Farm House will be highlighted in Tryon Stadium at 8pm under the lights on Friday, taking place alongside the Carolinas Show Hunter Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in Legends Club. Cocktails and appetizers will be served at 5pm, with the Induction Ceremony and Buffet Dinner (Cash Bar) at 6pm. Admission is complimentary for TR&HC members with a reservation in advance, as seating is limited. Non-members may purchase tickets for $25/person as availability permits. Contact Leigh Borreson at leighborreson@gmail.com to reserve your seat!
Angie Millon, President of the Tryon Riding & Hunt Club, said “We look forward to putting on a fantastic horse show combining all of the traditions of our historic show hosted at the state-of-the-art Tryon International Equestrian Center. Participants can expect daily hospitality at the rings, the Carolinas Show Hunter Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Friday night, lemonade and cookies for the pony kids, prestigious perpetual grand championship trophy awards, and trip of the day bonuses for the riders. Best of luck to all competitors!”
“It is an honor to host such a historical equestrian event especially with so many iconic equestrians in the sport tied to our community,” said Tryon International Director of Equestrian Operations Molly Oakman. “Tryon Riding & Hunt Club have been wonderful partners to host this event and make it so special for our competitors, and we look forward to an incredible 95th edition this season.”
A Rich History:
As Sally Kay wrote in 2019, as tribute to the USEF Heritage designation, “Tryon, North Carolina's roots have always been deeply intertwined with its passion for horses. The town, in fact, would shut down when it held the Tryon Horse Show as everyone - competitor, volunteer and spectator alike - wanted to participate. Founded by iconic equestrian Carter Brown in 1926 and sponsored by the Tryon Riding & Hunt Club (TR&C). The Charity Horse Show has had significant community involvement throughout its 91-year history.”
"When we were in school, I would be so excited because we had a half day holiday for the Tryon Horse Show." recalls Tryonite and legend in her own right, Betty Oare. "It would occur on a Wednesday in April. I would be so ready to go watch my Dad ride. All of the stores and schools in Tryon would close at 12 noon. Everyone in the community enjoyed coming out to watch the elegant riders and lovely horses as well as feast on delicious barbeque. I also enjoyed getting to see Daddy show.”
Trip of the Day:
The $500 "Trip of the Day" Prize is given to the highest-scoring Hunter rider each day at the competition, in any division. This special award is a staple of the show and celebrates success in the Hunter divisions at all levels. In addition to the prize money, the daily top-scoring rider will also receive a special commemorative ribbon and will be celebrated on social media and in press releases throughout the week.
Saturday Night Lights presented by Tryon Horse & Home:
The $146,000 Main Street Insurance Group Grand Prix CSI 3* will take place in Tryon Stadium at 8pm on Saturday as part of Saturday Night Lights presented by Tryon Horse & Home. Festivities include free admission to kids activities, live music, pony rides, face painting, and more! Explore concession stands and grab dinner at on-site restaurants, or book a seat in the Legends Club for covered, premier seating overlooking competition. Learn more here.
Additional Programming & Perpetual Trophies:
Special perks for competitors can be found throughout showgrounds for this special horse show, including complimentary snacks at feature classes and special surprises throughout the week. More details will be posted here as available.
On Sunday, Perpetual Trophies will be awarded to their corresponding division winners. View a full list of 2022 and 2021 winners below:
2021 and 2022 Tryon Riding & Hunt Club Perpetual Trophy Winners
Ernst “Pete” Mahler Trophy: Grand Green Hunter Champion
2021: Jagerbomb
Aaron Vale
2022: Undeniable
Hunter Kay
Barbara Jimenez Memorial Trophy: USHJA International Hunter Derby
2021: MTM Lolah LOL
Dorothy Douglas
2022: No Secret de la Pomme
Matt Cyphert
Roger and Jennifer Smith Green River Farm Trophy: Grand Prix
2021: Elusive
Aaron Vale
2022: Vital Chance De La Roque
Conor Swail
Boyle Family Trophy: Grand Junior/Amateur Owner Jumper Champion
2021: San Chano
Jacqueline Ruyle
2022: Helmig-K
Isa Lippman
Jane Raoul Bingham Trophy: Grand Child/Adult Jumper Champion
2021: Linessa Hof Ter Zeedycke
Riley McKesson
2022: Aaron 287
Gabriella Hoard-West
Nora Flynn Trophy: Grand 3’6 Junior Hunter Champion
2021: Nightfall
Grace Rabb
2022: Alpine’s 3.14
Sarah Rabb
Maude Carr Trophy: Grand 3’3 Junior Hunter Champion
2021: Nuff Said
Madeline Rubin
2022: Cassinir
Margaret M Jacobs
Count Cadence Trophy: Grand 3’6 Amateur Owner Champion
2021: Moody Blues
Kathy Serio
2022: Moody Blues
Kathy Serio
Rolling Hills Stable Trophy: Grand 3’3 Amateur Owner Champion
2021: Stiletto
Caroline McDaniel
2022: Debonair
Kathleen Feeley
The Director’s Trophy: Grand Adult Amateur Champion
2021: Tantara
Susan Reynolds
2022: Limitless
Stephanie King
The Bellhop Trophy: Grand Children’s Hunter Champion
2021: Blue Ridge
Katelyn Havnaer
2022: Harbor Walk
Grace Hogan
Brownlands Graduation Day Trophy: Grand Pony Hunter Champion
2021: Howie Do It
Campbell Clement
2022: Rockaway
Madeline Rubin
The Ashlyn Wyman Trophy: ASPCA Maclay Winner
2021: Gracie Deel
2022: Parker Peacock
The Betty Reynolds Oare Trophy: Grand Equitation Champion
2021: Gracie Deel
2022: Parker Peacock
For more information on the 95th Tryon Spring 6/Tryon Riding & Hunt Club Charity Horse Show, visit www.Tryon.com/allevents.