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The Grand Opening of the new horse facility in Polk County (Tryon International Equestrian Center) was almost too much to take in.
Walking in on Saturday night just in time to catch the Belmont Stakes on the jJumbotron and see American Pharoah win the race they said couldn't be won was, for me, sensory overload. I am guesstimating that there were give or take 10,000 spectators for the very grand opening. The spectacular affair included NC Governor Pat McCrory, country singer Lee Greenwood, paratroopers landing by parachute in the Grand Prix ring, a beer festival, the unveiling of not one but four Rolex clocks, stilt walkers, face painters and more. Much, much more. The crux of the evening, the $210K Grand Prix FEI CSI 4* for the Governor's Cup, won by Richie Moloney of Ireland and Carrabis Z, was a terrific show of equine athleticism. The Tryon Partners also announced 14 recipient charities of October's Charity Challenge event for area non-profits. The only thing missing was Santa Claus. If NBC Sports was looking for a high-energy event, they were sure in the right place.
During an earlier press conference, international rider Charlie Jayne was asked if he thought other international riders would come to TIEC to compete. It's the "will they come?" question. I've been repeatedly asked by different people "why do you think they (TIEC) came here?" Seriously? As if there was a blindfolded Mr. Bellissimo who threw a dart at a map and then said with astonishment, "Tryon? OK. Wherever that is." Actually why wouldn't you put a world class facility here? Carter Brown knew he was in the right place at the turn of the last century and we know it today. Saturday night was testament to that notion.
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This Week
June 8 -14
9 Partnership with Horses Monthly Meeting
at FENCE, Tryon, NC
Contact: partnershipwithhorses@yahoo.com
9 Carolina Camera Club Annual Show Opening
at Tryon Fine Arts Center, Tryon, NC
Contact: 828-859-8322
10-14 Tryon Summer Dressage 1
at Tryon International Equestrian Cntr, Mill Spring
Contact: horseshowoffice@tryonhorseshows.com
12-14 Harmon Classics Derby Mania
at FENCE, Tryon, NC
Contact: Lewis Pack 864-706-8116
12-14 RVPC Summer Camp
Contact: Denise Ritacco ritacco5@hotmail.com
13-14 GFPC Summer Camp
at Riverbend Eq Center, Greenville, SC
Contact: greenvillefoothillspc@gmail.com
13-14 Ride-A-Test with Jodi Lees
at Windridge Farm, Rutherfordton, NC
Contact: info@windridgeservices.com
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 Groom Elite Debuts at Isothermal Community College
Become a certified groom
Introduction to Horse Care and Handling
Tues & Thurs, June 16, 18 & 23, 1 - 5 p.m.
12 hours $70 registration
Tuesdays & Thursdays, July 14 - Aug 13,
1 - 5 p.m. 40 hours. Registration: $125.
Enter the world of horse management at a higher level with certification.
Both courses are 50% lecture/ 50% lab in barn.
Instructors: Dr. Thann Boyum, Erin Gambrell,
Lilia White, Anita Williamson
Lectures at ICC Polk Center, Columbus.
Lab at Harmony Training LLC, Campobello, SC
Call ICC to register 828-894-3092.
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Mechanical Horse Wows Crowd
As a child, Brooklyn-based metal sculptor Adrian Landon played with Legos a lot. He also learned about horses from his polo-playing dad, who in turn learned about them from his father, who was an equine veterinarian. That background set the stage for Landon's latest work of art, a stainless steel life-size Mechanical Horse that gallops in slow motion at the press of a button. The sculpture has been installed at the Tryon International Equestrian Center, one of several pieces of sculpture to be added to the public art collection. Source: Gizmag.com |
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Get Ready for Derby Mania
Harmon Classics Welcomes Land Rover of Asheville as Newest Sponsor
The Harmon Classic Horse Show series is staging its annual Derby Mania Horse Show June 12, 13, 14 to be held at FENCE in Tryon, NC. There will be more than $9,000 in prize money offered throughout the weekend for hunter and jumper competitors. As well, there will be a Welcome Exhibitor's party June 11 at 5PM (hosting the 2nd annual Canine Derby), a St Lukes Hospital Foundation benefit dinner June 12, a TadPole Derby party June 13 and for all the supportive Dads out there a Father's Brunch June 14.
 The Harmon Classics Horse Show Series would also like to welcome Jaguar Land Rover of Asheville as a new and supporting sponsor. Land Rover will have vehicles on the FENCE property for public inspection. Raffle tickets will be sold under the tent during the Father's Brunch to win chances at two super prizes offered by Jaguar Land Rover. You can win a chance to drive a brand new Jaguar for a weekend and there will be a second raffle to win a turn at the Land Rover driving course. Don't buy your father a tie for Father's Day, buy lots of raffle tickets for these excellent prizes. Also, in full support of the BRHJA Rider's Appreciation Program The Farm House will be donating 15 shirts of the well known brand EIS featuring their advanced tech fabric summer weight tops for ladies or kids.
Make a weekend of it. Eat, show horses, spectate, check out some great vehicles and try for some amazing prizes. Need more information? Call Lewis Pack at 864-706-8116.
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Randi Thompson Honored by Equestrian Trailblazers
Randi Thompson has been named one of the 2015 Equestrian Trailblazers by the Equestrian Trailblazers Online Summit. Hosted by June Burgess, the summit aims to discover the success strategies of the dynamic professionals who are revolutionizing the industry. Watch her interview with Randi.
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Saturday Night's Grand Opening Parting Shots 
Press Conference with Gov. McCrory, Mark Bellissimo, County Manager Marche Pittman
Crowds enjoying world class competition.
 Full house event.
 Up and over Grand Prix style.
 Waiting in the food line.
Photos courtesy of Marsha Hewett
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Fox hunters are repeatedly told to encourage the young. Green Creek did just that at the 39th Carolina Hound Show. Tot Goodwin, MFH, escorted the petite Carolina Foster (daughter of David Foster and Anne Shue of Tryon) with Green Creek Rita. Carolina showed her hound with a confidence way beyond her years.
Other highlights were Champion and Reserve Champion in the Performance Trial class for the hunt club. Oh, and Green Creek Rita? She took home the blue ribbon.
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 Celebrated Show Jumper Ricardo Villa Relocates to Tryon Horse Country
Ricardo Villa has been the two time national champion of Colombia.
He has worked for the Country Club of Bogota for over 25 years as head instructor and among his students he has had national and international champions.
He went to school in Leesburg, VA. At Westmoreland Davis Equestrian Institute Villa had the opportunity to ride with Raul de Leon and Tad Coffin as well as with Bert De Nemethy, Gunnar Ostergaard and Jack LeGoff, trainers at that point of the American team and advisors of the school.
Ricardo is here with wife Lilly, a vet, and toddler son Daniel. He is currently training out of Long Shadows Farm in Campobello, SC.
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Finally! New Local Company Offers Fire Ant Elimination
 At worse, fire ants are a threat to pastured livestock and at best they are a (painful) nuisance. Dark Corner Fire Ant Control is now taking reservations for fire ant control.
 Owned by Billy Harbin and daughter Casey, the company will service fire ant elimination needs for area pastures, golf courses, etc. The company is fully licensed and bonded. Contact them at 864-510-4022 or by EMAIL.
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Equestrian Chic
Just in case you need to bone up on your luxury equestrian brands, we've provided a quick cheat sheet.
Founded in Florence in 1921 by Guccio Gucci, the company initially focused on luggage and travel accessories like gloves and belts, but by the 1930s Gucci found many of his clients were "local horse-riding aristocrats" looking for riding gear, so he emphasized the equestrian touches that are so well-known today. During the '50s, Gucci again found equestrian inspiration with the trademark green-red-green web stripe, derived from a traditional saddle girth. It became an instant success and  another hallmark of the brand. However it wasn't until 2009 that it again began sponsoring equestrian events after a 20-year hiatus. The annual Gucci Masters show jumping competition is the brand's flagship event.
Gucci have to have:
Leather Boots - $1496
Shirts - $623
Show Jacket - $1924
Breeches - $811
Gloves - $507
Helmet - $1037
In 1828, Hermes started making fine harnesses and bridles for the carriage trade. In 1880 the company introduced saddlery to the collection. It wasn't until 1918 that they ventured into clothing with their first leather jacket and one thing led to another. The business has since grown and expanded into the household name it is today. Who knew?
Hermes for example:
Whip - $565
Tote Bag - $3205
Brushes $90 - $155
Snaffle Bit - $275
Hoof Pick - $325
Stainless Steel Stirrups - $335
Free Jump Stirrups - $580
Bandages - $155
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On the Horizon
15-17 Equestrian Camp at Brights Creek
at Brights Creek Resort, Mill Spring, NC
Contact: Alicia Sama 828-606-8070
15-19 Beginner Horse Camp
at FENCE
Contact: info@fence.org 828-859-9021
19 NCDCTA Summer Highland Fling Prelude
at FENCE, Tryon, NC
Contact: sandydonovan@gmail.com
20 Carolina Carriage Club Cones Fun Day
Carol Greata Farm, Campobello, SC
Contact: cgreata@windstream.net
20-21 NCDCTA Summer Highland Fling
at FENCE, Tryon, NC
Contact: sandydonovan@gmail.com
22-26 Intermediate Horse Camp
at FENCE
Contact: info@fence.org 828-859-9021
24-28 Tryon Summer I
at Tryon International Equestrian Center,
Contact horseshowoffice@tryonhroseshows.com
24-28 Tryon Summer Dressage Show 3
at Tryon International Equestrian Center
Contact:horseshowoffice@tryonhorseshows.com
27-28 Nanci Lindroth Eventing Clinic
at Windridge Farm, Rutherfordton, NC
Contact: info@windridgeservices.com
828-685-0129
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Providing the Carolinas & Virginia with professional equine appraisals by a
certified appraiser with
international experience in the horse industry.
Donations
Insurance policies/claims
Expert witness testimony
Divorce/estate settlements
Equine insurance & Deaths
Tax Audits & Inquiries
Contract disputes
Litigation & Consultation
630-715-1768
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Video Clip of the Week
Cornell Vet School boys do their version of "Funk You Up"
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 "Horse barns built by horse people with an amazing attention to detail." Nelson & Pam Minnick
Specializing in equestrian facilities, fine homes, additions and remodels, timber frame and log homes. Design/Build/Contractor
Reed McNutt Roy Gibson 828-777-5688 864-430-5250 75 S Trade St, Tryon NC |
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Ashley Parsons
Ashley Parsons Dressage
USDF Bronze & Silver Medalist
Training, Lessons, Sales
Training packages available
Lessons for all ages / levels
Located at PennWood Farm
226 John Smith Rd, Columbus NC
508-868-5441
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FHS 
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Make sure he looks his best. We clean coolers, show sheets, fly sheets, wraps, saddle pads, barn linens and blankets.
 864-979-9334 |
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Lingerfelt Landscape Management
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Specialists in Outdoor Environments
Landscape Construction
Landscape Architecture
Grounds Maintenance
828-859-6765
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Click Here to read issues you may have missed
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All types of equestrian properties.
Exquisite Equestrian Properties
in Tryon Horse Country
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Coming to town for a show or other event?
Need more info on Visiting the Foothills? Click Here. |
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Up Top
" Mechanical Horse "
Artist: Adrian Landon
"Horses have been in my family for generations," said Landon. "This relation that I have had the privilege to develop is what I seek to portray in my work, to give people, and not just horse people, a feel for something that they should know about, and by making this Mechanical Horse, I am taking it to the next level."
All art is protected by copyright laws.
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