Equestrian Events & Disciplines
Home of the FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018, Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) hosts 12 or more equestrian disciplines annually. TIEC offers first-class facilities for all equestrian disciplines, showcasing Dressage, Driving, Equitation, Eventing, Hunters, Jumping, Mounted Games, Para Dressage, Rodeo, Vaulting, and multidiscipline events throughout the year. Boasting 13 all-weather, state-of-the-art competition rings, an Indoor Complex, more than 1,400 permanent stalls, air-conditioned bathrooms and ample shaded spectator areas, TIEC provides an unparalleled competitor experience.
Competitions run throughout the annual calendar, and there’s always something to see. Competitions are FREE for spectators with only a few exceptions. Read below to learn about each kind of equestrian competition hosted at TIEC and plan your next visit!
At a Glance:
Competition dates span March through December at Tryon International, across all disciplines and alongside all kinds of non-competition events. There’s always something to see and do! Learn more about each discipline below.
Show Jumping
Jumping is the best-known and is also one of the three Olympic equestrian sports, along with Dressage and Eventing. As in all equestrian sports, men and women compete on equal terms. They must clear all of the fences without knocking down a rail and within the time allowed in order to return for the second round, also known as the “jump-off,” and be the fastest with the least faults to win.
The Grand Prix, a class often featured at Saturday Night Lights, is the highest and most challenging level of Jumping competition. Riders compete over a set course of obstacles as tall as 1.60 meters (5.25 feet) in height.
Hunters
Hunters, or “Hunt seat” competitions are based upon elegant traditions arising from the traditional foxhunt. Hunters differ from Jumpers because they are judged on the style, movement, and technical proficiency of the horse and rider within the constraints of the set course design. Hunters should display jumping ability, manners, style, an even pace, and quality.
Eventing presented by Yanmar America
Eventing is a formidable combination of Dressage, Cross-Country, and Show Jumping, done over multiple days with the same horse for each phase of competition. Known as the triathlon of the equestrian world, Eventing tests both the horse and rider in all aspects of horsemanship and athleticism. TIEC hosts both national and international Eventing competition throughout the year, all open to the public including Cross-Country competition on the famed White Oak Cross-Country Course.
Tryon International Three-Day Event
May 8-12, 2024
The Fork at Tryon International
September 12-15, 2024
Tryon International Fall Three-Day Event & Horse Trials
October 31-November 3, 2024
Dressage &
Para Dressage
Defined by the Federation Equestrian International (FEI) as “the highest expression of horse training,” the sports of Dressage and its Paralympic counterpart, Para Dressage, are frequently showcased at Tryon International through both national and international competition. In Dressage, classes compete in “tests” per level of training, and Freestyle competition is set to music.
Driving
Like the sport of Eventing, but with a horse-drawn carriage, the sport of Driving (also known as Combined Driving) tests a handler’s skills over three phases - Dressage, Marathon, and Cones - in Singles, Pairs, and Four-in-hand divisions. This sport demands horse-and-driver communication, finesse, and teamwork through three challenging phases of competition. Contests can be found at Tryon International in spring and fall seasons:
Katydid CDE @ TIEC
USEF National & CAI 1* 2* 3*
April 17-21, 2024
USEF National Advanced Single Horse Championships
Tryon Fall CDE
USEF National & CAI 1* 2* 3*
September 18-22, 2024
USEF National Combined Advanced Pony Championships
Rodeo:
PBR® and WCRA®
The toughest sport(s) on dirt return to Tryon International, bringing Professional Bull Riders® and World Champions Rodeo Alliance® competition to the venue for top-class thrills and western sports.
2024 Series':
PBR® Chute Out
June 21-22, 2024
WCRA® Rodeo Carolina
October 3-6, 2024
Vaulting
Simply described as gymnastics on horseback, Vaulting is a harmonious bond between horse and athlete that creates awe-inspiring acrobatic displays of skill and precision. You’ll can see Individual, Pas de Deux (Pairs), and Team divisions at any competition.
Mounted Games
Often set up in relay race formats, this fast-paced sport emphasizes horsemanship, balanced riding, teamwork, precision, and speed! Mounted Games events usually feature but are not limited to junior riders and ponies. From balloon popping to egg-and-spoon relays or pole bending, horse-and-rider pairs need to work together through multiple tests to come out on top.
Upcoming Competitions TBA!