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Blue Ridge Hunter Jumper Association starts fund to make repairs to historic equestrian showgrounds

TRYON–The Blue Ridge Hunter Jumper Association (BRHJA) has started a Harmon Field Restoration fund to restore the historic equestrian showgrounds at Harmon Field.

Over the years, the equestrian showgrounds and stalls at Harmon Field have slowly fallen into disrepair. Numerous upgrades are needed in many areas, such as the riding rings. Electrical, plumbing and cosmetic repairs are also needed.

During the winter months, the restoration process begins, with the first project of repairing the show rings and schooling area to make them safer for horses and riders.

“We would like any help we can get to help with the restoration project,” says Jamie Gunn, who is helping to coordinate the effort. “ Harmon Field has 145 horse stalls, and each horse averages 2.5 people per visit, with each visitor spending an average of over a hundred dollars per person. So the equestrian area provides a low-cost, high return for the area, with a majority of the visitors and competitors coming from areas outside the county.”

The initial goal to raise $15,000 to repair the show rings is underway, with Tryon Riding and Hunt Club generously offering to donate $5,000 and BRJHA working to raise the rest. They are hoping to raise the money by January 1. The urgency is needed so repairs can begin early in the year, as the first scheduled horse show is in March.

Once the rings are repaired, fundraising will be held for electrical and plumbing along with an additional schooling area, stall restoration, new ring-fencing, and other cosmetic repairs. Overall, the goal is for the fund to reach $100,000.

All donations to the Harmon Field Restoration Fund can be made to the Town of Tryon, with all funds going toward repairing and enhancing the historic horse show grounds at Harmon Field. Those who donate will receive a nonprofit donation acknowledgment letter from the Town. Donations can be mailed to Harmon Field Preservation Fund, P.O. Box 752, Tryon, NC, 28782.

If you have questions regarding the Harmon Field Restoration efforts, please call or text Jamie Gunn at (828) 817-5033.