Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) and Tryon Resort will welcome equestrian competitors back to the rolling hills of western North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains in early April, as the 2016 Tryon Spring Series dates have been finalized.

The Tryon Spring Series will begin on Friday, April 8, and continue with eight weeks of world-class equestrian events featuring two FEI CSI 3* competitions and an FEI CSI 5* competition. The Tryon Spring Series will conclude on Sunday, June 12.

“The response we received from riders, spectators, and the local community throughout last season was tremendous and we remain motivated to making this venue one of the leading equestrian destinations in the world,” said Mark Bellissimo, managing partner of the Tryon Equestrian Partners. “We are eager to continue expanding the reach of this facility, while offering opportunities and access for equestrian enthusiasts of all disciplines.”

The 2016 Tryon Spring Series (April 8-10) will kick-off with USEF Level 4 jumpers and “B” rated hunter competition, offering a $5,000 Welcome and a $25,000 Grand Prix for jumper riders.

Tryon Spring 2 (April 13-17) will host upgraded hunter competition with USEF “AA” Premier rated classes, alongside a USHJA National Hunter Derby. Tryon Spring 2 will also provide USEF rated jumper classes, including a $10,000 Welcome and a $25,000 Grand Prix.

With the continued goal of expanding competition opportunities for multiple equestrian disciplines, TIEC will host the first ever FEI CDI 3* for dressage riders, set to begin on Wednesday, April 20, ushering in Tryon Spring Dressage 1, the first of seven dressage shows to be offered at the facility in 2016.

Following Tryon Spring Dressage 1, TIEC will host six consecutive weeks of hunter and jumper competition, beginning Wednesday, May 4, with Tryon Spring 3 (May 4-8), offering the first FEI CSI 3* of the season, in conjunction with “AA” Premier hunter classes. The FEI CSI 3* will host an FEI $34,000 1.45m, FEI $34,000 1.50m, and an FEI $127,000 Grand Prix. A $25,000 National Grand Prix is also scheduled to take place during the week.

Tryon Spring 4 (May 11-15) returns another week of USEF “A” rated hunters to the facility and will include Level 4 Jumper classes, while hosting a $25,000 Welcome and a $50,000 Grand Prix.

Tryon Spring 5 (May 18-22) is currently pending final approval from USEF, with ratings to be published in the coming weeks.

Tryon Spring 6 (May 25-29) is set to begin with increased prize money, presenting a $25,000 Welcome and a $75,000 Grand Prix purse, with continued USEF “AA” Premier rated hunters classes, including a USHJA National Hunter Derby.

Tryon Spring 7 (June 1-June 5) will host the second FEI CSI 3* week, offering an FEI $34,000 1.45m, FEI $34,000 1.50m, and FEI $127,000 Grand Prix. Hunter competition will highlight “AA” Premier rated classes. A $25,000 Under 25 Grand Prix and a $25,000 National Grand Prix will accompany the international competition.

In a monumental and historic week for the facility, TIEC will showcase the first ever FEI CSI 5* at the venue, the highest international competition rating available in the sport of show jumping, concluding the 2016 Tryon Spring Series with Tryon Spring 8 TR & HC Charity Show (June 8-12). FEI classes will include a $130,000 class, two $35,000 classes, a $360,000 Grand Prix, and an $86,000 Classic.

Tryon Spring 8 TR & HC will also highlight a major USHJA International Hunter Derby on Friday, June 10, and feature USEF “AA” Premier hunter competition throughout the week. The conclusion of the 2016 Tryon Spring Series will be filled with an array of special events and opportunities for competitors and spectators, including a tribute to 2015 USEF National Horse of the Year, Brunello, owned by local Tryon resident Janet Petersen and Liza Boyd.

For more information on the 2016 Tryon Spring Show Series please visit www.tryon.com or contact news@tryon.com.

– Submitted by TIEC