The new equestrian venue is bidding to host the world’s premier equestrian competition. Congressman Patrick McHenry (R, NC-10) visited the Tryon International Equestrian Center to highlight his support for their effort to host the 2018 World Equestrian Games (WEG). The WEG, is the premier non-Olympic equestrian event and is hosted every four years between Summer Olympics and is administered by the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI).

“I’ve had the pleasure of visiting the Tryon Equestrian Center throughout its construction and the progress made is truly impressive,” McHenry said. “Coupled with our area’s natural beauty and welcoming residents, I cannot think of a better place for the FEI to stage the 2018 World Equestrian Games. I’ve been proud to make Tryon’s case and I will continue my efforts to bring this international event to western North Carolina.”

During his visit, McHenry met with Tryon Equestrian Partners managing partner Mark Bellissimo and COO Sharon Decker. McHenry received an overview of progress and later toured the facility.

The 2018 competition, originally scheduled to be held in Bromont, Quebec, Canada, were forced to drop their bid and on July 22, the FEI announced they would be looking for a new location. Tryon Equestrian Partners, owners of the Tryon Equestrian Center, have offered up their facility in Mill Spring as an alternative.

Since the bid process reopened, McHenry has been actively engaged in the effort to bring the 2018 competition to Polk County. North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory and South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley have also been supportive of Tryon’s efforts. Additionally, the United States Equestrian Federation has communicated their support of Tryon’s bid to the FEI.

– article submitted by Jeff Butler