TRYON – With more than 200 volunteer hours each, Terry and Jane Lynch are in the national spotlight. The United States Eventing Association (USEA) has recognized Jane as second in the nation and Terry as third for the number of volunteer hours logged.  

“It was our friends, Ann and Jim Troppman, who got us into this,” said Terry, adding that the Troppmans were equally deserving, because they probably worked more hours that they didn’t log. “They needed volunteers for an event at the Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC). That started the journey.” 

Terry and Jane moved from Ohio to Tryon in fall of 2014 in search of a milder climate where they could enjoy trail riding. Terry had retired from Proctor and Gamble and Jane retired from a career as a dentist.  

The couple soon got involved with the Tryon Riding and Hunt Club (TRHC) and before they knew it were helping out with the eventing competitions in the area. In 2017 they made the USEA national volunteer list along with TRHC board member, Kent Holden, who ranked number twelve. The Lynch’s are also the UESA volunteers of the month for December 2017.  

Now they are helping with at least four USEA events a year, two in Florida and two in the Tryon area. “We average eight to twelve hours a day during and event, plus the hours getting ready for and closing out the events,” Terry said.  

Terry mainly serves as stable manager for the eventing competitions. He has also filled in as a jump judge and as a dressage scribe. As Lead Hospitality Steward, Jane excels in the hospitality for the events, coordinating all the volunteers handling hospitality for the events.  

During the recent American Eventing Championships this fall at (TIEC), Jane was the “go to” person in the hospitality tent, making sure everyone had everything they needed to do their jobs effectively. She has also served as a jump judge and of course fills in wherever else she is needed.  

Volunteers for equine events are usually on the job before daylight, spend all day outdoors, often in the hot sun or cold rain, and get home well after dark. The work is often physically demanding and can even be somewhat dangerous. 

Why do they do it? “’Cause we’re nuts,” said Terry. “Actually it’s fun doing stuff with friends. We’re new to the community, so it’s a good way to get involved.” 

He added that it was also a great way to meet and hang out at national events with top riders. “You get to meet top riders and be around their horses. It’s kind of cool.” 

Jane said since she now had the time, it was a way to give back to the community. “It’s also a great way to meet people and learn about the community,” she said. 

In addition to volunteering for the USEA, Jane also serves on the TRHC board and the Foothills Riding Club board. Last year, when Kathryn McMahon left TRHC to work for TIEC, Terry stepped up to run the club’s horse trials. Though he was out of town for a wedding on the day of the event, Terry had everything planned and ready to go. 

“Kent Holden was my surrogate,” said Terry. “He stepped up and handled the event itself that day.” 

However, for the Lynches, volunteering doesn’t stop with the horse world. Terry is a Master Gardener and he and Jane are helping with a project for the Polk County Extension office. Terry is also involved with Pisgah County Trout Unlimited to stock trout in the Green River and volunteers for SCORE.