Tryon International Equestrian Center has announced the initiation of a major partnership between the venue and The U.S. Pony Clubs Inc. that will bring this year’s U.S. Pony Clubs Championships East to the expanding equestrian center in Mill Spring, N.C., for the first time ever in July 2016. The USPC Championships East will begin on July 27 and conclude July 31 as multiple disciplines will be showcased throughout the week, including dressage, eventing, show jumping, polocross, quiz, tetrathlon and mounted games. 

The USPC, a staple in the educational foundation for many young riders in the United States, was established in 1954 to guide younger generations of equestrians through the basic concepts of English riding and horsemanship. The goal of USPC has remained the same since its inception nearly six decades ago, to promote sportsmanship, stewardship and leadership through horsemanship. 

The newly minted initiative between the USPC and TIEC will conjoin a wealth of resources and knowledge, as management teams of both operations hope to inspire a greater interest in horse sport through their combined efforts. 

“Each year hundreds of Pony Club members from across the nation qualify to compete at USPC Championships. Providing these members an opportunity to compete and showcase their equestrian sports and horsemanship skills at a world-class equestrian venue is exciting,” said Teresa Woods, executive director of the USPC. “USPC and Tryon International Equestrian Center share the goals of creating a championship level competition and a special experience for all competitors, their families and the volunteers at Championship East.” 

The USPC provides a nationwide outlet for individuals interested in riding, regardless of background and previous equestrian experience, offering a range of age groups access to a wide variety of disciplines and educational resources. 

“We are looking forward to the opportunity to host the 2016 United States Pony Clubs Championship East at TIEC. In a world where participation in equestrian sport has been stagnant in most disciplines over the last 10 years, we are inspired and motivated by the opportunity to work with U.S. Pony Clubs management to create innovative ways to enhance interest and increase access to one of the most important gateways into equestrian sport, Pony Clubs,” said Mark Bellissimo, managing partner of Tryon Equestrian Partners. “Through the construction of this facility, we have built a family-oriented platform, which we believe can cultivate an increased interest in equestrian sport based on the connection between these magical animals and their riders.”

With more than 1,000 participants, contestants and volunteers anticipated to travel to TIEC in late July for the event, the venue will prepare to host families, competitors and their equine partners for an action-packed week of fun, open and free to the general public. 

TIEC boasts seven barns with permanent stabling, 10 large arenas outfitted with world-class footing, as well as a newly added grass derby field and beginner novice through advanced cross-country courses.  

Competitors will take to the famed George H. Morris Arena at TIEC for the USPC Opening Ceremonies on July 28, as well as for mounted games competition on the evening of July 30, underneath the lights in an electrifying atmosphere. 

“We are honored to be working with The United States Pony Clubs and are eager to expand opportunities and awareness for their organization and longstanding mission to empower young equestrians with leadership and horsemanship skills,” said Sharon Decker, chief operating officer of Carolinas Operations, Tryon Equestrian Partners. “The foothills region of North Carolina is the perfect setting for a championship event of this stature and we look forward to engaging and involving the local community as we prepare the facility.”  

For more information on the 2016 United States Pony Clubs Championships East, please visit www.tryon.com or www.ponyclub.org.