This September, equestrian enthusiasts from around the world will head to Tryon, North Carolina, to watch riders compete for their home countries in eight different world championship events at the FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG). It’s an event that happens every four years. In previous games, 57 countries were represented at this international competition by more than 800 riders and their top-level horses.
WEG Reining Start
The first FEI World Equestrian Games took place in 1990 in Stockholm, Sweden. However, it wasn’t until the 2002 games held in Jerez de la Frotenera, Spain, that reining events were included in the event lineup.
Tryon International Equestrian Center
For the second time in WEG history, the games are back in the United States, this time at Tryon International Equestrian Center. This resort that has everything an equestrian fan could ask for with on-site hotels, year-round shopping, and full-service restaurants all within walking distance of the arenas. In addition to the games, there will be demonstrations, seminars, clinics, and panel discussions for spectators to enjoy.
The atmosphere at WEG is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and unlike any other show. The reining arena is surrounded by fans waving their countries’ flags, ready to watch the best reining horse-and-rider combinations in the world compete for gold.
What to do in North Carolina
Explore. Grab a swimsuit and check out 1. Sliding Rock, a 60-foot natural waterslide located in the Pisgah National Forest. If you prefer to stay dry, visit the 535-million-year-old monolith known as 2. Chimney Rock. Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with a 75- mile panoramic view of Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure.
Eat. A good meal is only a quick walk from the show pen, with five sit-down options to choose from, plus a general store and coffee shop. For fresh sushi and noodles visit 3. Blue Ginger Sushi. Or head next door to the 4. Legends Grille to enjoy a perfectly chargrilled steak. The best part? You won’t miss a minute of competition thanks to the live feed on the TVs at the bar.
Do. During a day off from WEG competition, get some quality time in the saddle at 5. Sandy Bottom Trail Rides. Choose anything from an hour ride to an all-day ride to enjoy the sweeping view of North Carolina’s mountains, valleys, and meadows by horseback.
Click here for complete reining coverage, event highlights, and a behind-the-scenes experience during #Tryon2018. Coverage of the FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018 is brought to you by OSPHOS®.