Tag Archives: World Equestrian Games

The Fork Returns to TIEC Featuring WEG Eventing Test Event

March 21, 2018 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Mill Spring, NC – March 20, 2018 – Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) is proud to announce the return of The Fork at TIEC, the FEI CIC 3*/2*/1* and Horse Trials presented by Lucky Clays Farm, on April 4-8. The CIC 3* division of The Fork competition will also serve as the Eventing Test Event in preparation for the FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018 (WEG) in September. General admission and parking are free for all competitions and additional ticketed spectator events will be hosted throughout the week.

Founded by Jim and Bernadette Cogdell, The Fork Horse Trials began 17 years ago in Norwood, NC and moved to TIEC last year to elevate the level of competition and enhance the spectator experience. As one of the most prestigious Eventing competitions on the North American calendar, The Fork is back at the Tryon venue. Alongside the FEI CIC 3*/2*/1* competition, Advanced, Intermediate, Preliminary, Modified, and Training divisions will also be hosted.

The Fork at TIEC offers an unprecedented chance for spectators to preview top competitors in their final tune-up before the prominent Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI 4* in Lexington, KY, as well as a preview of the thrilling competition to come to TIEC in September for the WEG. For some riders, The Fork at TIEC will serve as a qualifier for the WEG.

Spectators can also enjoy an impressive lineup of social events throughout the week including a Ladies Champagne Luncheon, Comedy Club Night, Lakeside Lunch with prime viewing of the cross-country course, “What the FORK” Party, and Sunday brunch.

Please visit www.tryon.com or call (828)-863-1000 for more information.

Competitions, Western/Reining, World Equestrian Games

Tryon to Host Carolina Classic Derby and Team USA Reining Selections for WEG

February 2, 2018 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Photo by Waltenberry, Inc.

TRYON, N.C. – February 1, 2018 – Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) announced today that it will host the 28th annual Carolina Classic Derby at its facility on May 8-13, 2018, the first reining event to be held at the 1,600-acre venue.

Renamed the Carolina Classic at Tryon International Equestrian Center, the event will also host the Selection Trials for the Reining USA Team in preparation for the FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018 (WEG), as well as the $15,000 CRI3* WEG Reining Test Event. The show’s expanded schedule also includes the Carolina Classic Open and Non Pro Derbies and Atlantic Breeders Incentive Derby along with a double slate of National Reining Horse Association ancillary classes, American Quarter Horse Association classes and USA Reining classes.

Mike Hancock, longtime producer of the event, was glad to see this next step for the Carolina Classic. “After 27 years of producing the Carolina Classic Derby, I am proud to see the event move to another level. The facility at Tryon is spectacular! I know the management team will do an outstanding job producing an event that will be exciting and fun-filled for the exhibitors. It is good to see that our history of Southern hospitality will continue!”

Mark Bellissimo, Co-Founder and CEO of Tryon International Equestrian Center, said, “We are incredibly honored to be the new host of the Carolina Classic and expand our footprint to welcome Western disciplines to Tryon International Equestrian Center. With the addition of our covered arena, we look forward to delivering world-class reining competitions at our venue year-round and are very proud to launch our reining program with such a distinguished show and its impressive team.”

For more information about the Carolina Classic at Tryon International Equestrian Center, please contact Pro Management, Inc. at +1 (580) 759-2572.

Admission and parking to the Carolina Classic at Tryon International Equestrian Center is free and open to the public. For WEG tickets, event schedules or to sign up for the e-newsletter featuring the latest WEG updates, please visit www.tryon2018.com or follow @Tryon2018 on social media. Tryon International Equestrian Center at Tryon Resort is located at 25 International Boulevard, Mill Spring, NC 28756.

Competitions, Dressage, Para-Equestrian, World Equestrian Games

US Para-Dressage Displays Readiness in Wellington CPEDI3* for World Equestrian Games

January 25, 2018 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Wellington, FL – January 25, 2018 – U.S. Para-Dressage had one of their most successful showcases at the 2018 Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF). After earning the Team Gold at the AGDF Week 0 CPEDI3* (Jan 4-7), U.S. riders returned to AGDF Week 2 CPEDI3* (January 18-21) for their second win. Twenty-five horse and rider combinations from the USA and Canada competed over the second week of Para-Dressage competition including riders from Grade I-V. Riders brought forward their best tests in front of the FEI Ground Jury including Elke Ebert (GER) Kristi Wysocki (USA), and Carlos Lopes (POR). Para-Equestrians performed under unseasonable Florida weather in The Stadium attaining high scores over the three days. Team USA included Sydney Collier and Western Rose, Katie Jackson and Royal Dancer, Annie Peavy and Royal Dark Chocolate, and Kate Shoemaker and Solitaer 40. The USA Team was led by Chef d’Equipe Kai Handt with US Equestrian Head of Para-Dressage Coach Development and High Performance Programs Michel Assouline. Securing the high score overall individual award was Rebecca Hart with her new mount El Corona Texel. Obtaining the reserve championship individual was Annie Peavy and Royal Dark Chocolate. The AGDF 2018 shows were a chance for athletes to earn their FEI certificates of capability for the FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018. USPEA wants to thank all of the sponsors including Mission Control, Rowan O’Riley supporting athletes in the USPEA and US Equestrian, and Cargill. They would also like to acknowledge the staff and volunteers at the AGDF and US Equestrian for their hard work to create two spectacular CPEDI3*.

Hope Hand, President of the USPEA, added, “The above US Para-Dressage Team photo speaks ‘Success’ at all levels. With the support from US Equestrian and USPEA, our Team, which includes everyone involved, no matter how small a part you may have played, was a key contributor to the growth and success of the US Para-Dressage Program. Thank you all for making us proud to be a member of your Team. Keep sharing the ‘Joy’ with your wonderful horses, two hearts are unbeatable.”

Following the successful AGDF riders will prepare for the FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018 Test events and CPEDI3* scheduled April 19-22, 2018, at the Tryon International Equestrian Center in North Carolina (USA). Athletes will then head to the Invitational Training Event and Mock Competition, June 28 – July 8, 2018, at Wheatland Farm in Purcellville, VA. This will prepare the U.S. Team for the final endeavor of 2018 the FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon September 11-23, 2018.

About selection for the FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018:

Horse and rider combinations have through August 13, 2018, to secure their FEI Certificates of Capabilities and earn an FEI nominated entry.

FEI Nominated Entries will be named after the Invitational Training Event and Mock Competition but no later than August 13, 2018, and based upon the procedures set forth herein, the Selectors, in consultation with the U.S. High Performance Consultant, Chef d’Equipe and Team Veterinarian, and USEF High Performance Human Sports Science and Medicine personnel will recommend a WEG Team of at least four (4) athlete/horse combinations and up to the maximum number of horses and athletes able to be nominated under FEI Rules for the Event for the “Short List/FEI Nominated Entry” subject to recommendation of the USEF Para-Equestrian Sport Committee, and the approval of the Board of Directors or an Ad Hoc Selection Group approved by the Board of Directors. Such list will be submitted to the FEI as the Nominated Entry no later than the closing date for the Short List/FEI Nominated Entry. The Short List/FEI Nominated Entry of at least four athlete/horse combinations will be named as follows in accordance with FEI Rules for Para-Equestrian Dressage Events. Each team consists of four Athletes and four (4) Horses, or three (3) Athletes and three (3) Horses. One (1) team member must be classified Grade I, II or III. A Team may not include more than two (2) Athletes from any one (1) Grade. In a team composed of four (4) Athletes the three (3) best total scores only count for the team result.

For more information about the USPEA, please visit www.USPEA.org or contact USPEA President: Hope Hand by e-mail: hope@uspea.org or by phone: (610)356-6481.

To view an online version of this press release, please visit: http://uspea.org/category/recent-uspea-press-news/.

World Equestrian Games

Day and Weekend Passes for FEI World Equestrian Games Tryon 2018 on Sale Dec. 20

December 19, 2017 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Games to be held September 11-23, 2018 at Tryon International Equestrian Center

Tryon, N.C., USA – December 18, 2017 – Day and weekend competition passes for the FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018 (WEG) will go on sale on Wednesday, December 20, 2017 at 8am EST. Ticket prices and the event schedule for the Games, which are set for September 11 through September 23, 2018, are available online at www.tryon2018.com.

All Session Day Passes, which grant access to all WEG competitions on a single weekday, went on sale in October 2017 and sold out after one day. Due to the popular demand of All Session Day Passes, organizers are releasing an additional, limited supply of 500 passes per event day on a first come, first served basis for the dates of September 12, 19, 20, 21. All Session Day Passes for September 13 and 14 are sold out due to meeting capacity for Eventing Dressage on both days.

For the first time, All Session Weekend Passes will be available. The All Session Weekend Passes will also go on sale on Wednesday, December 20, 2017, and will allow the ticket holder access to all WEG competitions during the selected weekend. All Session Weekend Passes are available for September 15-16 and/or September 22-23.

All event tickets and passes grant access to the general event grounds including the expo, vendor areas, and demonstrations.

Individual competition tickets are expected to go on sale this winter. Organizers are releasing additional ticket package options as demand for those ticketing types has remained high since launching ticket sales in October 2017.

“The 2018 WEG is expected to be the largest sporting event in the United States and fourth largest in the world in 2018 and should be on everyone’s to-do list for next year. We are anticipating a sold-out event,” said Mark Bellissimo, Founder and CEO of Tryon International Equestrian Center.

With all competitions happening onsite at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) in Mill Spring, N.C., attendees can come for the day, a weekend, a week, or the entire Games. Tickets are available online at www.tryon2018.com. Select “Buy Tickets” from the menu.

Held every four years alternating with the Olympic Games, the FEI World Equestrian Games™ crowns the world’s best athletes and horses as the ultimate world champions in the equestrian disciplines of Jumping, Dressage and Para-Equestrian Dressage, Eventing, Driving, Reining, Vaulting and Endurance. Horse and rider combinations from more than 70 nations are expected to compete in the massive 12-day event.

Opening Ceremony tickets will be sold separately. General Grounds Day Passes will be sold that allow access to the venue to experience the trade fair, event expo, as well as equestrian demonstrations, and will be sold three months prior to the event.

Auctions, Awards, Benefits, Community/Charity, World Equestrian Games

USET Foundation to Host “Triumph in Tryon” Gala to Benefit US World Equestrian Games Teams

December 2, 2017 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Gladstone, N.J. – Dec. 1, 2017 – The United States Equestrian Team (USET) Foundation is pleased to announce it will be hosting a World Equestrian Games benefit event on Friday, Jan. 19, 2018 at the International Polo Club in Wellington, Florida. The “Triumph in Tryon” will help raise necessary funds for the USET Foundation to further support the United States equestrian team riders as they prepare and compete at the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games™ in Tryon, North Carolina.

During this celebratory evening, guests will enjoy cocktails at 6 p.m. followed by dinner at 7 p.m. as well as a live auction for a chance to bid on some incredible items followed by dancing. The event will also include the presentation of three of the USET Foundation’s most coveted awards, the prestigious Lionel Guerrand-Hermès Trophy, the Whitney Stone Cup and the R. Bruce Duchossois Distinguished Trustee Award.

Mark your calendars for the “Triumph in Tryon” and be sure to purchase your tickets no later than Dec. 20. This benefit will sell out! Tables and reserved seating are on a first come, first served basis. When making your table reservation, please indicate the names of your table guests.

You do not want to miss this fun and important event recognizing the USET Foundation’s generous supporters and our country’s top athletes, while continuing to raise funds for the 2018 World Equestrian Games! Invitations are in the mail or you may also purchase tickets and tables.

For more information on the USET Foundation, visit www.uset.org.

Contact: Rebecca Walton
phone 561.753.3389 fax 561.753.3386
rjw@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Competitions, World Equestrian Games

Kentucky Horse Park Withdraws from Consideration for Hosting 2022 World Equestrian Games

January 18, 2017 Associate Editor Leave a comment

LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) – The Kentucky Horse Park Commission voted today to withdraw from consideration for hosting the FEI World Equestrian Games in 2022.

A press release from Kentucky Tourism, Arts, and Heritage stated that commission members were concerned about the staging of the games and the potential conflict that hosting the games would create with the long-term goals of the Kentucky Horse Park. They say this includes limitations on potential Horse Park-generate and revenue opportunities.

“We are committed to being good stewards of the Kentucky Horse Park,” said Tandy Patrick, chair of the Kentucky Horse Park Commission. “We do not think it would be economically feasible for the park to host the 2022 games.”

“We have had an open dialogue with the public through several visioning sessions and we’re hearing good ideas about long-term strategic growth at the park,” said Don Parkinson, secretary of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet. “Additionally, a recent survey of the park’s assets found $12 million in deferred maintenance expenses, and we recognize the need for immediate and near-term investments in our facilities.”

© LEX18.com

Competitions, FEI, World Equestrian Games

FEI Announces Candidate Cities for FEI World Equestrian Games 2022

December 23, 2016 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Lausanne (SUI), 22 December 2016 – Two cities have been announced as Official Candidates to host the FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2022. Lexington, Kentucky (USA) and Samorin (SVK) have both been selected as potential hosts for the FEI flagship in six years’ time.

“We are very happy to have two such strong official candidates for the FEI World Equestrian Games in 2022,” FEI President Ingmar De Vos said. “Both the Kentucky and Samorin venues have the infrastructure in place already to host the Games, which is one of the biggest events on the global sporting calendar.

“The last edition in Normandy two years ago attracted more than half a million spectators and a worldwide television audience of 350 million, delivering a significant economic impact to the French economy.

“There’s no doubt that these Games are a huge undertaking, but we believe both Samorin and Kentucky have the capability to host spectacular Games and we look forward to working with them through the further stages of the bid process over the next year.”

The next phase in the decision-making process for the 2022 Games will include site visits between January and May 2017, with a deadline of June 2017 for submission of the Candidates’ complete bid and signed host agreement. The Candidates will make formal presentations to the FEI Evaluation Commission in the third quarter of 2017, with the final FEI Bureau decision and allocation of the Games in November 2017.

The FEI World Equestrian Games™, held every four years in the middle of the Olympic cycle, combines eight World Championships at one event. The FEI disciplines – Jumping, Dressage and Para-Equestrian Dressage, Eventing, Driving, Endurance, Vaulting and Reining – are all included on the competition schedule.

The inaugural FEI World Equestrian Games™ were hosted in Stockholm (SWE) in 1990. Since then the Games have been staged in The Hague (NED) in 1994, Rome (ITA) in 1998, Jerez (ESP) in 2002, and Aachen (GER) in 2006. The first Games to be organised outside Europe were the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ in Lexington, Kentucky (USA) 2010. The Games came back to Europe for the 2014 edition, the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ in Normandy (FRA).

The 2014 Games in Normandy attracted more than 500,000 on-site spectators and a worldwide television audience of 350 million, as well as delivering an economic impact of €368 million to the French economy.

The FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2018 will be held at the Tryon International Equestrian Center in North Carolina (USA) from 10 to 23 September 2018. The 2018 Games were originally allocated to Bromont (CAN), but were switched to Tryon at the beginning of November following the withdrawal of Bromont (CAN) earlier this year.

The FEI World Equestrian Games™ History Hub can be viewed here.

FEI Media Contacts:

Grania Willis
Director Press Relations
grania.willis@fei.org
+41 787 506 142

Leanne Williams
Manager Press Relations
leanne.williams@fei.org
+41 79 314 24 38

Competitions, World Equestrian Games

Tryon International Equestrian Center Selected to Host FEI World Equestrian Games 2018

November 4, 2016 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Photo ©MegBanks/TIEC.

Potential to be the largest sporting event in North Carolina history with over $400 million dollars of projected economic impact and 500,000 spectators over the 14-day September 2018 event

Mill Spring, NC – November 3, 2016 – Mark Bellissimo, managing Partner of Tryon Equestrian Partners (TEP), announced today that the Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) in Mill Spring, Polk County, North Carolina has been selected as the host venue for the FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2018 (FEI WEG). The Games, which are administered by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), the worldwide governing body of equestrian sport, is the major international championship event for the eight core equestrian disciplines of show jumping, dressage and para-equestrian dressage, eventing, driving, endurance, vaulting and reining.

The FEI WEG is held every four years, halfway between the Summer Olympic Games cycle, and will occur from September 10 through 23, 2018.

Bellissimo commented, “We are honored to be selected by the FEI to be the steward of the FEI World Equestrian Games 2018. Next to the Olympic Games, the FEI WEG is the most important event on the world equestrian calendar. We are confident that our partnership and our operating team will create a memorable experience for all involved with the ultimate goal of significantly elevating horse sport in the U.S. beyond the 27 million people who ride a horse at least once a year.”

“We are very pleased to announce Tryon as the host of the FEI World Equestrian Games 2018,” FEI President Ingmar de Vos said. “The Tryon team submitted a really impressive bid and we have every confidence in the organising committee. It’s a truly spectacular venue and almost all the necessary infrastructure for our eight disciplines is already in place. We are looking forward to a fantastic celebration of top level sport as all the disciplines come together to crown their world champions at the Games in two years’ time.”

“We are thrilled with this news and thank the FEI Bureau for having faith in us and entrusting us with the honor of hosting this prestigious event,” Bellissimo said. “It’s a really great fit for the Carolinas’ equestrian heritage and we look forward to working closely with the FEI and with the USEF to produce a tremendous FEI World Equestrian Games in 2018.”

Equestrian enthusiasts from over 70 countries trek to WEG host cities every four years to cheer on athletes from their native countries, much like the Olympic Games. The Normandy FEI WEG had a local economic impact of $400 million, or 368 million euros, and an attendance of over 500,000 spectators during the 14-day event.

“We are excited about the impact this event will have on the economic health of the Blue Ridge Foothills region of the Carolinas,” said Sharon Decker, COO of Tryon Equestrian Partners, Carolinas’ Operations.

The event has been held in an impressive list of major cities: Stockholm, Sweden (1990), The Hague, Netherlands (1994), Rome, Italy (1998), Jerez de la Frontera, Spain (2002), Aachen, Germany (2006), Lexington, Kentucky (2010), and Normandy, France (2014).

“We are delighted to welcome the FEI World Equestrian Games back to the United States and are delighted that the event will remain in North America,” said Vicki Lowell, USEF Senior Vice President of Marketing. “We would like to express our gratitude to Tryon Equestrian Partners for stepping up to host this event with such short notice. Tryon Equestrian Partners has proven their ability to execute complex, high-level events and we are confident in their ability to produce an event of this magnitude. As one of the true pinnacles of equestrian sport, hosting the World Equestrian Games provides a fantastic opportunity to elevate the sport in the United States.”

In 2014, Tryon Equestrian Partners (TEP) broke ground on the 1,600-acre Tryon Resort, which expands into both Mill Spring and Tryon, NC and includes the Tryon International Equestrian Center. TEP has invested over $125 million dollars over the last two years creating the Tryon Resort, which aspires to be the world’s premiere equestrian lifestyle destination. The design of the venue contemplated hosting the WEG, so a vast majority of the equestrian infrastructure is in place. Recent events accelerated the opportunity and the schedule. Today, TIEC is rapidly gaining a reputation as one of the world’s premier equestrian venues complete with 12 riding arenas, over 1,160 permanent stalls, a variety of onsite lodging, restaurants, shops, and a year-round competition and events calendar. TIEC has already hosted several national equestrian competitions including the 2016 American Eventing Championships and the 2016 U.S. Pony Club Championships East. To see a recent video overview of the Tryon International Equestrian Center, please click on the following link: http://bit.ly/2ffVehA.

Mark Bellissimo is also the managing partner and largest shareholder of Equestrian Sport Productions, an organization with more than 150 full-time staff and 1,000 part-time staff, that is the largest show organizer in the US and operates more FEI competitions than any other event organizer in the world with 38 weeks of CDI and CSI events through four venues in the following states: Florida, North Carolina, Colorado, and Central Park, New York. The Bellissimo Family is also the owner and publisher of The Chronicle of the Horse, the US most respected and widely distributed horse sport magazine and online media property (www.coth.com). The Chronicle of the Horse’s online media attracts over 8.3 million unique visitors annually. Together Bellissimo and his partners have invested nearly $500 million in equestrian related assets and properties in Florida, North Carolina, and Colorado which includes the recent $72 million dollar purchase of the International Polo Club in Palm Beach in the spring of 2016.

TIEC is already a welcomed economic engine for the region, having created hundreds of jobs, and is employing thousands in construction efforts over the last two years. WEG’s estimated $400 million impact will extend up to and beyond Charlotte, Asheville, Hickory in North Carolina and Greenville and Spartanburg in South Carolina. TEP estimates it will invest an additional $100 million dollars over the next two years during phase two of the development which is primarily focused on resort amenities including lodging and hospitality elements.

“Our partnership built the Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) to support all levels and disciplines of equestrian sport including international competitions and championships,” added Bellissimo. “Our partnership’s passion for equestrian sport is based on our belief that we can grow the sport in the Americas, and that this country needs a comprehensive high-profile, high-quality destination to showcase all equestrian disciplines to an expanding spectator base and to increase access to horse sport for all socio-economic groups.”

For more information or to log inquiries or questions for the 2018 FEI WEG, please visit www.TryonWEG.com.

For more information on TIEC, please visit www.tryon.com.

Community/Charity, World Equestrian Games

Tryon Equestrian Partners Announce Pursuit of 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games

August 4, 2016 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Saturday Nights Lights events at the main International Arena at TIEC have attracted a large following.

USEF strongly endorses Tryon bid to FEI. North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory and South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley both support initiative.

MILL SPRING, N.C. (AUGUST 2, 2016): Mark Bellissimo, managing partner of Tryon Equestrian Partners, confirmed today that the Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) in Mill Spring, N.C. is working with United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) to ensure that the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) remain in North America and USEF has communicated its support of the initiative to the FEI for the 2018 WEG.

The WEG, which is administered by the Fédération Equestre International (FEI), the worldwide governing body of equestrian sport, occurs every four years in the middle of the Olympic cycle and is the major international championship event for Jumping, Dressage and Para-Equestrian Dressage, Eventing, Driving, Endurance, Vaulting and Reining. The Bromont venue, located in Canada, which had been awarded the 2018 games, announced last week that they were withdrawing from their hosting arrangement with the FEI.

The United States Equestrian Federation has communicated via letter to the FEI their strong support of the bid to host the 2018 Games in North Carolina. William Moroney, Chief Executive Officer of USEF, commented, “While it is unfortunate the games will not be able to take place at Bromont, the USEF believes it is critical that the WEG remain in North America as intended so that the globalization of the sport can continue.” USEF President, Chrystine Tauber, added, “Mark Bellissimo and Tryon Equestrian Partners have a brand new venue, deep experience and sufficient resources to make this happen. They have the USEF’s full endorsement.”

Both N.C. and S.C. state and local governments have expressed support of the bid. The last WEG in North America was held in Lexington, Kentucky in 2010. The games had an economic impact of $201.5 million over the event’s 14 days according to a financial study commissioned by the state.

“North Carolina’s infrastructure and natural beauty make our state a natural fit to host the 2018 World Equestrian Games,” said Governor McCrory. “We will support efforts to host the Games in our state which will provide not only a positive experience to all those attending, but a significant boost to North Carolina’s rapidly growing economy.”

S.C. Governor Haley echoed support for the WEG. “We have a long and rich history in equestrian competition, and welcome the opportunity to showcase our state’s world-renowned hospitality and tourism assets to the attendees and participants of this prestigious event.”

Tryon Equestrian Partners (TEP) has invested over $125 million dollars over the last two years developing 1,500 acres in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains to create what they believe to be the premier equestrian lifestyle destination and resort in the world. The Tryon International Equestrian Center is the centerpiece of that effort. This venue includes 1,200 permanent stalls, 12 competition arenas, a lighted international arena that seats 6,000 (expandable to 12,000) with multiple VIP areas, a large covered/indoor arena that seats 5,000, as well a world-class cross country course which will support both Eventing and Driving. TIEC is nestled within North Carolina horse country which is accessible to hundreds of miles of equestrian trails to support Endurance. Click here to view Tryon Venue Slideshow – http://bit.ly/2a8YmKp.

Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) is strategically located between Charlotte, NC, Asheville NC, and Greenville/Spartanburg SC. Asheville and Greenville GSP airports are within 35 minutes from the venue and Charlotte-Douglas International Airport is approximately one hour from the venue.

Mark Bellissimo, TEP managing partner, commented, “Our partnership built the Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) to support all levels and disciplines of equestrian sport including international competitions and championships. Our partnership’s passion for equestrian sport is based on our belief that we can grow the sport in the Americas, and that this country needs a comprehensive high-profile, high-quality destination to showcase all equestrian disciplines to an expanding spectator base.”

Bellissimo presides over an organization, with over 150 full-time staff and 1,000 part-time staff, that operates more FEI competitions than any other organizer in the world with 38 weeks of CDI and CSI events through four venues (Wellington, Tryon, Colorado, and Central Park) that includes 6 CSI 5*, 1 CSIO 4*, 1 CDIO 4*, 4 CDI W’s, 1 CDI 5*, 2 CPEDI, as well as the multi-discipline North American Junior Young Rider Championships (NAJYRC). The collective organizations own and operate three of the largest facilities and some of the most prominent events in the world: The Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, Fla., which hosts the Winter Equestrian Festival and the Global Dressage Festival, which in their peak week will have more than 3,500 horses competing within the 12-week winter circuit; The Colorado Horse Park, which just hosted the NAJYRC; and the Tryon International Equestrian Center venue, which hosts 10 FEI weeks. The TIEC venue will be hosting the American Eventing Championships in September 2016 which will have over 600 entries.

On the commercial side, Bellissimo believes its portfolio of 130 sponsors is one of the strongest in the industry. Many sponsors have already expressed encouragement and interest in the WEG event since Bromont’s withdrawal as host of the 2018 games. In addition to Bellissimo, the organizing committee would include Michael Stone, President of Equestrian Sport Productions and former Secretary General of the FEI, who has been involved in the WEG process for all events since the inaugural games in 1990 (with the exception of the 2014 Normandy WEG games); Sharon Decker, Chief Operating Officer of Tryon International Equestrian Center and former Secretary of Commerce for the State of North Carolina would lead the efforts on behalf of the TIEC facility, and Jim Wolf, former USEF Chef de Mission, whose 20-year tenure with USEF provided various experiences and responsibilities in U.S. WEG and Olympic team efforts.

Bellissimo further commented, “The WEG is a very challenging and complicated event. With the exception of Aachen, Germany, most venues are forced to spend many years and tens of millions of dollars investing and developing the venue infrastructure, developing the personnel, attracting sponsors, and managing logistics for the WEG. This takes a financial and operational toll by consuming scarce resources on the venue construction and team building efforts for a one-time event. We have a fully functional equestrian venue, the management team and operational staff, and the sponsor pipeline in place, so the bulk of our energy will be on operational execution and showcasing the event and the sport to the world.”

Bellissimo added, “We are uniquely and immediately positioned to hold all eight disciplines within a central venue. Further, our integrated approach to existing on-site lodging, restaurants, permanent VIP hospitality venues, and abundance of on-site and local area family activities would be attractive for vendors, sponsors, competitors, horse owners, and spectators. In addition, there are 60,000 hotel beds within 60 miles of the venue. We are confident that these elements would create a very successful games and re-energize the WEG product.”

For more information please click on the following links.

Tryon Venue Slideshow – http://bit.ly/2a8YmKp
Tryon – www.tryon.com
Saturday Night Lights Video – http://bit.ly/2airvhS
Opening Ceremonies Video – http://bit.ly/1IscKVz

To keep informed, please “Like” both the Chronicle of the Horse Facebook and the Tryon International Equestrian Center and join our email newsletters.

For further information, please contact:

Equestrian: Jennifer Wood – Jennifer@Jenniferwoodmedia.com, 803-240-7488
TIEC: Carly Weilminster – cweilminster@tryon.com, 410-245-7441

About The FEI World Equestrian Games. The modern WEG runs over two weeks and, like the Olympics, the location rotates to different parts of the world. At the 2010 Games, 57 countries were represented by 800 people and their horses. The inaugural FEI World Equestrian Games™ were hosted in Stockholm (SWE) in 1990. Since then the Games have been staged in The Hague (NED) in 1994, Rome (ITA) in 1998, Jerez (ESP) in 2002, and Aachen (GER) in 2006. The first Games to be organized outside Europe were the FEI World Equestrian Games™ in Kentucky (USA) 2010. The Games came back to Europe for the 2014 edition of the FEI World Equestrian Games™, which was held in Normandy (FRA).

About the TEP Partnership:

The TEP Partnership is comprised of six equestrian families who are all committed to the long term development and growth of equestrian sport: Mark and Katherine Bellissimo, Roger and Jennifer Smith, Lisa Lourie, Jenji and Diana Mercer, Howard and Gwen Dvorkin, and Joe and Cindy Mitchell.

FEI, World Equestrian Games

FEI Reviews Alternatives for World Equestrian Games 2018 after Parting Company with Bromont

July 24, 2016 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Lausanne (SUI), 22 July 2016 – The FEI has announced that it is working on alternatives for the FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2018 following mutual agreement between the FEI and Canadian Comité organisateur des Jeux Équestres Mondiaux 2018 (COJEM), the organising committee for the Games in Bromont, to terminate the contract to host the Games due to ongoing financial issues.

“We are sad that the Bromont organising committee is no longer in a position to host the Games in 2018,” FEI President Ingmar De Vos said. “We have been working very closely with the COJEM Board and all levels of the organisation since the Games were allocated to Canada in mid-2014 and have known for some time that the Bromont team was facing major financial difficulties.

“We have done everything possible to offer support during these tough times, but sadly the COJEM Board was unable to put in place a realistic funding and sponsorship strategy and, despite their best efforts, we have been left with no choice but to agree between us that the contract should be terminated. We believe Bromont is a really special venue and equestrian sport plays a key role in the local community. We hope that they will be able to host other major equestrian events in the future.”

“This has been a very difficult decision to come to terms with,” Rosaire Houde, Chair of the COJEM Board, said. “Since the new Board took over, we have left no stone unturned in our quest to find solid funding to support the Games, but sadly this has not been forthcoming. We are extremely grateful to the FEI for their support throughout the entire process, but it has been mutually agreed that we should terminate the contract. It is something I personally bitterly regret but it was the only responsible course of action.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has been involved in the Games project and who had faith in it from the outset. It was so dear to the hearts of so many people in Bromont and Quebec and we are devastated that we have been unable to deliver this great event.”

The 2018 Games were allocated to Canada by the FEI Bureau in June 2014 after the bid committee provided confirmation to the FEI that it had substantial government backing. This was at local government level, but the financial plan for the Games included sourcing Federal Government funding; however, Carla Qualtrough, the Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities, last week confirmed that no funding would be forthcoming from the Canadian Federal Government.

The FEI made regular visits to Bromont to assist COJEM with planning and to address financial issues, and both the FEI President and the FEI Secretary General Sabrina Ibáñez were in Canada in recent months to work directly with the COJEM Board.

“While the FEI of course wanted to ensure the success of the Games in Canada and gave every possible support, we also have a responsibility to our community and to the future of our flagship events,” Ingmar De Vos said. “We are now looking at possible alternatives for 2018 and we are hopeful that we will be in a position to make an announcement shortly.

“Of course it isn’t easy for any organising committee to put on an event of this magnitude in a two-year timeframe, but it is not unprecedented and the Italians hosted a brilliant World Equestrian Games in Rome in 1998 after Ireland pulled out less than two years before the Games, so we are confident that a workable solution will be found.”

The FEI World Equestrian Games™ are held every four years, in the middle of the Olympic cycle. The FEI disciplines – Jumping, Dressage and Para-Equestrian Dressage, Eventing, Driving, Endurance, Vaulting and Reining – are all included on the competition schedule.

The inaugural FEI World Equestrian Games™ were hosted in Stockholm (SWE) in 1990. Since then the Games have been staged in The Hague (NED) in 1994, Rome (ITA) in 1998, Jerez (ESP) in 2002, and Aachen (GER) in 2006. The first Games to be organised outside Europe were the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ in Kentucky (USA) 2010. The Games came back to Europe for the 2014 edition of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™, which was held in Normandy (FRA).

The FEI World Equestrian Games™ History Hub can be viewed here.

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