Set in the picturesque foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina, the Tyron Resort and Equestrian Centre opened on Sunday 5 October for its first weekend of competition, only seven months after beginning construction.
An investment of $100 million for further development of the resort over the next two years was formally dedicated over a celebratory weekend, which saw Tyron’s five world-class arenas set the stage for the first year of the centre’s $100,000 Grand Prix, which was won by Amanda Flint on Chester VDL.
Situated on 1,400 acres, the resort’s current facilities also include 500 permanent stables with further plans for another 500, alongside a proposed four further arenas and stadium complex. The planned resort luxuries include a 150-room hotel, resort and spa, as well as a signature Arnold Palmer designed golf course.
Tyron has previously been a location of great equestrian tradition, especially in the discipline of showjumping with the facility being the home for the 1956 and 1960 Olympic trials as well as acting as an important training ground for jumping greats George Morris, Bert Denemethy, Gordon Wright and Frank Chapot.
With its large-scale renovations and development, the resort hopes to become an international centre for showjumping, eventing, dressage, steeplechase, carriage driving and hunting, whilst maintaining the small town atmosphere that the picturesque surroundings provide.
CEO, Mark Bellissimo - with generous support from both local community business and equestrian families - has spearheaded the ambitious, privately funded project.
“Our goal is to create a special place that focuses on the passion and love for both horses and horse sport,” says Bellissimo. “We intend for individuals and families, whether they are participants or spectators, to enjoy a broad range of activities while also maintaining the area’s rural character and honouring its long-standing equestrian tradition. We believe the resort will be a major job engine and contribute to the community’s economic recovery. Working with Salamander Hotels & Resorts, we aim to create a destination that equestrian, leisure and group travellers from all over the world will visit.”
With all facilities to be completed by 2017, the Tryon International Equestrian Centre is set to become one of the premiere equestrian competition facilities and lifestyle destinations in the world.