All About Tryon International Equestrian Center
Tyron International Equestrian Center (#TIEC) Say it out loud and you’re bound to hear some ‘Ooo’s’ and ‘Ahh’s’. If you haven’t been able to visit <yet>, I’m here to educate you on everything that is TIEC. There’s something totally mesmerizing about watching some of the best equestrians from around the world competing in a variety of disciplines in this gorgeous setting with the Blue Ridge Mountains as a backdrop. While most of us will only dream of competing at Tryon, you definitely don’t have to be a competitor to enjoy all that TIEC has to offer. They’re open 365 days a year and welcome visitors to wine, dine, spectate, and of course shop till you drop. To ensure you have the right look before you go Horse Tack Co. is here to help with a wide selection of equestrian fashion, be sure to save 15% off your order by using the promo code “LoveTheRide” upon checkout, all-the-time and anytime.
An Arial View of TIEC
This year, TIEC did have to close their doors to the public for August and part of September in preparation for The FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) which will take place September 11-23, (think Olympics but JUST for equestrians.) The Games are hosted every four years and this is only the second time they’ve been held in The United States. *SQUEAL* I’m so excited about this that when I tell my non-horsey friends about it I tend to forget to breathe between sentences and my nostrils flair.
Throughout the year, TIEC hosts a huge variety of competitions ranging from Gladiator Polo to the Saturday Night Lights Grand Prix. If you prefer dressage or hunter/jumper shows, they have that too. I’ve even watched The Pony Club Championships and The Fork Horse Trials. If you’re planning a visit, I highly recommend checking out the event calendar.
The Pony Club at Tryon
While horses are my first passion, shopping and food come in a very close second and third place. If you’re anything like me, this is exactly why Tryon is for you. They’ve put these three things together IN ONE PLACE. Pure genius. It’s like equestrian heaven on earth.
I’ve eaten at nearly every restaurant at TIEC, which is a small feat in itself because they have so many options. Depending on what you’re looking for and who you’re going with, here are just a few of your choices:
Roger’s Diner: causal but cool vibe. They serve breakfast all day and you can find things like patty melts, burgers, and shakes on the menu.
Legends Grille: a little more formal and elegant, they emphasize using the freshest ingredients in their menu
Blue Ginger Sushi & Noodles: I’m very open about my sushi addiction. Blue Ginger satisfies every time. #eatallthesushi
Campagna Italian: Warm and inviting, I especially find the large tables a nice atmosphere for larger groups. You can never go wrong with pasta.
Silo Bar: get a drink and grab yourself a hammock swing. You know you want to.
Lindsey hanging out at Silo Bar
Besides the restaurants, there are always oodles of vendors at the events cooking up pure deliciousness as well.
Last, but certainly not least, the shopping. Bring your cash and bring your credit cards, because you absolutely will find something(s) to buy. The shops themselves will vary depending on what time of year you go and what event you go to. The best shopping of course is going to be during events or shows, which is probably when you’ll be visiting anyway.
Lindsey at Saturday Night Lights in proper attire; Stable to Street 2KGrey Breeches and an Equine Themed T-shirt
Can’t make it to Tryon? Don’t fret, you can always watch the live stream here and feel like you are right in the middle of all the action.
Now that you’re a TIEC expert, you can start planning your visit! It’s only 50 miles from Asheville and 77 miles from Charlotte; TIEC is a must see on every equestrian’s bucket list! Don’t forget to make sure you have the right look before you go, if you like Lindsey’s Tryon fashion, click here to shop 2KGrey breeches from Horse Tack Co., be sure to use the promo code “LoveTheRide” upon checkout to save 15% off your order, all-the-time and anytime.
