Steeplechase Races at Tryon International Equestrian Center

A longtime tradition among North Carolina equestrian communities are competitive horse races in the month of May. The 70th Running of the 2016 Block House Steeplechase Races kicks of the month on Saturday, May 7th.  This is by far one of North Carolina mountain communities premiere events and this year is going to be bigger and more spectacular. And, ladies, there is still time to find that one of a kind, wide brim hat, so fondly featured at this event.

This is the must attend social gathering of the year for residents of North Carolina mountain communities. That’s because each year the event gets better. The Steeplechase Races date back some 70 years to Michael “Mickey” G. Walsh, an Irishman, who immigrated to the United States and was a horse enthusiasts. Walsh is credited with starting the races in North Carolina, and they remain a tradition in NC’s equestrian communities. For many, the races are considered the unofficial kick-off to summertime fun. In addition, it gives residents and visitors an opportunity to explore all that North Carolina’s equestrian communities have to offer, which is a lot.

The gates open at 10:00 a.m. It’s followed by a Tailgate Contest, a Hat Contest, a “Go to Hell” Pants Contest, undoubtedly an event worth attending based on the name alone, and the Recognition of the 2016 Heritage Families. All of that takes place in just the first two-hours of the event. Here’s a look at the entire day:

• 10:00 am Gates Open
• 11:00 am -1:30 pm Tailgate Contest 
• 11:00 am Hat Contest 
• 11:30 am “Go to Hell” Pants Contest
• 11:50 am Recognition of 2016 Heritage Families
• 12:00 pm Green Creek Miniature Horses
• 12:15 pm Old Tryon Foot Beagles
• 12:30 pm Jim Andrews and Paso Finos
• 12:45 pm Sara Lyter and Icelandic Horses
• 1:05 pm Blessing of the Day by Rev. Mickey Mugen from Episcopal Church of the Holy Cross, Tryon, NC
• 1:10 pm Dove Release by L.J. Meyers by Homeward Angels
• 1:15 pm Presentation of Colors Polk County Veterans Honor Guard
• 1:20 pm National Anthem sung by Miss Emily Kocher
• 1:25 pm “Go to the Post” Bugler Joe Pullara
• 1:30 pm “Horses Go to the Post”
• Carter P. Brown Memorial Race sponsored by Synnex Corporation
• 2:00 pm “Horses Go to the Post”
• Cannon Harmon Memorial Race sponsored by WSPA and Tryon Estates
• 2:30 pm “Horses Go to the Post” Dr. John Bradshaw Memorial Race sponsored by The Cliffs
• 3:00 pm “Horses Go to the Post” The Block House Race sponsored by Tryon International Equestrian Center
• 3:30 pm “Horses Go to the Post” Margaret “Peggy” Carter Memorial Race sponsored by Lingerfelt Landscaping
• 4:00 pm “Horses Go to the Post” Tom Mosca Memorial Race sponsored by Camp Wayfarer
• 4:30 pm Stick Horse Races sponsored by Greenville Foothills Pony Club
• 5:00 pm Gates Close

One thing is for sure, when the day comes to an end, and the last mint julep is drank, there will be some very excited horse property owners. Especially, those taking home one of the four purses totaling $65,000.

Just the mention of Tyron North Carolina and the first thing that comes to mind for many is the Tyron International Equestrian Center. The world-renowned training center is known as the hub for top equestrian athletes. Lovers of horses and the sport flock to this premiere riding facility year round. Aside from the top-notch training, there’s dining and shopping options there too making it a family fun entertainment center. This is where serious horse property owners come to do research and get advice before making a huge investment in purchasing a horse.

Another attraction to North Carolina mountain communities is the weather. The mild-four seasons in Western North Carolina make equestrian communities even more enticing.  Each community offers a board range of services and top-notch amenities that appeal to horse enthusiasts and beyond.

The Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards is an ideal estate for horse owners, riders and lovers. Here horse property owners can take advantage of the more than 200 miles of scenic riding trials, facilities to board horses, and horse training programs. This active living estate also offers golf, cycling and spa services. The seven communities, which make up The Cliffs, each possess unique characteristics worth exploring.

Bright’s Creek is one of North Carolina’s top equestrian communities. There are a host of activities for riders, young and old, including riding lessons, camps, a local pony club and much more. Seniors and families looking to relocate may find Bright’s Creek services and luxury communities alluring. The tranquil 4700-acre community nestled in the lush mountains of Western North Carolina is enough to tempt anyone.

The Coves Mountain River Club has been described as homegrown paradise. It is here where residents bask in the glory of nature and a scenic river. The gated mountain community is built at an elevation of  1,040-1700 feet so residents can enjoy panoramic mountaintop views and mild four season weather. Residents enjoy mountain top yoga and swimming in their infinity-view pool, or enjoying a glass of wine while sitting in a mountaintop lodge gazing out of a floor to ceiling window or out on the wrap around veranda. This gated community offers serenity and the best of mountain living.

If a trip to North Carolina is in the near future, you don’t want to miss out on one of the most memorial events you’ll ever attend. The 70th Running of the 2016 Block House Steeplechase Races is the must do event and it will give you time to meet residents in the North Carolina equestrian communities and get a look at what life here would be like. 

If you're exploring the area for the first time, ask for our free Western North Carolina relocation information.