Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) near Asheville, North Carolina, holds many weeks of international competition of the 2016 season from spring through fall. The tremendously popular “Saturday Night Lights” series offers visitors and spectators an evening of heart pounding action and entertainment, as grand prix show jumping highlights a week of equestrian competition in the George Morris Arena, with accompanying family activities and live performances free for all to enjoy at this impressive new campus in Polk County near Columbus.

It has already become a haven for American equestrian competitors and enthusiasts, and a year-round destination for many. In addition to hunter/jumper horse shows, TIEC also hosts dressage horse shows and, in 2016, will host the United States Pony Club Championships East and the American Eventing Championships.

Admission to all horse shows and events is free and no reserved tickets are required for the 6,000-seat stadium. The special Saturday Night Lights Grand Prix show jumping events are also free – carousel rides, music and live entertainment included. Parking is free also.

The hunter/jumper shows generally run Wednesday through Sunday, approximately 8 AM-5 PM. For the most action, visit late morning and afternoon to go from arena to arena to see the horses.

Tryon Resort is one of the world’s premier equestrian lifestyle destinations, and with shops, restaurants, entertainment, lodging and more. This new facility opened in June 2014 with sanctioned horse shows and amenities including 10 riding arenas, 850 permanent stalls, a covered riding facility and fitness center. Future expansion includes a resort hotel, condos and apartments, additional mixed-used retail, sports complex, sporting clay course, and 18-hole golf course, plus a full calendar of equestrian competitions and activities.

TIEC is open every day. It’s located about 48 miles from Asheville. It’s located in the rolling foothill between Lake Lure, Rutherfordton and Tryon, at exit 170 on US Highway 74, at 4066 Pea Ridge Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756.

For more, see our Tryon International Equestrian Center Guide.