Horse showing is set to resume at Tryon International Equestrian Center in North Carolina on May 27.
Or, more accurately, the post-COVID lockdown version of horse showing is to start.
Following US Equestrian’s announcement that competition may restart in the United States on June 1, the North Carolina venue is re-opening with the Tryon Spring 6 competition, June 3–7.
The horse show will open for competitors, their families and staff only. (But all onsite guests are required to wear cloth masks and practice social distancing.)
Saturday Night Lights is cancelled through the end of summer. (But the public can watch on the live stream.)
There will be onsite lodging, shopping and carry-out-only food service. (But with required hand sanitizing and capacity restrictions.)
“We are committed to providing a safe and fun experience for all visitors as operations slowly resume following the COVID-19 restrictions, and look forward to seeing our competitors again soon. We are hopeful for more public access this year. Those decisions will be made based on North Carolina state regulations,” said Sharon Decker, President of Tryon Equestrian Partners, Carolinas Operations.
Meanwhile in New York, Lake Placid Horse Show, scheduled for June 23–July 5 at the North Elba Show Grounds, has been canceled.
“This marks the first cancellation in the horse shows’ 51-year history,” said Philip Richter, Chairman of the Lake Placid Horse Show Association Board of Directors.
“We place the safety of our exhibitors, the Lake Placid community and everyone connected with the horse shows above all else and that made this the only decision possible. This is incredibly disappointing and I assure everyone that this decision was not made lightly. We left no question unasked and no option unexplored. Our Board was unanimous that this was the only option.”
Lake Placid Horse Shows will return in 2021 to host the Lake Placid Horse Show, June 29–July 4, and the I Love New York Horse Show, July 6–11.