Competitions

TRYON, NC, Tryon Riding & Hunt Club and the Foothills Equestrian Nature Center have partnered on a 3-day Riding Clinic led by world-renowned equestrian Melanie Smith Taylor to kick off ​Tryon Horse Heritage Week​ which runs from April 15-21, 2019.

Melanie, one of only two riders ever to win the Triple Crown of Show Jumping—the American Invitational, the International Jumping Derby, and the American Gold Cup--- is also the ​only​ person to win all three on the same horse, Calypso. In 1982, she won the World Cup Final, was named the US Olympic Committee Sportswoman of the Year and was inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. Two years later, she capped off her show-jumping career with a team gold medal in the Los Angeles Olympic Games.

After her competition career, Melanie spent the next 20 years with her husband, Lee Taylor, at their farm in TN, where they raised thoroughbreds together.

He introduced her to Ray Hunt & Buck Brannaman.

She attributes her late husband with her opening her eyes to a new way of thinking and states that, “ ​The point of becoming a better horseman is to ultimately help the horse.”

In 2015, Ms. Taylor added published author to her extensive accomplishments with the release of her book, ​Riding With Life: Lessons From the Horse. ​In this comprehensive training guide, she shares her unique program for setting both horse and rider up for success. Blending her in-depth knowledge of groundwork and flatwork with her vast experience in the hunter/jumper discipline, she explains how to achieve a harmonious partnership with your horse and realize his full potential—whether you’re a weekend trail rider or serious competitor.

Today Melanie resides at her farm in Germantown, TN and serves the horse world as a clinician, a recognized judge for hunter/jumpers and hunter seat equitation and as a television broadcaster for major events, including the Olympics and World Championships. She was the commentator for the NBC coverage of the 2018 WEG in Tryon, North Carolina last fall.

This is the first time Melanie is teaching a clinic in the Foothills and thanks to the combined generosity of Tryon Riding & Hunt Club and F.E.N.C.E., this clinic will be offered at a substantial savings. The 3-day clinic will be held from April 15-17, 2019 at F.E.N.C.E. and any person interested in participating may call Tracie Hanson at 828-859-9021 to reserve a spot. All level riders and all disciplines are encouraged to participate and benefit from Melanie’s expertise.

About Tryon Riding & Hunt Club: ​Created in 1925 by Carter Brown, ​TR&HC has operated as a non-profit since 1960. Their function is to encourage, support, and promote all types of horse​ activities which will enhance the equestrian tradition of the Tryon area. Through programs of education, demonstrations of horse skills, cooperation with allied programs of nature conservation, maintenance of trails and carriageways, recreational and sporting events, and other equestrian activities, they strive to benefit the entire community.

About F.E.N.C.E.: ​Foothills Equestrian Center is a non-profit organization currently celebrating 35 years of linking nature, animals, and people. With 384​ acres in conservation serving some sixty-five thousand people each year, programs are offered in nature study, outdoor recreation and equestrian competition.

About Our Carolina Foothills: ​A non-profit formed exclusively for​ ​charitable and educational purposes, OCF focuses on educating the public on the small towns in the Carolina Foothills (Landrum, SC, Tryon, Columbus and Saluda, NC) through press, marketing campaigns and events that highlight the uniqueness of our area.

Contact:

Mindy Wiener

Our Carolina Foothills (323) 228-4959

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