Phillip Dutton and Z, winners of The Fork at Tryon CCI4*-S in 2018. Photo by Jenni Autry.
Entries are now open for The Fork at Tryon, which will run three FEI divisions (CCI4*-S, CCI3*-S and CCI2*-S) and USEA National levels from Beginner Novice to Advanced on April 4-7 at Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring, North Carolina. There are a few key things to know about the event this year, so we’ve compiled a handy list.
1. All of the cross country courses — from Beginner Novice through CCI4*-S — will run on turf galloping tracks and not in the arenas. All FEI levels, as well as the Advanced, Intermediate and Preliminary, will run on the White Oak course, which was used for the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games. The Modified, Training, Novice and Beginner Novice will run on the gallop tracks on the TIEC side of the property.
2. The FEI divisions are offering $30,000 in prize money.
3. The CCI4*-S at The Fork will serve as an important event when it comes to selection for the 2019 U.S. Pan American Games team. USEF released an addendum to the Pan Ams selection procedures earlier this month, explaining that the course map at the Pan Ams venue in Lima, Peru “appears to be a very twisty course on what we know is flat ground.” Click here to read the full addendum.
“The Fork at Tryon is a competition that may be a test similar to what we will face at the Pan American Games. While it is not mandatory to attend this competition, the belief is that it will be a similar test to what the athletes/horses will face in Lima. With that in mind, and with the historical knowledge we have of the design and preparation of the cross country course at the Fork at Tryon, the CCI4*-S appears be an appropriate test and preparation for athletes/horses who believe they will be in contention for the Pan American Games.”
4. There is a jam-packed schedule of social activities. A riders’ welcome reception will be held on Thursday, April 4. The ladies champagne luncheon to benefit The Brooke Foundation will be held 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Friday, April. 5 Tickets are $50 and can be purchased online. Comedy club night is 8:30-10 p.m. on Friday. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online. The competitors’ party is Saturday, April 6 from 7-10 p.m. Riders get two tickets and there is a cash bar. More tickets are available online.
Are you going to The Fork at Tryon this year? Let us know in the comments below! Go Eventing.
