Maya Black and Doesn't Play Fair at The Fork 2016. Photo by Jenni Autry.
Jim and Bernadette Cogdell just announced that The Fork International Horse Trials will be relocated to Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring, North Carolina, starting in 2017.
“We have proudly hosted The Fork Horse Trials for 15 years, and it has grown into one of the premier horse trials in the United States. We are very proud of what we have created in North Carolina,” Jim Cogdell said.
“It has taken a great deal of time, effort, passion, and funding to create this event, and it is now time for the next chapter in this competition’s history. We believe that moving the location of this event to the TIEC will secure its future and elevate the level of competition while enhancing the fan experience.”
The change of venue and location has received provisional approval from the USEF Eventing Committee. The move is now contingent on a site inspection and cross country course approval. Capt. Mark Phillips is designing the new cross country course at Tryon, which will also be used for the American Eventing Championships.
“We are proud to partner with Mark and Katherine Bellissimo and the team at the TIEC to produce this event,” Jim said. “We believe this partnership will help the event to thrive and provide a quality final outing leading up to Rolex, which is so important to the success of our four-star competitors. We want the legacy to continue and keep the event moving forward with The Fork at TIEC.”
Mark Bellissimo of Tryon Equestrian Partners added: “The eventing community has seen the Cogdells’ vision and leadership create a very special competition at The Fork. It is one of the finest events in the country, and we look forward to hosting it at TIEC. We are also very pleased to announce that Jim will remain the Chairman of The Fork at TIEC.”
Tryon International Equestrian Center opened in June 2014 with sanctioned horse shows and 10 riding arenas, 850 permanent stalls, a covered riding facility and fitness center. Future expansion includes a sports complex, two hotels, sporting clay course and an 18-hole golf course plus a full calendar of equestrian competitions and activities.
What do you think of the new move, EN?
