The USHJA Foundation will host a "High Score Challenge" during the $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby presented by Mirimichi Green. (MegBanks/TIEC)
TIEC is proud to welcome one of the most prolific show hunters to the George H. Morris Arena between the first and second round of competition during the $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby presented by Mirimichi Green. Brunello, a three-time USEF International Hunter Derby Champion and recipient of The Chronicle of the Horse 2015 Show Hunter Horse of the Year will be honored by Breyer for his lifetime achievements. Owners Janet Peterson and Liza Boyd, along with longtime groom Alberto Ramirez, will be presented with the first manufactured Breyer models of Brunello preceding the full launch in late July. The Brunello Breyer model will forever encompass the contributions and accolades this outstanding horse has collected throughout his career in the hunter discipline.
The Breyer Brunello model will be on sale for a limited time at TIEC, only available for purchase at the venue on Saturday, June 11, in the Special Events Tent from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. A few remaining table reservations are still available in the Legends Club for the $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby presented by Mirimichi Green, please contact [email protected] or call (828) 863-1130 for more information or to place a reservation.
The evening will also welcome the United States Hunter Jumper Association Foundation (USHJAF), the charity-driven component of the USHJA. Tryon Spring 8 is a USHJA Foundation Charity Horse Show and will present an engaging High Score Challenge during the $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby presented by Mirimichi Green. TIEC and the USHJA Foundation invite all spectators and guests to make a pledge and cheer on the competitors for a great cause.
The $380,000 Horseware Ireland Grand Prix CSI 5* for the Governor's Cup will begin at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 11, with gates opening to the public at 6:00 p.m. (MegBanks/TIEC)
During the $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby presented by Mirimichi Green, a score of 85 will constitute a "High Score." Following the event, all donors will receive receipts directly to their phones with the tax-deductible amount of their donation.
Each donation will support the work of the USHJA Foundation, the charitable arm of the USHJA. The USHJA Foundation's vision is that the hunter/jumper community embraces, supports, and protects the people and horses who give their hearts to this sport. To achieve this vision, the Foundation supports the basic needs of the USHJA members who do not have the financial means to do so themselves following an accident, catastrophe or illness; inspires USHJA members facing adversity through exceptional experiences; empowers USHJA members to further their education; and preserves and protects the history and tradition of the hunter/jumper sport. For more information about the United States Hunter Jumper Association Foundation, please visit www.ushjafoundation.org.
Celebrations will continue on Saturday, June 11, with Breyer Day at TIEC from 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. in the Special Events Tent overlooking the George H. Morris Arena, offering family-friendly entertainment and activities for children of all ages. Activities throughout the day will include free Stablemates™ painting, and demonstrations by model horse hobby artists sculptor including Morgen Kilbourn, equine color genetics expert Lesli Kathman, as well as fun model horse showing with Michelle Masters. Breyer's mascot Pal will visit and there will be raffles and contests for prizes. Liza Boyd will also visit the tent to from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. to sign and autograph Brunello models that will only be available for purchase in the tent beginning Saturday, June 11, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Brunello model purchases are limited to 2 per person.
The highlight event of the week, the $380,000 Horseware Ireland Grand Prix CSI 5* for the Governor's Cup will host an array of entertainment, including appearances by Grammy-winning country music artist Lee Greenwood, who will perform his legendary single "God Bless the U.S.A" which garnered CMA Song of the Year awards, along with his other top hits throughout the evening. The Ryan-Perry Band, a local Asheville, NC, country music cover band, will also perform throughout the evening, playing an arrangement of country music's top hits.
The Warbirds Flyover Team will do a flight demonstration over the venue, preceeding the start of competition. The Warbirds Flyover Team, who has performed around the United States since 2009, is composed of five former military pilots who fly vintage post-World War II-type aircrafts. The group has made appearances at some of the largest sporting events hosted in the United States including the CokeZero 400, Gator Bowl, as well as for NFL teams including the Jacksonville Jaguars and Miami Dolphins. General admission and parking are free!
The TIEC Craft Beer Festival, back for a second year by popular demand, will begin at 6:00 p.m. and continue through 10:00 p.m. featuring tastings of 50 different craft beers, as well as heavy hors d'oeuvres from the on-site eateries at TIEC. The festival will be hosted on the Sky Deck, overlooking the George H. Morris Arena, offering prime and private viewing of the competition. Each attendee will receive a TIEC Souvenir Beer Mug with the purchase of ticket at the TIEC Beer Festival Check-In. Tickets are still available and can be purchased here! All attendees must be 21+. Tickets can be purchased here!
The evening will also host an assortment of family-friendly activities and entertainment that individuals of all ages can enjoy including rides on the Venetian carousel, pony rides, face painting, magicians, performers, t-shirt tosses, and more!
For more information on the events and activities at TIEC this weekend please visit www.tryon.com.