North Carolina to Host 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games

The 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games will be held at the Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring, North Carolina, following the withdrawal earlier this year of a bid from Bromont, Canada.

The 2018 event will be staged September 10–23, a month after the original August dates that were scheduled. FEI decided to make the switch after commissioning two scientific studies that concluded climatic conditions would be significantly more favorable in North Carolina during September, particularly from a horse welfare perspective. The FEI also looked at date clashes with other fixtures on the FEI calendar to ensure the optimum timeslot for the 2018 Games.

“We are very pleased to announce Tryon as the host of the FEI World Equestrian Games 2018,” FEI President Ingmar de Vos said. “The Tryon team submitted a really impressive bid and we have every confidence in the organizing committee. It’s a truly spectacular venue and almost all the necessary infrastructure for our eight disciplines is already in place. We are looking forward to a fantastic celebration of top-level sport as all the disciplines come together to crown their world champions at the Games in two years’ time.”

The Tryon International Equestrian Center sits on 1,600 acres in the Blue Mountains. It has 1,200 permanent stables, 12 arenas including a floodlit international arena with a potential spectator seating capacity of up to 12,000 and VIP seating for up to 1,500, a covered arena with 5,000 seats and a world-class cross country course that will be used for both eventing and driving at the World Equestrian Games. An on-site veterinary facility is currently under construction.

“We are thrilled with this news and thank the FEI Bureau for having faith in us and entrusting us with the honor of hosting this prestigious event,” said venue owner Mark Bellissimo.