United States Eventing Association

The best way to describe Tryon Riding and Hunt Club’s (TR&HC) Morris the Horse Trials is “strengthening its roots as it looks to the future.” This year’s event on October 22 & 23 at the Foothills Equestrian Nature Center (FENCE) marks 47 years of the competition set in the picturesque North Carolina Foothills. Part of Morris’s “roots” are exemplified by this year’s organizer Molly Bull and technical delegate Erin Stormont, both of whom grew up competing at this same event.

For 2022, Morris’ new course designer Beth Perkins brings the credentials of being a local resident, an “R’ rated course designer, an international competitor, and a member of one of the earliest eventing families. (The USEA Lady Rider of the Year Trophy is perpetually awarded in honor of Beth’s mother, Essie Perkins.)

A new course builder, Dylan Barry, with international credentials, will work alongside Beth to produce a confidence-building and fun course. Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) has loaned cross-country jumps to update the Morris cross-country track.

Encouraging the Camaraderie

TR&HC is hosting a Competitor’s Low Country Boil dinner on Friday evening. Additionally, Morris is following the USEA’s lead by offering Intercollegiate Teams and the Interscholastic Leagues who receive a free tack stall. Through the T.I.P. awards, Morris acknowledges those who have retrained Thoroughbreds to become event horses.

Responding to the Competitors

Feedback from competitors and trainers led to the decision to add an “Intro” level this year with jumps at a maximum of 18 inches. This is in keeping with the low-key and friendly atmosphere of Morris, which is the hallmark of its hometown - Tryon!

More information on Morris the Horse Trials is available at tryonridingandhuntclub.org and the Omnibus (Area III).