From Staff Reports 

TRYON —  One of the largest sporting events ever held in North Carolina is expected to draw 300,000 to 400,000 people to the area Sept. 11-23.  

The Tryon International Equestrian Center will serve as the host for the 14-day FEI World Equestrian Games Tryon 2018. 

It is regarded as the “Olympics” for horses. The WEG is held every four years, halfway between the Summer Olympic Games cycle. It will mark the second time that the event — featuring the top riders and horss in the world — will be  held in the United States. Eight hundred horses from 71 countries will take part.

The Games are administered by the Fédération Equestre Internationale, the worldwide governing body of equestrian sport. It is the major international championship event for the eight core equestrian disciplines of show jumping, dressage and para-equestrian dressage, eventing, driving, endurance, vaulting and reining. 

The recently opened Tryon International Equestrian Center has tackled ambitious building plans for 2018 to create a premier world-class venue. 

In addition to the Games, the World Equine Expo will include demonstrations, seminars, clinics, panel discussions, equine art and a film festival and more, with a focus on global equestrianism. 

The WEQx Games is billed as bringing spectator-friendly versions of equine competitions highlighting the accessibility, diversity, athleticism and passion for horse sport.

For details or tickets, visit tryon2018.com.