Tryon Riding & Hunt Club’s Charity Horse Show Supports Local Non-Profits
Tryon, N.C. (June 3, 2020) – Living up to its tradition of philanthropy and support to Western North Carolina communities, the Tryon Riding & Hunt Club announces three local charities to be the recipients of grants; Polk Equine Emergency Rescue (PEER), Guiding Reins and Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry.
The presentations to each charity will be made as part of the Heritage Charity Horse Show hosted at The Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) this week. The historical horse show is being held with no spectators following state guidelines for social distancing.
The Charity Horse Show is held annually to benefit local non-profits. “Local charities are so important to our way of life in our small-town communities,” says Terry Lynch, Tryon Riding & Hunt Club Board president. “They lessen the impact of poverty and hunger; provide unique social services that help the disabled; and others provide emergency services that unless needed, we are prone to forget they exist.
“We are excited that the show will take place under these difficult circumstances. It is regrettable that the thrill of the actual horse show competition will not be witnessed first-hand by spectators. While not as public, we still have a platform to acknowledge these worthy causes.”
Charities are created to fill a void where there is need. In the case of PEER, the equine community lacked a dedicated resource for large animal rescue. This organization is comprised of trained volunteers who are on call in Polk and surrounding counties in Western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina.
According to Dianne Joyce, PEER Board president, “We’ll use our donation from the Tryon Riding & Hunt Club to fund continuing education for our volunteers––and we appreciate the Club’s donation. Our training is ongoing with state-of-the-art equipment. Donations from the club will help us meet our training goals.”
Using horses once destined for disposal, Guiding Reins is an equine-assisted therapy program is dedicated to improving the quality of life for military personnel and veterans, first responders and people with special needs. Diane Prewitt, founder of the organization says, “Interacting with a horse is not going to cure people, but it will bring peace of mind. The donation from the Tryon Riding & Hunt Club will help provide free equine therapy for our clients and help them cope. We are so grateful.”
The third charity is Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry serves Polk County residents who need assistance with day-to-day necessities such as food, heat and housing. It’s goal is that no individual or family in Polk County goes hungry, cold or without shelter.
"Outreach is honored to be involved with Tryon Riding & Hunt Club and is grateful for their generous support,” says Margot Carter, Thermal Belt Outreach Development director. “As we prepare for anticipated additional financial hardship from our community due to the Covid-19 crisis, this donation will help cover rent and utility bills for those in need."
The competition and check presentations will be streamed from the TIEC website. A second TR&HC Charity Horse Show to benefit three different charities will take place at TIEC June 30– July 5.
