This weekend the Foothills Equestrian Nature Center will be bustling with activity as the Tryon Hounds Horse Show gets under way on Friday, June 20 at 8 a.m.

Organizers say the weather is forecasted to be as supportive as the event&squo;s sponsors that have already made the show a &dquo;huge success&dquo; before the first horse enters the ring.

&dquo;The Tryon Hounds Horse Show is our biggest fundraiser for the year,&dquo; commented Heidi Mendez, president of the Tryon Hounds. &dquo;The support we receive from our members, the local business community and our friends is just incredible.&dquo;

To date, more than $40,000 in sponsorship money has been raised. This year&squo;s event includes: an Equine Art Show and Sale Reception sponsored by Hardee Homes and Stone Soup; a $10,000 Mini Prix sponsored by Ken Feagin Truck and Trailer, and Great American Insurance presented by EMO Agency/Martha Hall; a $2,500 Child/Adult Jumper Classic sponsored by Tryon Equine Hospital and Gibbs Cancer Center Radiation Oncology/Patricia Griffin; and a $1,000 Hunter Challenge sponsored by Becky Barnes and Cindy and John Boyle/Raymond James & Associates.

Numerous individuals and organizations have contributed to the event to support Tryon Hounds.

Highlights for the show this weekend include the Mini Prix on Saturday night. The show jumping event will feature the best jumper riders in the southeast competing for a $10,000 purse. The jumps at the Mini Prix level are fences from 4&squo;-4&squo;3&dquo; with spreads of 4&squo;3&dquo;- 4&squo;9&dquo;. The event will begin after the Tryon Parade of Hounds around 6:30 p.m. and is free to the public.

Tryon Hounds is one of the oldest and most prestigious hunts in the southeast dating back to the 1920s. In 1935, the Tryon Hounds was recognized by the Masters of Foxhounds Association and today enjoys an active and enthusiastic membership of riding and non-riding members that volunteer countless hours to various community projects.

Foxhunting is the cornerstone of the area&squo;s equestrian heritage and helps to protect the rural charm and rustic beauty of the community while adding directly to the region&squo;s economic impact, say organization officials.

Exhibitors interested in competing in the show can download a copy of the 2008 Prize List and Application Form at www.tryonhounds.com.