The Tryon Hounds Horse Show will feature again this year a $2,500 Child/Adult Jumper Classic on Saturday afternoon. The event, sponsored by Dr. and Mrs. Dean McKinney and Dr. and Mrs. Bill Mills, features adult amateurs and children competing in two round jumping classes. &bsp;

The three day show celebrates the area&squo;s equestrian heritage and will be held Friday, June 12, Saturday, June 13 and Sunday, June 14 beginning each day at 8 a.m. at the Foothills Equestrian Nature Center (FENCE) and is free to the public.

Highlights also include a $7,500 Mini Prix on Saturday Night sponsored by EMO Insurance Agency. The show jumping event will feature the best jumper riders in&bsp; the southeast competing for a $7,500 purse.&bsp; The jumps are level 5 fences from 3&squo;9&dquo; – 4&squo; with spreads of 4&squo;- 4&squo;6&dquo;. The event will begin after the Tryon Parade of&bsp; Hounds and the Tot Lead Line Class around 6:30PM and is free to the public.

The Tryon Hounds Show Committee is chaired this year by Nelson and Pam Minnick.&bsp; Rebecca Barnes is the Sponsorship chairperson and Heather Begley, Trip Hoffman, Martha Hall, Lisa Spriggs, Heidi Mendez and Cindy Boyle are serving on the Horse Show Steering Committee.

Tryon Hounds is one of the oldest and most prestigious hunts in the southeast dating back to the 1920s.&bsp; 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 our community while adding directly to the region&squo;s economic impact.

Exhibitors that are interested in competing in the show can download a copy of the 2009 Prize List and Application Form at www.tryonhounds.com&bsp; or call the show office at 828-586-9092.