The community will get its first opportunity to experience the new Green Creek Equestrian Park this Sunday, when the Tryon Riding & Hunt Club&bsp; (TR&HC) holds its first event there.

“A Day in the Country,” which TR&HC describes as a family picnic and a day of equestrian fun in the country, will start on Sunday with jump classes from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. Jump heights for these classes go from 2 to 3 feet by 3-inch intervals.

A parade by the Green Creek Hounds and a demonstration by the Carolina Carriage Club will be held from 1 to 1:30 p.m.

The Handy Hunter Division events, including Trailriders, Hilltoppers, and 1st Flight classes, will be held in the afternoon.

The Green Creek Equestrian Park, the new home of the TR&HC, is a developing equestrian facility that is expected to be the site of the popular Block House Steeplechase within the next couple of years.

Everyone is invited to come out Sunday and learn more about the new facility and the local equestrian community by talking to members of Carolina Carriage Club, Green Creek Hounds, River Valley Pony Club, Tryon Hounds and TR&HC.

Dogs on leashes are welcome.

Who can participate?

Riders from all disciplines and spectators alike. Classes range from a ride-a-buck, trails, to more traditional over fences classes in an outdoor setting. With no specific striding in the field, riders will be encouraged to ride off their eye. Viewers can come to watch the fun for a small fee per carload. Bring your own picnic or enjoy food catered by The Hare and the Hound.

Who will benefit?

Profits from TR&HC sponsored events go right back into the community in the form of scholarships, charitable gifts to FENCE, local fire departments, community/equestrian activities and more. The Tryon Riding and Hunt Club is a 501 (c) 3 organization.

In addition, a new special donation will be given from each entry for PEER, the Polk Equine Emergency Rescue. &bsp;

Can I cross enter in classes? &bsp;

Absolutely! &bsp;

Can I school over jumps?

Schooling over fences will be held the day before the event, on Saturday, Oct. 2, from 2-5 p.m. A small fee allows riders to really set foot all over the course and try out the field experience.

On Sunday, riders may walk their horses on the course, but no jumping please. There will be two warm-up jumps available.

Okay, I want to ride in this. What do I wear?

Riders wear polos with breeches no show clothes please. &bsp;

Do I have to pre-enter? &bsp;

TR&HC encourages riders to plan ahead and mail entries to the TR&HC office at TR&HC, 289 S. Trade St., Tryon, N.C. 28782. This helps organizers know how many riders to plan for. Riders are also welcome to complete an entry when they arrive for schooling or on the day of. Call 828-859-6109 for more information.

Where will I park?

Trailers will have a special designated parking area for an easy in and out while cars/spectators will be parked separately to best view the activities. Water will be provided for horses so bring your own buckets.

What about inclement weather?

If the weather is questionable simply call the TR&HC office at 828-859-6109 for announcements or go to the website at: www.trhcevents.org. If it is raining organizers say they will try again next year!