We’re just 35 days away from the 69^th running of the historic Block House Steeplechase on Saturday, May 2, at FENCE. The Block House is not only the largest single-day draw of visitors to our area, it’s the longest-running steeplechase in the state of North Carolina.

The Block House was introduced in 1947 by Tryon Riding & Hunt Club founder Carter Brown, and has been hosted by TR&HC every year since. It is named for its original venue, a former defensive outpost whose track traversed two states and three counties. The race ran there for 41 years before moving to FENCE in 1988.

The Block House is also the largest annual fundraiser for TR&HC, an organization Brown created in 1925 to preserve Tryon’s equestrian heritage and “lead in the more general preservation and promotion of the good life in the area.” Money raised by the Block House and other TR&HC events fund annual scholarships and support local organizations like the Kiwanis, Rotary Club, PEER, Foothills Humane Society, FENCE, Regional Pony Clubs, a variety of local schools clubs, local fire and rescue squads, and canine units, as well as the new Equine Studies Program at the Isothermal Community College Polk Campus.

As always there will be a series of exciting community events leading up to race day. The “Week of the Horse” in Landrum will include a parade featuring the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales on April 29, as well as other happenings throughout the week.

An Equestrian History and Art Show is being organized by a partnership of Tryon’s Skyuka Fine Art, Tryon Fine Art Center, and TR&HC. Kimberly Nelson of Skyuka Fine Art will curate the exhibits and an art sale benefiting TR&HC community service efforts, with the sale art to be exhibited at both TFAC and Tryon International Equestrian Center’s new Legends Building.

And, of course, students from area schools will enter their own original artwork in the annual Block House poster contest, with entries being displayed at the Tryon Post Office. A prize for the winning design will be awarded at the Block House Steeplechase.

There are still some choice parking spots left for viewing the Block House Steeplechase. For more information about the Block House and for ticket orders, visit www.blockhouseraces.com or call the Tryon Riding & Hunt Club office at 828-863-0480.

– Submitted by Tryon Riding & Hunt Club

 

 

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