As part of their 2016 convention, the American Trakehner Association (ATA) is hosting a “Salute to the War Horse” gala on Nov. 5 during a special Veterans Day “Saturday Night Lights” at Tryon International Equestrian Center. An exhibition of ATA’s Trakehner breed – bred purposefully as cavalry horses in 1732 and the world’s oldest warmblood breed – will also be on display. The horse was originally bred in Trakehnen in East Prussia by the father of Frederick the Great, hence its signature name.

The United States Army will be onsite to help celebrate the long military history. A bugler from the 208th Army Band in Concord, N.C. will perform in the grand prix arena. As a closing salute to this historic horse and fellow veterans, military veterans from the ATA will march into the area with Trakehner horses. The local Army recruiter will also be onsite to meet spectators and answer questions. A $5,000 Jumping Derby will immediately follow to round out the evening’s event.

Attendees can also enjoy TIEC’s “Saturday Night Lights” activities including free live music by Sound Investment, face painting, carousel rides, pony rides, airbrush tattoos, entertainers, jugglers, magicians and bubble artists. Activities start Nov. 5 at 5 p.m. and the competition starts at 7 p.m. Onsite restaurants and shopping available. Admission to TIEC and parking are free and open to the public. For more information, call 828-863-1000 or visit www.tryon.com.

– article submitted by Michelle Yelton