Tryon Riding & Hunt Club will run its 90th annual Charity I Horse Show from Wednesday through Sunday this week.

TR&HC’s Charity I Horse Show is the third oldest horse show of its kind in the United States. Started by club founder Carter Brown in 1920s, the horse show is one of the area’s longest-standing traditions.

Brown originally conceived of the horse show as a means to bolster the equestrian lifestyle and activity in Tryon. Putting his idea into action, in 1926, he found land to lease for the purpose (now Harmon Field) and convinced the chamber of commerce to host the first horse show.

Attracting six entries, the event lost $275.

Needless to say, the chamber was not anxious to sponsor the show again the next year, but Brown was undeterred. He secured the backing of Tryon Country Club for the next two years; however, in 1929, TCC declined to renew their support because the show was still a financial risk.

From that year forward, TR&HC has been the official host of the horse show.

Growing in popularity and success, the horse show expanded from a local afternoon event to a nationally sanctioned multi-day competition.

Additionally the show ultimately outgrew the available facilities at Harmon Field and made its new home at Foothills Equestrian Nature Center, where it remained until 2011 when TR&HC entered into a partnership with Tryon International Equestrian Center.

This year’s Charity I Horse Show is a CSI 4-Star/Hunter AA/Level 6 competition that will award approximately $275,000 over the course of the five-day event.

For more information on any of the above events, visit trhc1925.org or call TR&HC’s office at 828-863-0480.

This week’s programming includes:

Wednesday

•The Carter Brown Memorial Barbecue at Harmon Field Cabin from 6-8 p.m. For a suggested donation of $20, guests may enjoy music, a buffet dinner and beer, wine and nonalcoholic beverages. All proceeds will be donated to horse program at Harmon Field. Tickets may be purchased in advance or at the door

Thursday

• The second annual Carolinas Show Hunter Hall of Fame induction at TIEC’s Legend’s Club from 6-8 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person, and include cocktails and light hors d’oeuvres. Reservations required

Friday

• The $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at TIEC. Daytime event. Free general admission and seating.

Saturday

•TR&HC Ice Cream Social at 5 p.m.. Free, TIEC grounds.

• The $204,000 CSI Grand Prix at TIEC, starts 8 p.m. Free general admission and seating.

Sunday

• Charity I Horse Show awards ceremonies presented by TR&HC at TIEC.

-Submitted by Andrew Brannon