Three lucky children will be randomly selected to receive a $250 scholarship to a local pony club.  

Mill Spring, NC – July 26, 2016 – Many children grow up with dreams of riding a horse, or better yet, having one as a pet. For most, it remains a lofty and expensive wish, but Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) wants to turn dreams into reality. In celebration of the U.S. Pony Club Championships East hosted by TIEC on July 27-July 31, the equestrian center is giving free pony rides to at least 100 kids looking to ride a horse for the first time. Kids who have ridden before are welcome to participate, too. Three lucky children will be randomly selected from those participating to receive a $250 dollar scholarship to a local pony club.

The free pony rides (weather permitting) are scheduled for Wednesday, July 27 from 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. during the “Welcome Block Party” event and Saturday, July 30 from 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. during the equestrian center’s popular “Saturday Night Lights” event. Erin Gambrell of Harmony Training, LLC is facilitating the pony rides. The public is encouraged to attend one or both events.

For Mark Bellissimo, managing partner of Tryon Equestrian Partners – the organization developing TIEC -the pony rides are more than entertainment.

“We want to bridge the gap between dreams and reality, and foster the love of the horse in all children,” said Bellissimo. “For many kids, ponies and horses are not easily accessible. We want to continue creating ways for kids to experience and engage with these great animals. Whether they simply ride a pony, learn a discipline, or enter the competitive circuit, the world of equestrian sport should be available to anyone with a passion for it.”

TIEC admission and parking are free and open to the public. To learn more about TIEC and the U.S. Pony Club Championships East activity schedule, visit www.tryon.com.