The US venue Tryon will host the 2018 World Equestrian Games (WEG).
The FEI announced the decision yesterday (Thursday, 3 November) after it was mutually agreed to pull the Games from original host Bromont, Canada, due to money troubles.
The date for WEG 2018 has also been pushed back, from 12-26 August to 10-23 September.
A statement from the FEI said scientific studies, which it has commissioned, show climatic conditions to be “significantly more favourable” in North Carolina in September than August “particularly from a horse welfare perspective”.
FEI president Ingmar de Vos said the FEI has “every faith” in the organising committee. “It’s a truly spectacular venue and almost all the necessary infrastructure for our eight disciplines is already in place,” he said.
“We are looking forward to a fantastic celebration of top level sport as all the disciplines come together to crown their world champions at the Games in two years’ time.”
Following the withdrawal of Bromont, the FEI bureau tasked Mr de Vos with “finding a solution”. Samorin, Slovakia, was the only other venue in contention.
Mark Belissimo, managing partner of Tryon Equestrian Partners, said he is thrilled with the news and thanked the FEI bureau for “having faith” in them.
“It’s a really great fit for North Carolina’s equestrian heritage and we look forward to working closely with the FEI and with the United Stated Equestrian Federation to produce fabulous FEI World Equestrian Games in 2018,” he added.
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- New venue bids for 2018 World Equestrian Games
- 2018 World Equestrian Games seeks new venue
About the venue
Located on a 1,600-acre site at the foothills of the Blue Mountains in North Carolina, the Tryon International Equestrian Centre features on-site restaurants, hospitality, accommodation and shops.
It has 1,200 permanent stables, 12 arenas including a floodlit international arena which can seat up to 12,000 spectators, plus VIP seating for up to 1,500.
It also has a covered arena with 5,000 seats and a cross-country course, and is surrounded by hundreds of miles of tracks for endurance.
An on-site state-of-the-art veterinary facility is currently under construction.
