[HR][/HR]WEP primary owners of Winter Equestrian Festival have acquired land and plan to develop a new international level equestrian venue in Tryon, NC
I think that you are reading it wrong. I believe that a few people that are partners in WEP are the investors here, not Wellington Eq Partners. This has actually been rumored for years. One of the partners has a farm in Tryon and I think has been working on this for a long time.
“The primary members of the development group also are primary members and managing members of Wellington Equestrian Partners, owners of the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Fla.”
primary members, managing members of WEP… owners of WEF.
I heard talk of this at least three or four years ago, although I think at that time the plan was mostly about the equestrian facility, not the additional development.
I wonder what the schedule for the year will be like there.
My point is that it is not Wellington Equestrian partners that are doing this, but a few members that happen to be part of Wellington Equestrian partners. The scope appears smaller than that of WEF. It is a beautiful area with a long history of horse activities from shows to racing to fox hunting.
I think this sounds very exciting. I would love a really, really nice show venue three or four hours away. And Tryon is cooler than Raleigh in the summer right?
Any COTH peeps in the area able to give us updates? 
We’re all waiting to hear more, too.
Keep waiting says my H/J life long Tryon resident…
pal
It has been a year and the economy is picking up…any updates?
The saga of a new equestrian complex in Tryon is a long one that has stretched for years but it does appear that the White Oak development (this one you’re referencing) may happen. My understanding is that construction is underway but I haven’t driven out that way in a while.
Roger and Jennifer Smith are the WEF partners that have the farm outside of Tryon and have been very active members of the community working towards securing the equestrian tradition of the area, not to mention stimulating the economy. Originally the Smith’s donated property to Tryon Riding and Hunt club for an equestrian park that was to be called Green Creek Equestrian something or other. The economy crashed shortly there after and the grants just weren’t available and it became obvious after some ground moving had occurred that it wasn’t going to be financially feasible and the property was returned to the Smith’s.
The Smith’s then partnered with other WEF real estate developers to purchase the White Oak Development. The plans have been approved by the town and given whatever paperwork/permits/zoning that they’re supposed to have. The main difference this time is that the partners are doing the development rather than the Riding and Hunt club. The partners have the experience, knowledge, and finances to make this work so it seems much more possible.
My understanding is that it will all happen in phases and I don’t know what phase comes first. The property is absolutely beautiful though and with this development, Tryon easily has the makings of a world class equestrian hot bed. The land is super horse friendly, great vets, great barns, easy access to ample horse show venues, cities, etc. but still quiet and mountains in the background.
Thanks for the update. It would be amazing to have that in NC.
A small article from our small local paper: http://www.tryondailybulletin.com/2014/01/13/public-hearing-set-to-rezone-80-more-white-oak-acres/ And another: http://www.goupstate.com/article/20130112/ARTICLES/130119889?p=1&tc=pg
Did a drive by. Still looks like land moving, trees coming down, etc. No buildings per se. My inside source says that the plan is to be complete in 2 years. Or at least phase 1.
Where is the new site relative to Fence?
It is off of 74 Pea Ridge Road. Closer to Rutherfordton than Tryon. Maybe 10 miles from FENCE
^ Thanks.
[QUOTE=alteringwego;7434945]
Did a drive by. Still looks like land moving, trees coming down, etc. No buildings per se. My inside source says that the plan is to be complete in 2 years. Or at least phase 1.[/QUOTE]
Just in time for me to be done my M.S. and return to NC and stay away from this frigid cold! :lol:
Just wanted to give an update: barns are going in!!
[QUOTE=alteringwego;7527147]
Just wanted to give an update: barns are going in!![/QUOTE]
Really!!? Wow…I wonder how long it will take? I also wonder what dates they will try to get for their shows?
There are very few hotels close to Fence correct? Are there plans for hotels?
There are a few dates listed under Tryon Horse Shows that have Michael Stone as the contact.
