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SIDELINESMAGAZINE | July/August 2026
Familiar Places, Familiar Faces:
Tryon International With Glenn Petty
HORSE SHOW
Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Mill
Spring, North Carolina, Tryon International has become one
of the premier equestrian destinations in the country. Since
opening in 2014, the venue has welcomed competitors
from across disciplines and around the world, hosting
everything from local competitions to major championships
and international events. Beyond its showgrounds, Tryon
International has evolved into a year-round destination with
on-site lodging, dining and entertainment.
As General Manager of Equestrian Operations, Glenn Petty
has helped oversee that growth while continuing to shape
the exhibitor experience at the facility. With a lifelong
background in horses and decades of involvement in the
equine industry, Glenn brings a unique perspective to one
of the sport’s most recognizable venues.
How did you first get involved with horses?
I grew up on a beef cattle farm in western North
Carolina and we always had horses around, so I’ve
really been involved with them my entire life. I went
on to attend NC State University, where I majored
in Animal Science. I also married into a major
hunter/jumper family, which is really what steered
me away from the Western side of the industry and
deeper into the hunter/jumper sport.
What led you to Tryon International?
First, a phone call from Sharon Decker, the President
of Tryon International. She had heard a rumor that I
might be available and reached out to see if there was
any truth to it. I told her, “Well… maybe,” and from
there things moved pretty quickly. By December, I
had accepted a new position at Tryon.
Second, the reputation of Tryon International
itself. It’s recognized nationwide as one of the premier
equestrian facilities in the country, and it really stands
apart because of how unique the property is.
And third—first and foremost from my
perspective—are the horse show facilities
themselves: What Tryon International has
developed here is truly first class.
What do you like most about the job you do?
Being part of something that’s truly special and easy
to stand behind. Tryon International is a product that
practically markets itself because of the quality of
the facility and the experience we’re able to provide.
I also really appreciate the people here. When
you look at the equestrian staff, grounds crew, food
and beverage team, lodging staff and everyone else
involved, there are nearly 500 employees all working
together to create a first-class experience for our
exhibitors and guests. That level of teamwork is
something you don’t find everywhere. Tryon is truly
a destination for the equestrian community as well
as our local community.
What’s been the biggest change at Tryon
International since you started?
Since we’re somewhat destination-based and don’t
have a large amount of surrounding infrastructure
nearby, Tryon has had to build many of those
amenities ourselves on-site. That growth includes
the addition of our third on-site hotel, expanded
RV accommodations, multi-room cabins, and now
more than eight on-site restaurants and dining
options. We’ve also continued investing heavily
in the footing and competition surfaces, which is
everything to a horseman or horsewoman.
I also think the expansion into non-equestrian
events has been huge. It’s helped broaden our
exposure and turn the property into a true year-
round destination. The non-equestrian events help
fund our ongoing overhead. And selfishly, I’ll admit
I’m especially excited about the completion of the
new par 3 golf course under the lights.
What are you most looking
forward to this year for the venue?
I’m really excited about several of the new horse
shows and championships we’ve been able to
attract to Tryon this year. Bringing in events like
the National Horse Show and the Paso Fino
Nationals is a big accomplishment for the venue
and speaks to the reputation Tryon has built across
a wide variety of disciplines. I’m also looking
forward to longtime traditions like the Duke
Children’s Benefit Horse Show.
What’s your favorite memory
from Tryon International?
Seeing how this facility and our team responded
during Hurricane Helene. In a matter of days,
Tryon transformed into a full-scale support and
distribution center for FEMA, the National Forest
Service, first responders and our local communities.
What impressed me most was how quickly our
staff came together and used the resources we have
here to help people and animals in need. We weren’t
just supporting humans—we were also helping care
for thousands of animals throughout the region
during a very difficult time. Over 10,000 neighbors
in need were served. Moments like that show what
Tryon International is really about. It made me very
proud to be part of this team and this community.
What’s one interesting or
unusual thing about you?
While I was in college, I spent time traveling the
rodeo circuit riding saddle broncs, bareback broncs
and even one bull—though once was enough on the
bull riding side! I also occasionally worked as a rodeo
clown while traveling with a professional clown team.
What do you like to do
when you’re not working?
I enjoy spending time at our home on the coast with
my beautiful wife, Joan. After spending so much
time around horse shows and events over the years,
it’s nice to slow things down a bit and enjoy our
time together.
Tryon International General Manager of
Equestrian Operations Glenn Petty
Photo courtesy of Tryon International