Red Hawk Ranch travels to WEG

More than 500,000 people are expected to descend on Mill Spring next week for the FEI World Equestrian Games at Tryon International Equestrian Center.

According to the WEG website tryon2018.com, “The 2018 WEG has the potential to be the largest sporting event in North Carolina history, with over $400 million dollars of projected economic impact...”

More than 800 Olympic caliber athletes and their horses from 71 countries will compete in eight disciplines in one of the largest sporting events in North Carolina history. Events include Show Jumping, Eventing, Dressage, Endurance, Driving, Para-dressage, Reining and Vaulting.

My daughter Jordan and I will be one of the lucky spectators living and breathing all things horses. This is basically Disneyland for horse lovers! We attended WEG in 2010 at the Kentucky Horse Park where Lyle Lovett provided a great concert. It was magical in every respect. In addition to the world class competitions, the Games also bring together equestrian vendors from every aspect of the horse world, from top veterinarians to cutting edge research facilities, saddle makers, fashion lines and top trainers of every discipline.

The Opening Ceremony concert features five-time Grammy nominee country artist Hunter Hayes, with country music rising star Joe Lasher, known for his breakout single, "Nothing Better To Do Friday Nights," opening up for Hayes.

I've always wanted to see the Tryon facility, a dream equestrian resort nestled in the Smoky Mountains.

From carousel to competition, the mission of Tryon Resort is to celebrate the magic of the horse, grow equestrian sport, and increase access to this majestic animal.

NBC Sports will air nearly 65 hours of WEG Tryon 2018 coverage, including a record 57 live hours, starting Wednesday, Sept. 12, presented across NBC, NBCSN and Olympic Channel: Home of Team USA.

Now, there is a little known hurricane named Florence breezing her way to the Carolina coast which could impact the Games by Thursday. We are hopeful she will stray south of the Carolinas but its too early to tell.

Hurricane or not, we are WEG bound Sunday! We'll be posting from the Games so stay tuned!