Duke 'Jump for the Children' Shows Take Their Place at Tryon International
Leyla Caynak for Tryon International
Since its inaugural show in 1984, the Duke “Jump for the Children” Horse Shows (Duke Shows) have made a significant impact for the Duke Children’s Hospital of Durham, North Carolina. For the first time since 1994, when Glenn and Joan Petty of Triangle Farms took the reins of the Duke Shows, the horse show received permission from the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and the US Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) to change locations. The shift to host this special event at Tryon International began with Glenn Petty’s appointment as Tryon International’s General Manager, Equestrian Events in March of 2024.
©Kirsten Hannah Photography
As the longest, continuously-held, annual fundraiser for the Duke Children’s Hospital, the move to Tryon International proved successful, approaching $150,000 as the total raised over the two week period. Reflecting on the two weeks from November 5th-16th, Glenn Petty commented, “someone asked me what I attributed this growth to. I summed it up with one word – Tryon. We cannot thank all the exhibitors and sponsors enough for making this year's move of the Duke Children’s Hospital Jump for the Children’s show such a success! The two weeks of shows virtually doubled in number of stalls from the year before.” Longtime organizer of the Duke Shows, Joan Petty also chimed in. “Thank you to so many who made the Duke “Jump for the Children” Shows at Tryon International the BEST! We are so appreciative of our great exhibitors, horses and ponies, trainers, families, officials, Tryon staff – plus our Duke Children’s sponsors and Duke Children’s families and staff.”
©Leyla Caynak for Tryon International
Hosting a variety of classes across the two weeks, including weekly $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derbies, $2,500 USHJA Pony Hunter Derbies, Duke Children’s Lead Line, and $50,000 Duke Children’s Grand Prix classes, many of the participating riders were pleased with the transition to Tryon International. Audrey Muscari, Duke II Grand Prix winner, stated in her winning interview, “these weeks have been especially fun with the charity aspect. The [Duke “Jump for the Children” Benefit Shows] was a great experience, and I think it should stay here because everyone's had a great time!” Recipient of the Bye For Now Memorial Trophy and winner of the Duke I USHJA Open National Hunter Derby, Tiffany Cambria expressed, “when we heard [the Duke Shows] were moving to Tryon, we were really excited! We love the Tryon venue, and we love the Duke shows. The fact that we have two things that we really like to go to and experience was a win-win for us!”
©Kirsten Hannah Photography
Longtime Duke Show supporter, Merilee Ventura, was presented the Horseman’s Hero Trophy for making a difference in our horse community by showing kindness and compassion to both animals and people, and voiced her thoughts on the move. “This is a new door opening, and having the availability of a different location, different people that can come to this horse show and support it, and the facility here is absolutely incredible! We all appreciate the fact that we have it.” Similarly, Glen Petty included in his statement that, “these modern facilities, spaciousness, and the added prize money collectively made for a wonderful attraction.”
©Kirsten Hannah Photography
The success and support of the transition for both the Triangle Farms Finale “C” show and the Duke “Jump for the Children” Horse Shows, could only mean one thing. The Pettys and the Tryon International team are happy to announce the return of both these events for the 2026 calendar year. Subject to USEF approval, The Triangle Farms Finale “C” Show is scheduled for October 30th-November 1st, 2026, Duke “Jump for the Children” Benefit I is scheduled for November 4th-8th, 2026, and the Duke “Jump for the Children” Benefit II is scheduled for November 11th-15th, 2026. Our goal is to host fun, friendly shows at Tryon International and benefit Duke Children’s. We did it this year, and will do it again next year because in the words of Joan Petty, “nothing matters more!”