LAUSANNE, Switzerland (AP) The 2018 World Equestrian Games will be staged in North Carolina as a replacement venue after the withdrawal of Bromont, Quebec, in July for financial reasons.
The International Equestrian Federation says its ruling bureau awarded the event to the Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring.
The two-week competition has also been switched from mid-August to Sept. 10-23.
Two studies showed ''climatic conditions would be significantly more favorable in North Carolina during September, particularly from a horse welfare perspective,'' the FEI says.
The games, held every four years, combine eight world championships in jumping, dressage and para-equestrian dressage, eventing, driving, endurance, vaulting and reining.
The FEI has opted for North Carolina despite some United States college sports organizations withdrawing championships because of a state law restricting LGBT people's rights.
