U.S. eventer Amy Tryon passes away at age 42

Amy Tryon, shown here with Leyland at the 2009 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day event, was one of America’s top event riders. Photo: Leslie Potter

Three-day eventer Amy Tryon has passed away in her sleep at her home in Washington state according to a statement from the Professional Riders Organization (PRO). The cause of death is currently unknown.

Tryon competed in the 2004 and 2008 Olympics with Poggio II, a Washington-bred Thoroughbred. She earned a team bronze and finished sixth individually at the 2004 games. Tryon and Poggio were also part of the U.S. team gold medal effort at the 2002 World Equestrian Games in Spain and took home individual bronze from the 2006 WEG in Aachen, Germany. Until 2006, Tryon juggled her international riding career with a full-time job as a paramedic and firefighter.

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The full statement released by PRO follows.

Our world was shattered today with the loss of Eventing great Amy Tryon, who passed away in her sleep at home. Amy’s Eventing accomplishments are legendary but it was her quiet strength, determination, courage and support of the sport of Eventing that will be remembered most. The Professional Riders Organization extends its deepest condolences and prayers to Amy’s husband Greg Tryon, her mother Jemi Cain and all of her family, friends and staff. Amy will be greatly missed by us, and we are all privileged to have known her.

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Robin says:
April 12, 2012 at 10:52 pm
Amy was a well respected eventer in our Seattle Eventing community as well as the world. We had the pleasure seeing Amy ride on several occassions here in Washigton state and at Rolex in Kentucy. She will be missed by many in the Area VII Eventing community.
Nicole says:
April 13, 2012 at 4:34 pm
Oh, my - so sorry to hear this.
Kygal says:
April 13, 2012 at 4:35 pm
So sad prayers to the family
Galadriel says:
April 13, 2012 at 11:34 pm
Oh my goodness, what a shock! I'm so sorry to read that and my deepest condolences to her family and friends.
sandra says:
April 14, 2012 at 10:20 pm
My daughter worked and trained with Amy for 13 years. She inspired her to do her best, trained her to be a great rider and instructor. Amy will leave a big hole in her life, as they travelled to 2 Olympics together and not sure how many times across the U. S. She has left a great legacy and a big hole in our lives.
Bill M says:
April 15, 2012 at 8:16 am
So bummed! So Sad so young! I was her training officer when she worked in Seattle starting out in her EMS profession, prayers and thought for her husband and family.
Valerie says:
April 30, 2012 at 12:50 pm
I was watching the Rolex 3 day over the weekend and I had wondered about Amy not being there. My deepest sympathy to her family & friends. Eventing has lost a great competitor.
Lisa says:
March 16, 2013 at 9:16 pm
I thought Amy Tryon was an excellent horseback rider for the Kentucky Derby. My prayer are with her family, friends, and staff. Lisa Weiner