Tryon, North Carolina has a strong sense of civic pride when it comes to their most notable resident Morris. Morris is a fifth generation giant rocking horse. Tryon Toymakers and Woodcarvers built the first oversized steed in 1928.

In the 1930s, a fire destroyed the original horse. The second met his end in 1946 when a couple of drunken cowboys rounded it up for a joyride. It led to him having to be put to sleep. The third Morris became weathered. The replacement underwent cosmetic surgery in 1983 when a boat builder gave him a fiberglass coat.

Morris stands at 22 hands high on Trade Street at the town's epicenter. He is maintained by the Tryon Riding & Hunt Club and during the holidays his pageantry side shines as his reigns change to garland and his head sports a Victorian top hat. His image also appears on the town's official seal.

Morris the Rocking Horse
Trade Street (US 176)
Tryon, NC