The Tryon Horse became a symbol of the town through a nationally famous handcrafted miniature horse-on-wheels first made in 1916 and designed by Tryon Toy Makers founder Eleanor Vance (1869-1954). A larger first version with tree-trunk legs was built in 1928 for a parade at the Tryon Riding & Hunt Club show by two boys employed at Tryon Toy Makers. This scaled-down replica is the latest version.