Official Event Website

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2008 WEC Malaysia

2006 WEG Germany

2004 WEC UAE

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2010 WEC Kentucky
Images by Merri Melde

September 16, 2010

The temporary quarantine facility at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Airport is ready to receive the first of its nearly 500 equine guests today in the lead-up to the World Equestrian Games in Lexington.

The games start on September 25 and run through to October 10 at the Kentucky Horse Park.

The airport has been classed as a temporary port of entry for the horses heading to compete at the games.

Last Friday the first group of eight horses representing Chile and Guatemala in Endurance arrived at the Kentucky Horse Park. The horses had been quarantined in Miami since their flight to the United States and travelled via trailer to Kentucky.

The first horses from Europe and the Middle East are scheduled to arrive today via non-stop flights from Belgium. About 50 horses and their attendants will travel on each of these special flights into the airport.

The importation of horses into the US is supervised by the US Department of Agriculture in order to monitor the health of the animals. Horses that are imported from Europe and the Middle East via the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Airport must undergo at least a 42-hour quarantine upon arrival to the US. The quarantine facility will be managed by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture in conjunction with the veterinarians from the World Games...

Read more here:
http://www.horsetalk.co.nz/news/2010/09/080.shtml

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A quarantine to isolate sick horses from WEG - Kentucky.com - Full Article

Thursday, Sep. 16, 2010

Before touching a blade of bluegrass, animals must spend 2 days in isolation

By Janet Patton - jpatton1@herald-leader.com

When the horses from Europe and the Middle East begin arriving Thursday at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, they probably won't feel like they are in Kentucky for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

They might feel as if they are in limbo.

Technically, they are. They will be in quarantine, isolated from U.S. air, water, soil and other animals until the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture have determined they are free of a set of rare diseases with deceptively benign-sounding names (like glanders or dourine) that are generally incurable and often fatal.

Read more here:
http://www.kentucky.com/2010/09/16/1436997/a-quarantine-to-isolate-sick-horses.html#ixzz0zhg9zoQ2

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First Group of Horses Arrive at the Kentucky Horse Park for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games

Lexington, KY - September 10, 2010 - With just 14 days until the opening ceremonies of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, the first group of eight horses arrived at the Kentucky Horse Park on Friday afternoon. This first group of equine athletes will compete at the Games in the World Championship of Endurance presented by Meydon, representing Chile and Guatemala.

The horses have been quarantined in Miami since their flight to the United States and have traveled via trailer to Kentucky. While the athletes are not arriving with these horses, this first group of equine athletes arriving to the park signifies that the Games are getting underway!

The first of the horses from Europe will be arriving at next week and will be in quarantine in Northern Kentucky.

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WEG Endurance - A Preview of the Major Teams

By Leonard Liesens, Endurance-belgium.com

It's on 18th September that most of European horses will embarq to Kentucky. They will all head from all over Europe to the Liège's Airport in Belgium. All endurance horses, but also all European horses representing all disciplines. A huge promotion for the Airport of Liège and for the region which has invested a lot in this new airport for boosting its economical activity.

Back to endurance... Lexington will not reach the record level of participation of Dubai in 2005. But nevertheless there will be a huge contingent participating at the endurance event. Actually, all nations represented in Lexington will have at least one couple competing in endurance.

What about Nobby

Maria Alvarez gave birth to a daughter, another little Maria. Just in case, Jaume Punti qualified himself with Nobby during a 160 km race ran in Dubai. But it will be Maria who will defend her title with her small bay Nobby. "Three weeks after the birth of our little Maria, her mother was already riding 40 km workout. Then after six weeks she rode Nobby on 80 km. Both were already ready for a 160 km" said Jaume.

The Spanish team won the team gold in Italy last year, thanks to the good time made by Nobby but also because France was out of the competition with just two horses. It is very unlikely that this could happen again. But who knows...

In the individual competition, it is another business. Nobby is capable of reaching a good speed (he demonstrated that at Dubai) and he has the temper of a champion. He will the one to beat...

Read more here:
http://endurance-belgium.com/team/weg2010_preview.htm

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Horse farms will open doors to visitors during WEG

Kentucky.com - Full Article

September 9 2010

By Alicia Wincze - awincze@herald-leader.com

One of the things Lexington is best known for is its accessibility to the Thoroughbred stars that reside on the horse farms that dot its landscape.

With the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games set to begin its run on Sept. 25 and the influx of equine enthusiasts expected to visit Central Kentucky, some top farms are expanding the opportunities for visitors to get an up-close view of the signature industry.

That glance behind the scenes may also give the Thoroughbred racing world a chance to attract new fans.

As the owner and breeder of this year's Derby winner Super Saver, WinStar Farm has been inundated with requests to see its sprawling facilities and has responded by offering as many as four tours a day of its stallion barn free from Sept. 18 through Oct. 17.

Read more here:
http://www.kentucky.com/2010/09/09/1427574/horse-farms-will-open-doors-to.html

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Security Will be Tight for WEG

Kentucky.com - Full Article

Sunday, Sep. 05, 2010

For the 16 days of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, the Kentucky Horse Park should be the safest place in the state outside of Fort Knox.

Lexington and Kentucky State police will work with Kentucky National Guard troops and 1,000 paid and volunteer security guards to patrol the Horse Park, guide traffic, screen visitors and protect the yet-to-be-named Very Important Persons in the audience, some of whom are bringing their own security details.

"People will notice us. We want them to notice us and be comfortable, knowing that we've put real effort into the operation here," said Kevin Tyo, president of Event Security Consulting and Operations Inc., a Georgetown firm that won the primary security contract for WEG...

Read more here:
http://www.kentucky.com/2010/09/05/1421637/security-will-be-tight-for-weg.html

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Endurance Inspired Sculpture on Display During World Equestrian Games

Friday, September 03, 2010

Moraffee, a table top bronze sculpture by Lisa Sharpe, has been accepted to the prestigious American Academy of Equine Art juried show and will be on display during the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky, USA.

Moraffee was inspired by the infamous Cougar Rock climb encountered during the Tevis Cup endurance race in California. She is depicting a playful working Arabian mare dreaming about the fun of the climb. The sculpture is a new release and is limited to an edition of 10. The piece is approximately 11 ½” tall by 11” long and 3 ½” wide and will be available for purchase for $4100 USD.

The American Academy of Equine Art was established in 1980 by a group of ten distinguished artists, individually famed for their work on equine subjects. Their aim was to maintain a degree of excellence within the genre, and to promote the academic representation of the equine form in drawing, painting and sculpture. Each fall the Academy hosts a Juried Exhibition of original equine art selecting from the many applications.

This year the show will be held from September 17, 2010 to October 22, 2010 at the Scott County Arts and Cultural Center/Gallery located only minutes from the Kentucky Horse Park in Georgetown. Gallery hours will be extended hours during the World Equestrian Games from September 25-October 10, 2010. Come by and meet Lisa Sharpe at the gallery reception on Friday September 17 from 6:30 to 9:00 pm or Saturday at noon.

If you are unable to attend please contact the Artist, Lisa Sharpe before the show at lisa.sharpe@hotmail.com for more information on acquiring a piece of this limited sculpture.

For more information on the AAEA contact:
American Academy of Equine Art
Frances Clay Conner, Executive Director
PO Box 1364
Georgetown, KY 40324
Tel: 859-281-6031

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FEI World Games to boost US Horse Economy

August 25 2010

Examiner.com - Full Article

August 26 2010

Jennifer Garreau
Rapid City Equestrian Examiner

The 2010 World Equestrian Games will be held September 25th through October 10th at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY. It will represent the largest equine sporting event ever held in the United States. The venue will host more than 900 competitors and their 1,300 horses from 58 countries, requiring the largest single importation of horses into the United States since World War II.

This is the first time since the Games began in 1990, that the event has been held outside of Europe. Prior Games have been held in Sweden, Italy, Spain and the 2006 Games were held in Aachen, Germany. The 2014 Games will be held in Normandy, France. The first Games in 1990 involved six disciplines – Dressage, Show Jumping, Eventing, Driving, Endurance Riding and Vaulting. In 2002, the discipline of Reining which is dominated by the American Quarter Horse was added. This year Para Dressage was added, which is a Dressage competition for the physically and mentally handicapped.

It is also the first time the Games have been held in a single venue, as there is not another facility worldwide, other than the Kentucky Horse Park that has the facilities to host such a large event...

More...

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ALLTECH FEI WORLD EQUESTRIAN GAMES BEGIN IN ONE MONTH

August 25 2010

LEXINGTON, KY—30 Days to Go—With just one month to go until the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, ticket sales and hospitality purchases are ramping up as spectators from around the world prepare to witness world championship competition in eight equestrian sports. Dressage Freestyle Price Level A has officially sold out for the world championship final on Friday, October 1. Less than 1000 tickets remain in Price Level B for that same event.

Additionally, less than 150 tickets remain in the Reining Individual Final on Thursday, September 30.

While tickets for finals rounds continue to sell most rapidly, tickets are still available for early sessions of competition in all eight disciplines. Many are available at a 30 percent discount through September 6. To purchase tickets, visit www.alltechfeigames.com/tickets, www.ticketmaster.com, or call 1-888-934-2010.

The Games hospitality program has sold out of Champions Club tables for Jumping. Suites for the entire Reining competition are also sold out. For a full listing of hospitality options, including passes to the Makers Mark Bourbon Village and Champions Club seating at competitions, visit www.alltechfeigames.com/hospitality.

As the Games are rapidly approaching, the Kentucky Horse Park is being transformed to host the world. Temporary seating at several venues has neared completion, many of the 300+ temporary structures have been built, and the Alltech Experience and Kentucky Experience pavilions are taking form.

In addition, national federations for 58 countries have submitted entries for the 2010 Games. Australia, Canada, Germany and the United States have entries for all eight disciplines.

Although the Games won’t commence with the Opening Ceremonies until September 25, athletes and horses will arrive at the Kentucky Horse Park beginning September 10.

Tickets and accommodations are still available. Visit www.alltechfeigames.com for more information.

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Competitors coming from 58 countries

full article at http://www.kentucky.com/2010/08/19/1397689/weg-competitors-coming-from-58.html

Entry list from 58 countries exceeds 900 riders, 1,300 horses By Linda B. Blackford - lblackford@herald-leader.com

Australia, Canada, Germany and the United States will continue their fierce rivalry to be the tops in equestrian sport when they compete in the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games starting Sept. 25.

Those four countries are the only ones that will have teams in all eight disciplines during the Games — reining, vaulting, dressage, eventing, show jumping, endurance, para dressage and driving. But 54 other countries will compete in one or more events through Oct. 10 at the Kentucky Horse Park.

Nineteen countries will compete in five or more disciplines, organizers said.

The list of nominated entries released Wednesday includes more than 900 athletes and 1,300 horses, although that number will decline when definite entries are submitted in mid-September. Many countries have nominated short lists but have not decided on their final team members.

The teams will showcase some of the finest individual riders in the world, including Edward Gal of the Netherlands, who has been breaking records with his dressage scores this summer aboard Moorlands Totilas; and McLain Ward on the chestnut mare Sapphire, the show-jumping combination from New York that has won most of the major jumping events around the world, including Olympic gold.

Mason Phelps, the owner of Phelps Media Group, an equine public relations firm that represents the United States Equestrian Team, said each of the Games' eight disciplines has its own stars and its own followers.

"Each discipline has its own idiosyncrasies," Phelps said. "The World Games don't do a medal count like the Olympics."

For example, the Americans have always been strong in show jumping, winning the team gold at the Athens and Beijing Olympics.

"They're a force to be reckoned with, and they have a very strong rivalry with the Germans," Phelps said. "But one can't forget the Dutch or the French; they've been very strong this summer" in competitions.

While some countries will be represented in force with entire teams, others have only one or two riders. India and Lithuania, for example, have nominated one rider each, in the 100-mile endurance race. Bahrain, Costa Rica and Guatemala are sending teams but only in endurance.

The Dutch Antilles will have just one competitor, in dressage. Fourteen countries will bring competitors for reining, the Western riding sport that has become hugely popular all over the world. Those include several European countries, several from South America, and a team from Israel.

Phelps said the hard-core fans will be in town for their discipline of choice.

"Of course, people here are rooting for the American teams, but the show-jumping crowd sticks to show jumping and so on," he said.

South American horses will begin to arrive at the Miami quarantine Sept. 1 and at the Kentucky Horse Park beginning Sept. 10, organizers said.

On Sept. 16, the first horses from Europe will at the temporary quarantine at the Northern Kentucky airport. They will stay at least 48 hours before being shipped to the Horse Park.

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How entries stack up in each discipline

The number of countries that will have teams in each of the eight World Equestrian Games disciplines, along with the number of countries that will be represented by individuals only, plus the total number of athletes nominated to compete in each discipline:

Discipline Teams Ind. Ath.

Reining 18 4 85

Endurance 26 6 162

Dressage 18 6 98

Eventing 15 8 122

Jumping 32 10 201

Para dressage 19 6 107

Vaulting 13 19 190

Eventing 7 1 30

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Participating nations

Fifty-eight countries will be represented at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, Sept. 25 to Oct. 10 at the Kentucky Horse Park:

Argentina, Italy, Australia, Jordan, Austria, Lithuania, Azerbaijan, Luxembourg, Bahrain, Mexico, Belgium, Namibia, Bermuda, Netherlands, Brazil, Netherlands, Canada, Antilles, Chile, New Zealand, China, Norway, Chinese Taipei, Poland, Colombia, Portugal, Costa Rica, Qatar, Czech Republic, Saudi Arabia, Denmark, South Africa, Dominican Republic, Russia, Singapore, Ecuador, Switzerland, Egypt, Slovakia, El Salvador, Spain, Finland, Sweden, France, Syria, Great Britain, Turkey, Germany, United Arab Emirates, Guatemala, Hungary, Ukraine, India, Uruguay, Ireland, United States, Israel, Venezuela, Japan

Read more:
http://www.kentucky.com/2010/08/19/1397689/weg-competitors-coming-from-58.html#ixzz0x4xvx9A8

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YMCA of Central Kentucky to open facilities to guests of the 2010 Games

August 12, 2010

LEXINGTON, KY - The YMCA of Central Kentucky joins the World Games 2010 Foundation in welcoming guests from around the world during the 16 days of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, by providing facilities to athletes and guests who want to stay active during their visit.

Any person attending or participating in the Games will be allowed free guest access to the Y’s facility branches, which include Beaumont Centre Family Y, High Street Y, and North Lexington Family Y, for the duration of the Games.

“With YMCA’s located in 124 countries worldwide, this is a great opportunity for our association to welcome the world to our community,” said Jim Kelsey, marketing and communications director for the YMCA of Central Kentucky. “We’re excited to welcome new friends from all over the world while continuing to serve this community.”

The Y has been serving the Lexington community since 1853, and is a non-profit, volunteer organization with a mission to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

The branch facilities of the YMCA of Central Kentucky vary slightly but all of them feature state-of-the-art workout amenities including free weights, cardio equipment, group exercise classes, aquatic facilities, locker rooms with showers and more.

To gain free entry to any of the facility branches during the Games, athletes or visitors just have to show their World Equestrian Games pass or ticket to Y staff upon entering the facility. There is no limit to how many times a guest can use the facilities, and even Lexington residents attending the Games are allowed access.

For more information about the YMCA of Central Kentucky and to view the location and details of each facility branch, click here.

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GPS tracking for WEG endurance horses - Horsetalk.co.nz - Full Article

August 5 2010

Horses in the endurance competition at the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky next month will each be tracked on the 160km course by GPS.

The GPS service should mean support crew and spectators will know exactly where a horse and rider is on the course, how the team is doing, and average speeds during the ride.

The tracking service is being provided by AT&T, which is leasing Foundation Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Cards for the endurance event. This is the first time in the history of the Games where endurance athletes will be tracked using GPS throughout the 160km competition.

"With GPS tracking devices for the endurance competition, we are changing the way this sport is followed," said Emmett Ross, Discipline Manager for the Endurance World Championship...

More...

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Kentucky Horse Park to have better cell phone service during WEG -

August 5 2010

By Linda B. Blackford - lblackford@herald-leader.com

AT&T will expand its cell phone and wireless Internet service at the Kentucky Horse Park during the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, the company said Wednesday as it was declared an official sponsor of the Games.

AT&T also will provide a global positioning system that allows spectators to track the whereabouts of horses during the Games' endurance event, which will be run on a 100-mile course largely made up of private horse farms.

"We will be doing this GPS tracking for the first time," said Emmett Ross, the discipline manager for endurance who designed the course. Ross describes endurance as "80 Kentucky Derbies at one-third the speed in one day." Ross said the tracking system is especially valuable because spectators will not be allowed on private land to watch the race...

More...

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Thehorse.com

WEG: Kentucky State Vet's Office Safeguards Equine Athletes at Games

by: Press Release
July 28 2010, Article # 16706

The Kentucky state veterinarian's office has the yeoman's responsibility to regulate and manage the importation of an estimated 800 horses representing 62 countries that are scheduled to participate in the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Sept. 25-Oct. 10 at the Kentucky Horse Park near Lexington.

"The World Equestrian Games are far greater in size and scope than anything the state veterinarian's office has managed before," Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said. "However, the staff of the state veterinarian's office has vast experience in equine health and works several large-scale and high-profile events every year. These equine athletes couldn't be in better hands."

"The state veterinarian's office is committed to providing a healthy environment for the horses that will come to Kentucky to compete in the Games," State Veterinarian Robert Stout, DVM, said.

Five equine inspectors currently conduct inspections at the horse park, averaging 130 inspection hours per week, said E.S. Rusty Ford, DVM, equine programs magager for the Kentucky State Veterinarian. The Office of the State Veterinarian (OSV) is working to ensure that the horse park's resident equines meet the health requirements of the equestrian sport's governing body, the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI).

On Sept. 16, the largest airlift of horses to a single event in history will begin arriving in the U.S. Three-quarters of the horses will land at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. The horses will spend their first 42 hours in Kentucky in stalls inside the barns at the recently constructed Northern Kentucky Temporary Quarantine.

Other horses will be quarantined at the Miami Animal Import Center and Los Angeles International Airport. Horses from North America will be transported to the horse park by truck.

Any imported horse presenting evidence or suspicion of illness will be held in quarantine and not permitted to travel to the horse park until the concern is resolved.

Prior to entering the park, all horses will be required to pass a KDA inspection and have their health status verified in order to be admitted to the stable area. All horses on the park grounds will be continuously monitored and evaluated daily by KDA, FEI, and World Equestrian Games personnel.

Planning and preparation to make Kentucky a viable option began long before Kentucky was selected to host the 2010 Games.

"There was work that had to be done before Kentucky could even bid for the Games," Ford said. "When you're allowing horses from all over world to be imported to Kentucky, you have to mitigate all potential risks. And we're confident that we've done that." The OSV's goals are to provide a safe and healthy environment for the horses coming to the Games and prepare to detect early, respond to and resolve any potential disease threat.

"With so many horses coming from all over the world, we have spent considerable time and resources to better familiarize ourselves with and understand a much broader spectrum of equine disease than what we have dealt with on a day-to-day basis our entire careers," Ford said. "We are confident that, with the preparations we have done, and with our daily presence and readiness during the World Equestrian Games, there will be no safer place than the Kentucky Horse Park to host an event of this magnitude."

An agency of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, the Office of the State Veterinarian is responsible for preparing for, detecting and responding to potential illnesses and mitigating risk of disease transmission.

"We look forward to welcoming competitors and visitors from around the world to the World Equestrian Games this fall," Commissioner Farmer said.

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Unveiling of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Trophies to Showcase the Bluegrass

LEXINGTON, KY—71 Days to Go—The beauty of the horse and the spirit of the Bluegrass will be showcased in the unveiling of the trophies and medals to be presented to the world champions of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

Lexington-based luxury gift store and fine trophy provider, L.V. Harkness & Co., has worked intimately with Moser Crystal of the Czech Republic to create team and individual trophies and medals for each of the eight disciplines participating in the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

The 2010 Games will feature eight world championships of equestrian sport and are being held for the first time in the United States September 25-October 10 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Ky.

The team trophies were designed to showcase each discipline with the true spirit of the Bluegrass; the Kentucky Horse Park skyline and four-plank fencing provide the background for each of the eight trophies. The trophies took over 14 months to create from start to finish and are valued at approximately $50,000 each. These truly magnificent works of art are sure to be admired for years to come.

“The trophies and medals created by L.V. Harkness are not only beautiful, but also showcase Kentucky as the Horse Capital of the World,” said Jamie Link, CEO of the World Games 2010 Foundation. “The world champions crowned during the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games will have a beautiful piece of the Bluegrass State to take home with them.”

“L.V. Harkness & Co. conceptualized the trophies and the Master Copper Wheel Engraver at Moser brought them to life,” said Whitney Fields, Director of Equine Product Development for L.V. Harkness. “We are happy to talk with a client, realize their vision and develop a product that showcases their passion.”

Margaret Jewett, owner of L.V. Harkness & Co. is no stranger to horses or trophies. In 1891, Jewett’s great-grandfather, Lamon Vanderburg Harkness, purchased Walnut Hall Stock Farm near Lexington, Kentucky; he transformed the farm into the foremost standardbred breeding and racing establishment in the world. Jewett is also the co-founder and on the Board of Directors of the Kentucky Equine Humane Center, an organization dedicated to providing humane treatment and shelter for all of Kentucky's unwanted equines. A lifetime surrounded by horses, and experience running the finest gift store in the region, taught Jewett how to partner with talented artisans to produce quality trophies that showcase creative design.

“Lexington is my home,” said Jewett. “The best athletes in the world are coming to Lexington —L.V. Harkness & Co. is proud to provide them with the best trophies in the world.”

Photos are available upon request. Please contact Katelyn Rademacher at krademacher@preston-osborne.com.

About L.V. Harkness

Lamon Vanderburg Harkness had a passion for the finest things in life: silver, crystal, boats and horses (to name a few). In addition to many noble activities, L.V. was known to sail around the world on his yacht, Wakiva, searching for and acquiring fine objects to adorn his homes. Today, his great-granddaughter, Margaret (Meg) Jewett, shares his love of standardbreds, objets d’art, and his spirit of adventure. Like her progenitor, Meg enjoys traveling the globe, seeking the unusual “wants” and unique “must haves” that add so much spice to life. It is with great family pride that she shares these treasures through L.V. Harkness & Co.

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WEG Organizers Lower Ticket Prices - Kentucky.com - Full Article

Wednesday, Jul. 14, 2010

By Linda B. Blackford - lblackford@herald-leader.com

Organizers of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games are lowering ticket prices in an attempt to sell more of them.

Starting Thursday, a special promotion will offer a 30 percent savings on tickets to many of the early phases of the competitions. The special offer will run through Labor Day weekend and end on Sept. 6.

The Games will be held from Sept. 25-Oct. 10 at the Kentucky Horse Park.

So far, about 260,000 tickets have been sold, far below the once-anticipated 600,000. Organizers have said the economy is mostly to blame for more people not buying tickets priced over $100 for some events. Tickets to many event finals have been selling well, officials said.

The new prices include a discount on the one day of endurance riding, from $45 to $25 per ticket...

Read more here:
http://www.kentucky.com/2010/07/14/1348648/weg-organizers-lower-ticket-prices.html

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World Equestrian Games Preview - Thehorse.com - Full Article

by: Jennifer O. Bryant
July 01 2010, Article # 16603

Excitement mounts for the biggest-ever equestrian competition on U.S. soil.

Think of the biggest sporting events in the United States, and which ones come to mind? The Super Bowl, of course. The Kentucky Derby. A handful of mega-competitions, such as the two-week-long tennis U.S. Open. Two months from now, for the first time in history, the United States will host a 16-day sporting extravaganza that will approach the U.S. Open (which drew 700,000-plus spectators in 2009) in attendance size. It will command more than six hours of network television airtime, and it will bring together athletes from 60 nations.

It's the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG), and the eight-discipline equestrian world championships kick off Sept. 25 on the pastoral grounds of the Kentucky Horse Park, near Lexington.

The World Games 2010 Foundation, the Lexington-based organizer, anticipates selling 600,000 reserved tickets. The Commonwealth of Kentucky has been building arenas and stabling, expanding infrastructure, widening roads, and more since 2005, when the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), the international governing body of equestrian sport, awarded the 2010 WEG to Lexington. In return, Kentucky hopes to realize the projected $150-plus-million influx of visitor dollars...

Read more here:
http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=16603

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New Group of Performers will Represent the Western United States in the Opening Ceremonies for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games

June 21 2010

LEXINGTON, KY—97 Days to go—A collaboration of equine entertainers and roping experts are bringing their talents to the Opening Ceremonies at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games on Sept. 25. This group will represent the many traditions of Western riding in the United States.

The performers include Vince Bruce, Eitan Beth-Halachmy, Double Dan Horsemanship, Tommie Turvey, the California Cowgirls and the Riata Ranch Cowboy Girls. Together the group shares a common theme, but they will each add their own flair to this section of the Opening Ceremonies.

Vince Bruce, also known as the “Wizard of Whips and Ropes,” has been twirling ropes in front of audiences since he was 12 years old. Bruce has been in circuses, performed with the Harlem Globetrotters and starred in the Broadway show “The Will Rogers’ Follies.”Vince Bruce

Bruce said he is excited about performing with friends and creating something spectacular for the Opening Ceremonies. A native of England, Bruce said “This (the U.S.) is the home of Western entertainment!”

Eitan Beth-Halachmy will add to the performance with his Cowboy Dressage style of riding. Beth-Halachmy developed Cowboy Dressage from a mixture of several training styles including Dressage, which he calls his discipline and Western, which he calls his fun.

“I am going to have the opportunity to entertain, give others an idea of what I do, and show them how to have fun riding a horse,” Beth-Halachmy said about coming to the Games.

Dan James of Australia is one of the two “Dans” behind Double Dan Horsemanship. James, who grew up riding horses Down Under eventually partnered with Dan Steers to create a powerhouse of entertainment and equine training that includes clinics and performances across the globe.

Also known for entertaining is Tommie Turvey, an equine extremist who performs tricks and stunts for audiences across America. Turvey grew up with a passion for horses but never really wanted to compete. Instead, he followed in his father’s footsteps and used his natural riding abilities and class clown tendencies to create a niche in equine entertainment.

“It is nice to have people from around the world come to the United States,” Turvey said about the Games. “I can represent what we do here and say ‘Hey! American cowboys are pretty good horse trainers too.’”

And it’s not just cowboys; there are plenty of female riding entertainers in the mix. The California Cowgirls, an equestrian drill team from Wilton, California, will perform complex drill routines while decked out in their signature costumes. They ride American Paints, Appaloosas and Quarter Horses.

CA Cowgirls

“We always love to perform,” said Sara Curtis, captain of the California Cowgirls. “We are looking forward to the grandeur and magnitude of the whole event.”

And last, but certainly not least, are the Riata Ranch Cowboy Girls, a group of ladies known around the world for their roping and trick riding. Jennifer Welch Nicholson, executive director of Riata Ranch, conducts clinics to not only teach people about western riding but also about life skills such as confidence, physical fitness and self expression.

“This group of talented equine performers, precision riders, and western roping professionals will have the audience on their feet,” said Dr. Everett McCorvey, executive director of the Opening Ceremonies. “It's a producer's dream to present ‘wow’ moments throughout a show, and create something that the audience won't soon forget.”

This group represents just one part of the Opening Ceremonies, which will include over 200 horses. In addition to the equine component, the “human” component includes orchestra, choir, dancers, headline musicians, movement corps of hundreds of adults and children, as well as local and international celebrities and dignitaries.

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Spectator Parking, Transportation Options Set for Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games

June 23, 2010

LEXINGTON, KY—93 Days to Go—Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games spectators will have a variety of parking and transportation options, including hotel shuttles and on-site parking, for the 16 days of the event.

With the recent availability of property adjacent to the Kentucky Horse Park, parking for 10,000 vehicles each day is now possible on-site. Parking will be $20 per vehicle with cash only accepted upon entry. A limited number of premium parking spaces near the spectator entry, with pass-out parking privileges, are also available for $100 per day at www.alltechfeigames.com.

Nine hotel shuttle routes will be implemented for Games spectators, providing a door-to-door transportation service for selected hotels. Spectators who have arranged accommodations through the Games Housing Bureau for the selected hotels, located in Lexington, Georgetown and Frankfort, will be emailed a direct link on or before July 6 with the opportunity to pre-purchase hotel shuttle wristbands online for $5 before August 1. After August 1, the shuttle wristbands will be $10 for Housing Bureau guests. During the Games, wristbands can be purchased for $15, subject to availability. Wristbands are date specific and valid for one day’s round trip transport to the Kentucky Horse Park and are non-transferable. A list of hotels on the shuttle routes will be available on the Spectator Information page of the Games website by July 6.

Buses equipped with ADA seating will be operating on all hotel shuttle systems, and mobility shuttles will be stationed in the on-site parking lots for those who need assistance from designated ADA parking areas.

In addition, taxi cabs and Gold Shield Car Services will be available to transport spectators to the main entrance of the Games at the Kentucky Horse Park. LexTran, the City of Lexington’s public transportation system, will also have roundtrip bus service to the Kentucky Horse Park for $5 per passenger, with parking near Lextran’s Vine Street terminal in downtown Lexington.

“We feel these parking and transportation options provide maximum flexibility and value for our spectators,” said Games CEO Jamie Link. “We expect thousands of people will visit the park each day and our goal is that everyone arrives in a safe and efficient manner, ready to enjoy a great day at the Games.”

Detailed information on transportation services, including directions to on-site parking, hotel shuttle routes, and information for local commuters whose daily routes may be impacted by event traffic will be available soon at www.alltechfeigames.com.

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Volunteer Training for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Begins

June 14, 2010

Volunteers from Kentucky and surrounding states flocked to Lexington on June 1 for the first volunteer training session in preparation for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. This marks the beginning of general volunteer training which will span the month of June.

“It went fabulously,” said Erin Faherty, director of volunteer services, about the first session. “The volunteers are very excited and they are beginning to realize that they not only represent themselves, the local area, and Kentucky, but also the United States.”

The training session, which is mandatory for all volunteers, consists of several educational presentations that are designed to prepare volunteers for what they will encounter at the Games. They include an overview of the Games, information about volunteer check-in, uniforms, behavior, safety and communication.

“I thought it was very informative,” said Donna Vanover, a volunteer from Lexington who attended the first training session. “(It gave) volunteers a general overview of what to expect and opened your eyes to what you hadn’t thought of.”

Vanover said the session answered many of her questions and helped her know how to plan her schedule for when the Games arrive.

“It is a fun two hours,” Vanover said. “Even if it’s after work, it will get you excited even more about the Games.”

During the month of June, training sessions will be held every Tuesday and Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Faherty said the training sessions are very interactive, including videos and demonstrations that have gotten both volunteers and staff members excited.

“It has been a long time coming,” said Melissa Gamble, volunteer services manager. “They (the volunteers) have stuck with us, and it was nice to see the passion in their eyes.”

General training is the first leg of training that volunteers will receive in the months prior to the Games. Job specific training and venue training will be assigned closer to the Games, depending on what position the volunteer will be working.

Training is mandatory for all volunteers, both competition and general. They can sign up on Shiftboard using their volunteer profile. Each session is limited to 200 volunteers. Another training option will be available for volunteers who live too far away to attend a session in Lexington. Those volunteers will be contacted through email.

Still interested in becoming a volunteer? Your time is running out. Click here for more information.

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2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games to Celebrate 100 Days to Go with Festival June 11 2010

LEXINGTON, KY—The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, with several key sponsors and partners, will celebrate 100 Days to Go until the world’s most prestigious equestrian event comes to Kentucky with a celebration in downtown Lexington on June 17.

The Fifth Third Pavilion at Cheapside Park will be transformed into a celebration and preview of things to come from September 25-October 10, 2010, when the world championships in eight equestrian sports are contested at Lexington’s Kentucky Horse Park.

The 100 Days to Go Celebration will kick off at 11 a.m., with live music and a culinary preview of the Games, including Dippin’ Dots, Alltech Angus and Kentucky Ale.

At noon, the Games’ title sponsor, Alltech, will announce the line up for the Alltech Fortnight Festival, a sixteen-day concert series which will take place in venues around the state of Kentucky concurrent with the Games.

At 12:30 p.m., The World Games 2010 Foundation will showcase its Ariat Consumer apparel line for the Games in a fashion show. These festivities will both be emceed by WLEX anchor Nancy Cox.

From 1-3 p.m., some very unique aspects of the Games will get a special spotlight. World-renowned gardener and Kentucky native, Jon Carloftis, will host a signing of his book, Beautiful Gardens of Kentucky, while showcasing a preview of two gardens he will create at the Games venue in the Alltech Experience Pavilion and the Kentucky Experience Pavilion.

Also from 1-3 p.m., Alltech will showcase its aquaculture program, with some help from an African King Penguin and alligator from the Newport Aquarium, which will showcase its marine wildlife in the Alltech Experience and Kentucky Experience during the Games.

Throughout the entire day, the state’s Department of Travel and Tourism will preview The Kentucky Experience, which will allow Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games spectators to venture into the state’s nine tourism regions, as well as a showcase of Kentucky crafts, music, and food products. On June 17, visitors will see a small taste of Kentucky, and can view a Corvette arriving from Bowling Green in time for the celebration.

Of course, the celebration would be incomplete without the stars of the show – horses. The Kentucky Horse Park will offer a preview of its Equine Village, another destination point on the grounds of the Games, with a few majestic equine athletes.

The World Games 2010 Foundation will have a ticketing booth and several prizes, including tickets, will be given away throughout the day.

Come join the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games for a fun, family-friendly day as we celebrate 100 Days to Go!

Those unable to come downtown to the festival can still join in the celebration by logging onto www.alltech.com, where a live video broadcast from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. will showcase all of the excitement.

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John Lyons "America's Most Trusted Horseman" Featured in the Equine Village at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games

Clinics and Demonstrations are Part of Grounds Pass Ticket Offering

May 27, 2010

Lexington, KY – Famed horseman John Lyons will be a featured clinician in the Equine Village during the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, September 25 – October 10, at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY.

Widely considered to be responsible for many changes in the horse industry in the past 30 years, John Lyons has promoted both kind treatment of horses and the safety of horse and rider through hundreds of clinics, expos, symposiums, demonstrations, magazine articles, John Lyons Perfect Horse magazine, radio, and television programs.

Along with his son, Josh, Lyons has developed a certification program known throughout the world. With more than 300 professional certified trainers stationed all over the United States, and in many other countries, their training techniques have affected every horse discipline and throughout every breed.

Lyons says he feels blessed to help people with their horses through expos, symposiums, demos, clinics and by his videos.

“I strive to find easier, more effective ways to communicate to both students and horses,” says Lyons. “My training methods make riding so much easier to accomplish, and we as riders begin to enjoy our riding much more because it is less complicated.”

Lyons’ clinics will be available with a Grounds Pass ticket, which are on sale now at a promotional rate of $20 through May 31 at www.alltechfeigames.com/tickets. Prices increase to $25 on June 1. Lyons and his training methodology will be featured each day of the 16 days of the Games during a one-hour interactive session.

About John Lyons

John and his wife, Jody, and their family, Josh, Jana, Michael and Katie, will all be at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Training horses and helping horse owners is definitely a family affair and tradition for the Lyons family.

For more information on John Lyons and his training methods go to, www.johnlyonssymposiuminc.com.

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May 17 2010

Tickets for Finals Rounds Going Fast for Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games

LEXINGTON, KY - Tickets to the eight world championships of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games are selling quickly, with many sessions, particularly finals sessions, approaching sell-outs.

The 2010 Games will be held at Lexington’s Kentucky Horse Park from September 25-October10.

Tickets for compulsory and finals rounds of competition in all eight sports are still available throughout the 16 days of the Games, and can be purchased at www.alltechfeigames.com/tickets, at www.ticketmaster.com, through the Ticketmaster hotline at 1-800-745-3000, or at your local Ticketmaster outlet.

The Dressage Individual Freestyle and the Reining Individual Finals could be the first to reach full capacity. Less than 1,000 Level A tickets are available for the Dressage Freestyle on October 1 in the outdoor stadium. Only 400 tickets remain for the Reining Individual Finals on September 30 at the indoor arena.

Finals rounds are in highest demand across all sports. Eventing and Driving finals are already 75 percent sold, and only a third of the seats for the Jumping Top Four remain. Just over 100 tickets remain in the Finals Round for Para Dressage, and both the Freestyle and Team Finals in Vaulting are more than halfway sold.

Grounds Pass tickets, which allow general admission to the Kentucky Horse Park, are also available and are on sale at a special promotional price of $20 until May 31. Find out more about this ticketing program on the Grounds Pass page of the Games web site.

For those waiting to purchase their tickets, you are strongly encouraged to buy now before the seats are gone!

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Stacy Westfall to Perform in the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Opening Ceremonies

May 10, 2010

LEXINGTON, KY - Champion rider and equine competitor Stacy Westfall will entertain audiences as she performs without a saddle or bridle on her champion horse, Roxy, in the Opening Ceremonies of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

Westfall, who has appeared on Ellen and is a YouTube sensation, will bring her champion reining horse, Whizards Baby Doll (“Roxy”), out of retirement to participate in the Opening Ceremonies for the world’s most prestigious equestrian competition.

Tickets to the 2010 Games Opening Ceremonies, held on the evening of September 25, are still available and can be purchased at, www.alltechfeigames.com/tickets.

“Stacy brings to life through her amazing performance the relationship and trust between rider and horse,” said Dr. Everett McCorvey, Executive Producer of the Opening Ceremonies. “Her remarkable abilities that help to showcase that relationship are a perfect match for what we want audience members to experience during the Opening Ceremonies.”

Learning to ride at the age of six, Westfall showed an amazing natural talent with horses. After attending the University of Findlay, Ohio to major in Equestrian Studies, Westfall went on to become one of the top competitors in her discipline, reining. In 2006, Westfall became the first woman to enter and win the notoriously challenging “Road to the Horse” colt starting competition. The same year, Westfall won the National Reining Horse Association Championship Freestyle Reining competition sans saddle and bridle on her horse Whizards Baby Doll—the first and only time a competitor has attempted to ride without tack.

Her champion horse, Whizards Baby Doll, affectionately known as “Roxy,” was semi-retired in 2008. Westfall will be bringing Roxy out of retirement to welcome the world to Kentucky, and to the United States.

Reining is the only western discipline recognized by the International Equestrian Federation, and of the eight disciplines, and is considered America’s contribution to equestrian sport. The 2010 Games will feature world championships in eight equestrian sports at Lexington’s Kentucky Horse Park from September 25 through October 10.

Stacy Westfall is one of many equine, musical, and cultural entertainers involved in the ceremonies for the 2010 Games. Over 200 horses are slated for the Opening Ceremonies alone. In addition to the equine component of the Opening Ceremony, the “human” component includes orchestra, choir, dancers, headline musicians, movement corps of hundreds of adults and children, as well as local and international celebrities and dignitaries.

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Kentucky Tourism Commissioner makes first official visit to Maysville

Maysville-online.com - Full Article

By WENDY MITCHELL, Staff Writer | Monday, May 10, 2010

The Maysville Conference Center was the inaugural stop for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Bus Blitz of Kentucky, Monday.

Promoting 2010 WEG is a combined effort of nine regional tourism agencies and the local travel and tourism locations they represent, officials said.

"The last time there was something of this calibre in the U.S. was at the Olympic Games in Atlanta," said Mike Cooper, Kentucky Travel and Tourism commissioner.

Cooper and the entourage visited MCC and Kentucky Gateway Museum Center on Monday.

One of the miniature displays, representing a Kentucky horse farm library, along with a display from the Rosemary Clooney House Museum in Augusta and a section of fence from Calumet Farm in Lexington will be part of many displays visitors will see, officials said.

"They will even be able to pet a shark," Cooper said, verifying the information with other participants as he introduced a partial list of The Kentucky Experience displays. Each tourism agency and region provided information and materials which are being combined into The Kentucky Experience Pavilion exhibit at WEG, Cooper said.

Predicted to pump $167 million into the Kentucky economy, the games Sept. 25 - Oct 10 are on par with an Olympic equestrian competition, official said.

Read more here.

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10 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Receives Entries from 60 Countries

May 7, 2010

LEXINGTON, KY—The World Games 2010 Foundation is pleased to announce that 60 National Federations have submitted entries in principle for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. They are:

Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, Bahrain, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, Columbia, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Guatemala, Hungary, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Lebanon, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mexico Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Turkey, Ukraine United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, United States, Venezuela

With 60 countries expressing an interest in attendance at the Games, the World Games 2010 Foundation anticipates as many as 800 athletes could compete. The world championships for eight equestrian sports will be contested September 25 -October 10 at Lexington’s Kentucky Horse Park. Final entries and individual athletes will be named in August.

Tickets for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games are available for competition in all eight disciplines. Grounds Pass tickets are also available. Visit www.alltechfeigames.com/tickets, www.ticketmaster.com, visit any local Ticketmaster outlet or call 1-800-745-3000.

About the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games
The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games are the world championships of eight equestrian disciplines recognized by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI). The Games are held every four years and this will be the first occurrence in the United States.

The Games will be broadcast on NBC Sports, which has marked the largest commitment to network coverage of equestrian sport in U.S. television history. The 2010 Games are expected to have a statewide economic impact of $150 million, and current sponsors include Alltech, Rolex, John Deere, Ariat International, Inc., Meydan and the American Quarter Horse Association. For more information on the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, please visit www.alltechfeigames.com.

Media Contact:
Amy Walker
awalker@feigames2010.org

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Grounds Pass 101: Everything You Need and Want to Know About a Grounds Pass to the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games

Wednesday, May 05, 2010
USEF.org

Release: May 05 2010
Author: By Amy Walker

What is a Grounds Pass ticket?
Grounds Pass tickets allow entry to the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games for the selected day of purchase and will give spectators access to a wide range of activities at the Kentucky Horse Park venue. Activities include shopping at more than 250 trade show booths; exciting exhibits and entertainment at the Kentucky Experience tourism pavilion and the Alltech Experience pavilions, along with many of the Kentucky Horse Park’s world-renowned exhibits and museums.

Please note that a Grounds Pass ticket does not include access or seating in competition venues.

What is a Flex Grounds Pass ticket?
The Flex Grounds Pass can be used for entry on any one day of choice, without selecting a specific date of attendance at the time of purchase. A limited quantity of Flex Grounds Pass tickets will be available for $30.

Please note that a Flex Grounds Pass ticket does not include access or seating in competition venues.

Why are Grounds Pass tickets not available on endurance, eventing cross-country, and driving marathon days?
Grounds Pass tickets are available for 13 days during the Games, excluding the competition days of endurance (9/26), eventing cross-country (10/2), and driving marathon (10/9). These competitions will not be held in a venue, rather park-wide, therefore all spectators on the park those days will be able to view competition. Other activities, including the International Trade Show, the Equine Village, the Alltech Experience, the Kentucky Experience, and the Kentucky Horse Park’s museums will still be open to spectators on those days. Spectators who wish to purchase admission for these competition days should visit www.ticketmaster.com.

How much does a Ground Pass ticket cost?
Grounds Pass tickets will be priced at $25 each, but from April 16 through May 31, as a special promotion, tickets are now available for $20. Each Grounds Pass will allow entry to the 2010 Games venue for the selected date of purchase. To provide for an affordable, family-friendly event, admission for children 12 years of age and under will be free of charge when accompanied by a paying adult.

Tickets are now available for purchase throughwww.ticketmaster.com, at any Ticketmaster outlet, and via the Ticketmaster hotline at (800) 745-3000.

If I have already purchased Reserve Seat tickets, do I still need a Grounds Pass ticket for the same day?
If you have purchased competition tickets you DO NOT need to purchase a Grounds Pass for that same day. This is an opportunity to add on to your order. For example, if you have reining tickets for September 25 and September 28 and wish to visit the park on September 27 you would want to purchase a Grounds Pass ticket.

Are all of the activities included in a Grounds Pass, also included in a Reserve Seat ticket?
Yes! All of the park’s activities available to those who purchase a Grounds Pass ticket—including shopping in the international trade show, watching famous clinicians and equine demonstrations in the Equine Village, sampling local bourbon in the Kentucky Experience and much more—are included with the purchase of a Reserve Seat ticket. If you have already purchased a Reserve Seat ticket, you DO NOT need to purchase a Grounds Pass ticket for that day.

Do I need to purchase a Grounds Pass ticket for my child?
To provide for an affordable, family-friendly event, Grounds Pass admission for children 12 years of age and under will be free of charge when accompanied by a paying adult.

Will Grounds Pass tickets be available for sale at the gates, or do I need to purchase in advance?
Grounds Pass tickets will be available for purchase at the entry gates of the Kentucky Horse Park. We strongly recommend that spectators purchase their tickets in advance, as they may not be available on the day you wish to purchase them.

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2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Spectators Can Experience All Kentucky Has To Offer

April 13, 2010

LEXINGTON, KY - This fall, visitors from around the world will get a chance to experience all the sights, sounds and tastes that Kentucky has to offer during the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, without ever leaving the Kentucky Horse Park.

"Our goal is to immerse visitors in all that is Kentucky so that before they return home, or the next time they travel, they won’t be able to resist seeing the real thing," said Mike Cooper, Kentucky's Commissioner of Travel & Tourism.

While the primary focus of the 2010 Games is eight world championships in equestrian sport, spectators from around the world will be able to enjoy The Kentucky Experience, which will present the multitude of Kentucky cultural, historical and artistic features that make the Bluegrass State such a unique and special place among the world's travel destinations.

Located at the Kentucky Horse Park and grounds of the Games from September 25 through October 10, The Kentucky Experience is a major exposition that will feature the nine tourism regions of the Commonwealth, from the lakes in the west, to the mountains in the east, and even to the caves and Corvettes in the south.

The Kentucky Experience will have three Pavilions to entice visitors. The first stop, though, is The Kentucky Experience Welcome Center. At the Welcome Center, visitors will get a dose of Kentucky hospitality as hosts will provide a list of daily events and provide information on each region represented.

Next, walk through the regions of Kentucky and experience the Bluegrass State in the Exhibit Pavilion. Images, artifacts and audio will combine to present a virtual tour of the Commonwealth. From Ali to Colonel Sanders, horses to houseboats, artists to aquariums, and so much more, the Exhibit Pavilion will present an unbridled Kentucky experience.

The Kentucky Product Pavilion is designed give visitors a taste of Kentucky, literally. Local bourbon distillers will be on hand to show (and let you sample!) the bourbon distilling process, in addition to local wineries and wine tastings. Kentucky ales will also be featured. Visitors will also be able to taste a selection of Kentucky Proud products, such as beer cheese and bourbon balls. Beautiful handmade Kentucky folk crafts and world-famous art will be on display and even available for purchase.

Follow the sounds to the Entertainment Pavilion, where performances will be occurring throughout the Games, all by Kentucky artists. Kentucky is well known for its Bluegrass and Country artists, and will be found at the entertainment pavilion, but so too will the full array and diversity of talent that resides in Kentucky.

The Welcome Center and pavilions will surround a beautiful Kentucky courtyard garden designed by nationally known master gardener and Rockastle County native, Jon Carloftis.

See it, experience it... The Kentucky Experience!

Access to the The Kentucky Experience will be available with a Grounds Pass or a competition ticket. Grounds Pass ticket sales begin April 16 at 10 a.m. at www.alltechfeigames.com, www.ticketmaster.com, at any Ticketmaster outlet, and at (800) 745-3000. Tickets will be on sale at a promotional rate of $20 until May 31. Grounds Pass tickets will be priced at $25 after that time. All children 12 years of age and under will be granted free entry with a paying adult.

For more information, visit www.alltechfeigames.com and www.thekentuckyexperience.com

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Grounds Pass Ticket Sales Set for 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games

DATE: March 31, 2010

Offering will Include Free Child’s Ticket; Host of Venue Activities

LEXINGTON, KY - Grounds Pass tickets for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games will go on sale Friday, April 16 at 10 a.m.

Grounds Pass tickets will be priced at $25 each, but from April 16 through May 31, as a special promotion, tickets will be available for $20. Each Grounds Pass will allow entry to the 2010 Games venue for the selected date of purchase.

To provide for an affordable, family-friendly event, admission for children 12 years of age and under will be free of charge when accompanied by a paying adult.

A limited quantity of Flex Grounds Pass tickets will be available for $30. The Flex Grounds Pass can be used for entry on any one day of choice, without selecting a specific date of attendance at the time of purchase.

Tickets will be available for purchase through www.alltechfeigames.com/tickets, on www.ticketmaster.com, at any Ticketmaster outlet and via the Ticketmaster hotline at 1-800-745-3000.

Grounds Pass tickets allow entry to the 2010 Games for the selected day of purchase and will give spectators access to a wide range of activities at the Kentucky Horse Park venue. Activities include shopping at more than 250 Trade Show booths; exciting exhibits and entertainment at the Kentucky Experience tourism pavilion and the Alltech Experience pavilions; and the Kentucky Horse Park’s world-renowned exhibits and museums.

In addition, spectators will be entertained and educated in the Equine Village, which will present more than 40 exhibitors and some of the world's top equine entertainment acts and clinicians, including Pat Parelli, Clinton Anderson and the kid-friendly Equimania.

Grounds Pass tickets are available for 13 days during the Games, excluding the competition days of Endurance, Eventing Cross Country and Driving Marathon. Spectators who wish to purchase admission for these competitions should visit www.alltechfeigames.com/tickets.

About the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games are the world championships of eight equestrian disciplines recognized by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI). The Games are held every four years and this will be the first occurrence in the United States.

The Games will be broadcast on NBC Sports, which has marked the largest commitment to network coverage of equestrian sport in U.S. television history. Current sponsors include Alltech, Rolex, John Deere, Ariat International, Inc., Meydan, and Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital. For more information on the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, please visit www.alltechfeigames.com.

Media Contact:
Amy Walker
Public Relations
awalker@feigames2010.org

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WEG Update

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Bizlex.com - Full Article
by Joe Gillespie

Planners discuss temporary stadium, transportation as WEG draws closer

Lexington, KY - "The countdown clock is probably the good Lord's sentence on me, because every time I wake up and see it's 218 days, then 217 days, then bang, bang, bang. Yes, it's going to happen."

Those are the words of Dr. Pearse Lyons, founder of Alltech, who has been doing a lot of clock watching since he committed to the title sponsorship of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. With its $10 million investment, Alltech launched an international campaign getting customers from around the world on board. Now dozens have joined in, and the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2010 logo can be seen on products from Europe to Asia.

Lyons said the Games logo on dozens of products also includes Lexington. "I'm as proud of that as anything else," he added.

The 16 days of equine glory begin on September 25, but World Games 2010 Foundation CEO Jamie Link is facing an earlier deadline. Link is gearing up for a massive building project, to begin in June. The new indoor arena and other permanent structures are complete, but more than 300 temporary structures must be built. Link said the new outdoor arena was built to seat 7,500, but temporary seating will be added to seat almost 30,000. Workers will create a temporary driving stadium to seat 6,000. Other structures will be erected for the trade show and the "Kentucky Experience" and the "Alltech Experience" pavilion, along with a 30,000-square-foot hospitality tent. Countless support buildings must also be created.

When it's built, will they come?

Read more here:
http://www.bizlex.com/Articles-c-2010-03-17-91801.113117_WEG_Update.html

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2010 WEG: WEG ticket sales grow as international interest increases

Kentucky.com - Full Article

Thursday, Feb. 11, 2010

By Linda B. Blackford - lblackford@herald-leader.com

After a slow start to ticket sales to the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, organizers say they're seeing an uptick, particularly from overseas.

"With the arrival of 2010, we are seeing a steady increase in sales each day as people around the world make their plans and purchase their tickets to the Games," said Jamie Link, CEO of the World Games Foundation, which is putting on the event at the Kentucky Horse Park from Sept. 25 to Oct. 10.

Ticket sales are at the 160,000 mark. That's still a long way from the available 600,000, but organizers say they believe tickets will continue to move as the event gets closer.

Currently, only competition tickets to the eight events are on sale. General admission tickets will go on sale in the spring. Despite the global recession, there is more interest from abroad, particularly Europe, where all previous World Equestrian Games have been held.

"We've really seen sales pick up from countries like Great Britain, France and Germany," said Terry Johnson, the vice-president of marketing. "We've also had a strong push from South Africa." There have also been ticket sales from Canada, Australia and Mexico, 50 countries in all.

Johnson said he wasn't sure exactly why South Africa was well-represented, except they will have athletes at the Games.

Interest in some events is intense. Games spokeswoman Amy Walker said two events — the final rounds of reining and dressage — are almost sold out. There are preliminary rounds for each event.

More: http://www.kentucky.com/2010/02/12/1134932/weg-ticket-sales-grow-slowly-international.html

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It Takes a Village to Field an Equestrian Team

Thehorse.com - Full Article

18 January 2010

As many sports enthusiasts in the US know, this country's athletes receive little government funding toward the costs of training and competing. Parents of up-and-coming performers have been known to take second mortgages on their homes in order to pay for Junior's training, and communities hold fund-raising events to help support their local stars.

That tried-and-true high-dollar fund-raiser, the benefit dinner, is a perennial favorite of those in equestrian sport. It's trotted out (if you'll pardon the expression) reliably in advance of every major international championships to which the US plans to send teams.

Today, elite equestrian fund-raising falls largely to the United States Equestrian Team Foundation, the development arm of the United States Equestrian Federation. Headquartered at the venerable Hamilton Farm in Gladstone, NJ, the USET Foundation is still thought of by those of a certain age as simply the USET, the formerly stand-alone organization that fielded and funded (and to a certain extent trained) equestrian teams for international competition. Now it's a branch of the USEF, and its role is primarily to tap the wellspring of enthusiasts' pocketbooks.

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Volunteers Still Needed for 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games

HEROES WANTED!

DATE: January 6, 2010

Lexington, KY—The 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games needs Heroes! Thousands of volunteers are stilled needed to work hundreds of different jobs during the 16 days of the Games, which will be held for the first time in American from September 25-October 10, 2010 at the Kentucky Horse Park.

"We need volunteers who can lend their expertise to help make these Games a success, no matter their professional skill level," said Melissa Gamble, Volunteer Manager for the World Games 2010 Foundation. "You might work as a ticket-taker, an usher, work at a visitor information desk, or help with transportation or event services, but each is a very important part of how these Games work every day."

Volunteer positions for competition-specific duties are currently being selected, but thousands of General Volunteers are still needed. Volunteers can still register their interest at www.alltechfeigames.com/volunteer.

In addition, there is still time to reconfirm your interest as a volunteer if you signed up within the past two years. To reconfirm interest or adjust current contact information e-mail volunteers@feigames2010.org.

All volunteers will receive an official Ariat uniform and a volunteer credential, which will provide General Admission entry to the grounds of the park for all 16 days of the Games. In addition, meal vouchers will be provided for each volunteer during their shift.

According to current volunteers, the benefits of volunteering extend far beyond the uniform.

"The opportunity to assist with an international sporting event is something that many of us will never again experience," said Carolyn Greene, who volunteered during each of the 2009 Test Event competitions for the Games and is now volunteering full-time at the World Games 2010 Foundation office. "Volunteering is part of who I am and what I do, and I am having a blast here."

Martin Klotz volunteers his time as part of the Games' Speakers Bureau. After participating in a training program with staff members, Klotz carries the story of the Games to community groups throughout the Louisville area.

"After each presentation, I have come away with the feeling that I had created an awareness of the Games in those who had not thought much about them and enhanced the interest in those who had," said Klotz, who has also worked as an usher at the 2009 Test Events. "Of course, I hope I will continue to have the opportunity to help 'spread the word' about this monumental event."

It is not too late to experience the Games as a volunteer. For more information, visit www.alltechfeigames.com/volunteer or call 859-244-2996.

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Emmett Ross – Endurance’s Best Kept Secret

Centralequine.com - Full Article

January 11, 2010
By Diana De Rosa

This Man Truly Understands the Landscape of Endurance Riding

When I went to the very first World Equestrian Games held in Stockholm, Sweden in 1990 one of my fondest memories was watching Becky Hart and her little Arabian, R.D. Gran Sultan, cross the finish line first. I think it was that victory that inspired me to one day do Endurance riding. That was a dream I never fulfilled but speaking with Emmett Ross gave me a vision of Endurance that I hadn’t expected.

Though I was not familiar with Emmett, I was expecting him to tell me about how he’d grown up in the saddle and worked with horses all his life. Instead I uncovered a man that has done numerous things, lived many places and has arrived at a point in his life where he is happy and content. Emmett's 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games title is Endurance Manager. He is undoubtedly the best person for the job because Emmett Ross has been involved in every aspect of this sport. He's competed in endurance competitions, managed events, bought and sold endurance horses, trained riders to win major events and won many titles himself. He understands the terrain of both the course the riders compete over and the landscape of the job.

More: http://centralequine.com/article.aspx?id=194

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