12.13.13
Posted in Adequan, Reining, Rolex Kentucky 3 Day Event, United States Equestrian Federation at 10:32 pm by EPR
Lexington, KY–December 11, 2013–The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is pleased to join with HorsePower, Inc. and Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI), in announcing that the Adequan/USEF Open Reining National Championship will be held as part of the Kentucky Reining Cup which is being run in conjunction with the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by Land Rover, April 24-27, 2014 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Ky. The Reining championship will also serve as the Selection Trial for the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games U.S. Reining Team.
Produced by HorsePower, Inc., the 2014 Kentucky Reining Cup will also feature a World Championship Freestyle class and offer $120,000 in total prize money. The Adequan/USEF Open Reining National Championship and Selection Trial will be a CRI3* event held in two rounds over three days, April 25-27 in the Horse Park’s Alltech Arena. Athletes must complete at least two Tryout Events/Qualifying Competitions to be eligible to compete in the Selection Trial. A list of Selection Trial Qualifying Competitions can be found here.
“It is very exciting to once again have the Kentucky Reining Cup held in conjunction with the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by Land Rover,” said John Long, USEF CEO. “The excitement will be elevated in 2014 with the addition of the Adequan/USEF Open Reining National Championship and Selection Trial. We look forward to a great weekend of competition.”
Reining was first held during the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event in 2011, following its success at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Its popularity with both riders and spectators has been evidenced through the world-class field and enthusiastic crowds it has attracted.
“In just three short years, the Kentucky Reining Cup has become established as a major competition on the national reining calendar,” said Brad Ettleman, President of HorsePower, Inc. “The opportunity to host the Adequan/USEF Open Reining National Championship and WEG Selection Trial guarantees that we will have the best horses and riders in the nation at next April’s event!”
“The Kentucky Reining Cup has proven to be the perfect event to complement the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event,” said Darren Ripley, President of EEI, producer of the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. “We are thrilled that it will be back bigger and better than ever in 2014.”
Further information on the Kentucky Reining Cup is available at www.KentuckyReining.com. Further information on the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event Presented by Land Rover is available at www.rk3de.org. Further information on the U.S. Equestrian Federation is available at www.usef.org. Further information on HorsePower, Inc., is available at www.hpowerinc.com.
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09.25.11
Posted in 2010 Games, 2026, Alltech, My Thoughts, Opening Ceremonies, Reining, World Equestrian Games at 7:45 pm by Thomas
It was one year ago today that the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2010, or as you know I always refer to them as, The Kentucky World Equestrian Games started. I went back and read the posts I made from those initial days and remembered the excitement and nervousness of that first day.
The weather today was fairly similar to what it was last year, cool in the morning but warmed up nicely later in the day. It is all still amazingly fresh in my memory now when I think back, which I hope remains the case for the rest if my life because it was certainly one of those Great Experiences in my life.
The big news of that first day was that the turnout for the Opening Ceremonies was better then had been expected, though the expectations had been tempered by the economy. The other big news of that day was Italy taking the lead in the Reining World Championships in the first part of that competition.
It is bitter sweet in some ways to think back to the 4 1/2 years preparing for the Games, and then they were here and gone and now another year has passed. Though some or maybe even many people will think I am off my rocker to say definitively that the Games will again return to Kentucky, maybe not in 2018 or even 2022, but by 2026 I think we have a good shot of getting them back and you know I will be there again.
In closing on thinking back on this first day, I must as I have in the past give great thanks to many people starting with Dr. Pierce Lyons of Alltech, without whom I don’t think these Games would have taken place, and then all the staff and certainly the Volunteers without whom I do not think the Games could have been the success they were.
Kentucky Colonel
Thomas Demond
KyWEGO®
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10.01.10
Posted in 2010 Games, Disciplines, Reining, World Equestrian Games at 9:41 am by Press Release
Lexington, Ky., Sept. 30, 2010 — All week, U.S. reiner Tom McCutcheon has been trying to keep his mount, Gunners Special Nite, fresh and happy. Thursday afternoon, the 6-year-old American Quarter Horse stallion returned the favor by turning in a score of 228 in the individual finals at the FEI Reining World Championship, presented by John Deere, held as part of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. The score was enough to earn the individual gold medal by a margin of 5 points.
“I knew he was pretty special tonight,” McCutcheon said. “I felt pressure, for sure, because I wanted to do him justice. He’s a great little horse.”
Earlier in the week, McCutcheon and his horse helped the U.S. team to a gold medal in the team reining competition. Gunners Special Nite is sired by Colonels Smoking Gun and is out of Mifs Doll by Mifillena. He is the 2007 National Reining Horse Association Futurity intermediate open champion and has $194,237 in NRHA lifetime earnings
The individual silver medal went to U.S. teammate Craig Schmersal on Mister Montana Nic, with a score of 223, while bronze went to the defending WEG individual gold medalist Duane Latimer of Canada, riding Dun Playin Tag, with a score of 222.5.
At 12 years old, Mister Montana Nic is twice as old as the other horses on the U.S. team, and he has been with Schmersal since he was a yearling.
“That’s what it’s all about, right there,” Schmersal said of the horse’s longevity. “We’ve just got to keep those old horses sound and happy.”
Mister Montana Nic is an American Quarter Horse sired by Reminic and out of Mollie Montana by Montana Doc. He was the 2005 FEI World Reining Master silver medalist and has $132,784 in NRHA lifetime earnings.
Latimer’s mount is a 6-year-old American Quarter Horse gelding by Whiz N Tag Chex out of Brennas Dunit Fancy by Hollywood Dun It. He has $188,942 in NRHA lifetime earnings.
The other members of the gold-medal U.S. team were: Tim McQuay and Hollywoodstinseltown, finishing individually in fourth place with a 222; and Shawn Flarida and RC Fancy Step scored 207.5 after faring some bad luck. Flarida’s stirrup leather broke during the run, and he touched the saddle to regain his balance, which mandated a five-point penalty from each judge.
The judges were Greg Darnall (USA), Patti Carter-Pratt (CAN), Thiago Boechat (BRA), Ralf Hesselschwerdt (GER) and Eugenio Latorre (ITA).
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09.29.10
Posted in 2010 Games, Disciplines, Reining, Results, World Equestrian Games at 3:30 am by Press Release
Lexington, Ky., Set. 28 — Great Britain dominated the second individual qualifying round at the World Reining Championship, presented by John Deere, today at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. The top qualifying score of 217.5 went to Great Britain’s Lee Rutter, riding Setting Off Sparks, while his countryman Doug Allen with Don Julio Whiz had the second-highest score of 216.5.
Twenty horses were given this second chance at qualifying for Thursday’s individual finals. Sixteen horse-and-rider teams had already qualified by posting high marks during the team reining competition.
Other riders qualifying Tuesday included Fredrik Thomsson of Sweden, marking the first time his country has ever sent a rider to the individual finals. Australia’s Warren Backhouse and the Netherlands’ Hubertus Heule rounded out the qualifiers.
Anneli Silverstope, the Swedish chef d’equipe, was thrilled about the historic qualification. “I was sitting up there [in the stands] and was so nervous for Fred, counting the riders and [thinking)] ,’oh, I hope, I hope,’ and I did make a text just to make it clear that he is in the finals. When we knew he was, I just texted away, and I hope it’s all over Sweden now,” she said.
Riders who qualified for the individual finals during the team reining competition are:
Shawn Flarida, USA, riding RC Fancy Step
Stefano Massignan, Italy, riding Yellow Jersey
Tom McCutcheon, USA, riding Gunners Special Nite
Bernard Fonck, Belgium, riding BA Reckless Chick
Craig Schmersal, USA, riding Mister Montana Nic
Duane Latimer, Canada, riding Dun Playin Tag
Sylvia Rzepka, Germany, riding Doctor Zip Nic
Rudolf Kronsteiner, Austria, riding Einsteins Revolution
Grischa Ludwig, Germany, riding Hot Smokin Chex
Tim McQuay, USA, riding Hollywoodstinseltown
Martin Mühlstätter, Austria, riding Wimpys Little Buddy
Ann Poels, Belgium, riding Whizdom Shines
Rieky Young-Van Osch, the Netherlands, riding Burnt Starlight
Shawna Sapergia, Canada, riding This Chics On Top
Wellington Jesus Teixeira, Brazil, riding SJ Rodopio
Martin Larcombe, Australia, riding Top Prize Prince
The individual finals will be at 1 p.m. on Thursday.
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09.27.10
Posted in 2010 Games, Disciplines, Reining, World Equestrian Games at 10:03 am by Press Release
Lexington, Ky., Sept. 26, 2010 — The powerhouse team from the United States took the gold medal at the FEI Reining World Championship, presented by John Deere. Their victory made it a three-peat, since they’ve been victorious in each World Equestrian Games that has included reining.
Belgium won the team silver medal, while Italy earned the bronze.
The order of finish for the remaining top-10 teams was: Austria, Canada, Germany, Brazil, the Netherlands, Great Britain and Mexico.
U.S. Reining chef d’equipe Jeff Petska noted how tough the competition was at this year’s World Games, but he said the United States “brought a bunch of heavyweights to a heavyweight fight.”
Veteran rider Tim McQuay – who also won the individual silver medal in reining at the 2006 World Equestrian Games – said, “The difference in quality of the overall exhibitors at this event has grown so much. It’s just unbelievable how much better they’ve gotten.”
But Team USA, as Petska said, brought its best. In order of their runs, McQuay and Hollywoodstinseltown scored a 220.5; Craig Schmersal and Mister Montana Nic scored 223.5; Tom McCutcheon and Gunners Special Nite scored 224; and Shawn Flarida and RC Fancy Step earned a team-competition high score of 227.
Flarida’s performance came after the United States had effectively sewn up the gold medal, so his score wasn’t even necessary for the win. But it’s not like Flarida, who claimed the 2002 WEG individual gold medal and has earned more than $3 million in National Reining Horse Association competition, to back down.
“I’m not good when I go in there and cruise around,” he said. “I need to go in there and do my job.”
For Belgium, which has a small but developing reining community, the 2010 World Games brought the country’s first-ever team reining medal.
“We were dreaming for third place, but getting silver is like a dream come true,” said Belgian chef d’equipe Susy Baeck, whose sister, Cira Baeck, is a team member. “Tomorrow morning when we wake up, we will realize, and we will have a headache for sure.”
For the Italians, however, international success is nothing new. They have claimed reining bronze medals in each of the previous World Equestrian Games. In 2008, they bested the U.S. team by winning the FEI World Reining Championships.
“We’re tired of being third for the third time. It’s time to move up!” said Italian chef d’equipe Mario Sbrana.
The Belgium team members were Baeck, Jan Boogaerts and Bernard Fonck and his wife, Ann Poels. Italy’s team members were Nicola Brunelli, Dario Carmignani, Stefano Massignan and Marco Ricotta.
A “second-chance” qualifying competition for the individual finals will be held Tuesday. The top five riders will advance to the finals, which will be held on Thursday, along with the top 15 horses from the team competition.
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09.26.10
Posted in 2010 Games, Disciplines, Reining, Results, World Equestrian Games at 8:53 am by Press Release
Lexington, Ky., Sept. 25, 2010 — With roughly half of the rides completed in the team Reining competition of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, Team Italy is on top in the Reining World Championships, presented by John Deere.
Italian Stefano Massignan scored a chart-topping 224 aboard Yellow Jersey, winner of the 2009 Italian Reining Horse Association Level 4 Open Derby. Yellow Jersey is a 6-year-old American Quarter Horse stallion sired by Wimpys Little Step and owned by Arcese Quarter Horses USA.
“He’s an easy horse, but he has a big heart, a big mind,” Massignan said of his mount. “He’s phenomenal. You can make that go-round if you ride a special horse, (and) he’s special – for the rest of my life.”
The team Reining competition continues Sunday, September 26, with the remaining 35 riders.
U.S. team rider Craig Schmersal is sitting in the second-place slot with a score of 223.5 aboard his “old faithful” horse, Mister Montana Nic, a 12-year-old American Quarter Horse stallion who was the 2005 FEI World Reining Master silver medalist.
Tim McQuay of the United States and Grischa Ludwig of Germany are tied for third with scores of 220.5.
Ludwig, who was the last rider of the day Saturday, admitted to having some nerves as he entered the World Equestrian Games arena, but midway through his run, he was actually smiling.
“When I saw the second stop there, I knew, exactly, we were going to have a good run. And then I was trying to get the German corner [of fans] a little bit loud,” he said.
The adrenaline even got to veteran rider McQuay, who earned a team gold and individual silver at the 2006 WEG in Aachen, Germany.
“When I quit getting nervous, I won’t do it anymore,” he said.
Another highlight of Saturday’s reining competition was the performance of dressage star Anky van Grunsven of the Netherlands. She scored a 211, her personal best.
“I know it can be much better than this, but for me, I am very happy that I was here and that I did the equestrian games in Reining. It’s a new challenge. … I love it,” she said.
She rode Whizashiningwalla BB, an American Quarter Horse bred in Belgium. As most of the horses in the reining competition are Quarter Horses, the American Quarter Horse Association is the official breed sponsor of reining at the games.
Countries competing with full reining teams include: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, France, Great Britain, Germany, Italy, Mexico, The Netherlands, Sweden and the United States. Eleven of those countries will field four riders, allowing them one drop score while the remaining three teams will have three competitors. Countries competing as individuals include: Columbia, Dominican Republic, Spain, Ireland, Israel, Poland, South Africa and Uruguay.
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09.24.10
Posted in 2010 Games, Disciplines, Reining, World Equestrian Games at 9:48 pm by Press Release
LEXINGTON, KY—The day before the official start of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, the stars of the reining world began their quest for the Reining World Championships, presented by John Deere, during the official horse inspection. Some 74 competitors from 22 nations presented their horses to the five-person ground jury. Three horse-and-rider combinations were not accepted, leaving 14 countries competing for team medals and seven countries represented by individual riders.
“The level of competition here is going to be second to none,” said Reining discipline manager Brad Ettelman. “This is truly the equestrian event of a lifetime for the U.S., and we are thrilled that Reining is experiencing a homecoming of sorts. Reining has experienced incredible growth internationally over the years, and we will certainly be showcasing the best the world has to offer at this WEG.”
Duane Latimer from Canada, the reigning individual gold medalist, is back to defend his title aboard a new mount, and Tim McQuay, a member of the U.S. gold-medal team in 2006, will help his defend their title again. Dressage star Anky van Grunsven of The Netherlands has traded in her breeches for chaps during these World Games and will attempt to make a successful transition to “Western” dressage.
Reining made its debut at the 2002 World Equestrian Games in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain, and has since been dominated by horses and riders from North America. The majority of the equine reining athletes are Quarter Horses, and the American Quarter Horse Association is the official breed sponsor of reining.
Countries competing with full teams include: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, France, Great Britain, Germany, Italy, Mexico, The Netherlands, Sweden and USA. Eleven of those countries will field four riders, allowing them one drop score, while the remaining three teams will have three competitors. Countries competing individuals include: Columbia, Dominican Republic, Spain, Ireland, Israel, Poland, South Africa and Uruguay.
Reining officials include technical delegate Dan Wall (USA); chief steward Eric Straus (USA); ground jury president Greg Darnell (USA); foreign judge Patti Carter (CAN); equipment judge Yaron Fabrikant (ISR); and ground jury members Thiago Boechat (BRA), Ralf Hesselschwerdt (GER) and Eugenio Latorre (ITA).
The competition will begin tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. with part 1 of the team competition and will continue at 2:00 p.m. with part 2 of the team competition.
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07.24.09
Posted in 2010 Games, Disciplines, Reining at 8:40 pm by Thomas
Canada and Mexico Share Podium in Debut Event for Kentucky Horse Park’s New Indoor Arena
LEXINGTON, KY-Team USA rider Tom McCutcheon of Aubrey, TX, won the individual final in Kentucky Cup Reining, the first test event for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.
Held in the Kentucky Horse Park’s new indoor arena, Kentucky Cup Reining, a CRIO4* competition officially sanctioned by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), featured 12 riders, four each from Canada, Mexico, and the United States. McCutcheon’s win added to a win earlier in the week by Team USA in the team competition.
“There’s nothing that means as much to me as wearing the USA colors and winning for our country,” said McCutcheon, winner of team Gold and individual Silver Medals at the 2002 WEG. McCutcheon received a score of 222.5 from the five-judge panel for his ride on Darlins Not Painted, a 7-year-old, American Paint Horse mare owned by Randy Paul of Scottsdale, AZ, with whom he has been paired for just 10 days. “I love the team concept and I love riding for our country.”
Following McCutcheon in the standings was Canada’s Lisa Coulter, who finished second with a score of 219.5 on Hollywood Aces. Dell Hendricks of Tioga, TX, scored 218.0 on Starbucks Sidekick, a 9-year-old, Quarter Horse stallion, as did Mexico’s Jose Vazquez on Juiced Up Doc, to put the two riders in a tie for third.
“I felt that I got everything out of my horse tonight that I possibly could have gotten,” said an elated Coulter, the only woman rider among the 12 in the field, “but Tom’s mare was just perfect for him. He clearly deserved tonight’s win.”
McCutcheon explained that he was in need of a horse for the Test Event and the decision to ride Darlins Not Painted, a horse with non-pro experience, came after a suggestion from his wife. “She thought it would work. We got her about three weeks ago but I didn’t ride her until last week. I guess I’d have to say I’m happy the way it turned out.”
All four riders praised the organization of the Test Event as well as the new indoor arena. “It was a real thrill to ride here,” said Vazquez. “Everything was perfect and I am honored to have been part of this.”
Hendricks, a team Gold Medalist at the 2006 WEG, added, “This is absolutely the best arena I have ever shown a horse in. There are going to be a lot of great moments in this building!”
About Reining
Reining was added to the FEI as a discipline in 2000 and was featured for the first time in 2002 at the FEI World Equestrian Games in Jerez, Spain. Huge crowds for the Reining competitions at the 2006 Games in Aachen, Germany launched the discipline and its athletes into fame, with sold-out performances and loud, fanatical crowds.
As the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games come to Kentucky, the sport of Reining is sure to enjoy a sort of “homecoming” in the US, as the only western discipline recognized by the FEI. Plans are well under way to feature Reining in new and exciting ways in 2010, including a newly approved schedule format – allowing for more public sessions of the discipline.
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). Her Royal Highness Princess Haya is the current president of the 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. and Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital.
Further information on the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, including full results of Kentucky Cup Reining, is available on line at www.alltechfeigames.com.
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07.21.09
Posted in 2010 Games, Disciplines, Kentucky Horse Park, Reining, World Games 2010 Foundation at 9:17 pm by Thomas
World Games 2010 Foundation Testing All Operations
LEXINGTON, KY- The first test event in preparation for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games kicked off with spirited competition and rave reviews for the Kentucky Horse Park’s new indoor arena that opened with the Kentucky Cup Reining competition.
Team USA’s Aaron Ralston made history as the first athlete to compete in the arena.
“After my ride, it really started to sink in. It is so special to be a part of something as big as these preparations for the 2010 Games,” he said. “To be on this team with these athletes-it’s all bigger than just me.”
The competition ran smoothly and the facility preparation received high scores from the teams.
Team USA chef d’equipe Jeff Petska commended the Games’ organizing committee and event management for their outstanding job in putting on the event. “The organizing committee did a fantastic job,” he said. “It’s a great arena and the footing was very, very good. We are very excited for the opportunity to come back here for the 2010 Games.”
Petska also thanked sponsors such as Alltech, Ariat, John Deere, Rolex, Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, the American Farriers Association, UK Healthcare, Fortune Realty and Pieratts, for their commitment to reining.
Just as organizers are testing their preparations at Kentucky Cup events, participating countries are testing their best against teams they may see in 2010.
“We certainly have our work cut out for us to beat Team USA and others-such as Germany and Italy who are not here today,” said Team Canada Chef d’Equipe Wendy Dyer. “We will plan as best we can to field the best horses and riders.”
Team Mexico Chef d’Equipe Alberto Hawa noted, “I am very pleased to be here and it is an honor to be part of this first event. I think the arena is very good, and everyone’s teams were very good. We are trying to be better every time and we are learning from the big guys. We are excited to see what will happen between now and next year.”
As reining grows in popularity, organizers and teams know that fans around the world will be looking toward the Kentucky Horse Park and the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games with great anticipation.
Kentucky Cup Reining will conclude Thursday evening with the individual finals at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the event are free to the public. Evening parking at the Kentucky Horse Park is $5.
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). Her Royal Highness Princess Haya is the current president of the 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 and Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital. For more information on the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, please visit www.alltechfeigames.com.
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Posted in 2010 Games, Disciplines, Kentucky Horse Park, Reining at 4:12 pm by Thomas
Kentucky Cup Reining Initiates Kentucky Horse Park’s New Indoor Arena
LEXINGTON, KY-With a great sense of anticipation, Team USA’s Aaron Ralston made history as he entered the ring as the first athlete ever to compete in the Kentucky Horse Park’s new indoor arena in Kentucky Cup Reining, the first test event for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.
“I really didn’t realize it was happening until afterwards, and then it opened my eyes and it really started to sink in. To be involved in something so big and special as these test events for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games and to be on the team with these athletes is so special. It’s all bigger than just me. It’s a great honor and it’s very humbling,” said Ralston, 32, of Silt, CO, winner of team Gold and individual Bronze Medals at the 2006 World Equestrian Games.
Kentucky Cup Reining, a CRI4* competition officially sanctioned by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), featured teams from Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The U.S. finished first with a team score of 659.50, followed by Canada with 641.00 and Mexico with 631.50. The Individual Final will be held on Thursday, July 23 at 7:30 p.m.
For the test event, Team USA fielded a seasoned team featuring four WEG Gold Medalists. They were led to the win by Shawn Flarida, 40, of Springfield, OH, double Gold Medalist in reining’s WEG debut in 2002. Flarida received a score of 370.00 from the five-judge panel for his ride on Smart Spook, an 8-year-old, AQHA Sorrel stallion owned by Rosanne Sternberg of Aubrey, TX.
Also turning in stellar performances for the winning U.S. team were Ralston, who scored 354.00 on Double My Whiskey, a 6-year-old, Quarter Horse stallion owned by Waggoner Estate of Vernon, TX; his 2006 WEG Gold Medal teammate Dell Hendricks of Tioga, TX, who scored 367.00 on Starbucks Sidekick, a 9-year-old, Quarter Horse, stallion owned by Adair Reiners, LLC; and Tom McCutcheon of Aubrey, TX, winner of team Gold and individual Silver Medals at the 2002 WEG, who scored 362.50 on Darlins Not Painted, a 7-year-old, American Paint Horse mare owned by Randy Paul of Scottsdale, AZ.
While pleased with his team’s performance, Team USA chef d’equipe Jeff Petska pointed out that the team selected for next year’s Games will face a formidable challenge. “Getting ready for a World Equestrian Games is a very involved process and the teams get better every year. It is a sport that began and grew here, but now that advantage is dwindling as the sport is becoming more international. We’re talking to riders and looking for horses because everyone wants to field the best athletes they can. As the sport grows the level of athleticism required for both horses and riders continues to get higher and higher.”
About Reining
Reining was added to the FEI as a discipline in 2000 and was featured for the first time in 2002 at the FEI World Equestrian Games in Jerez, Spain. Huge crowds for the Reining competitions at the 2006 Games in Aachen, Germany launched the discipline and its athletes into fame, with sold-out performances and loud, fanatical crowds.
As the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games come to Kentucky, the sport of Reining is sure to enjoy a sort of “homecoming” in the US, as the only western discipline recognized by the FEI. Plans are well under way to feature Reining in new and exciting ways in 2010, including a newly approved schedule format – allowing for more public sessions of the discipline.
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). Her Royal Highness Princess Haya is the current president of the 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. and Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital.
Further information on the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, including full results of Kentucky Cup Reining, is available on line at www.alltechfeigames.com.
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Posted in 2010 Games, Disciplines, Kentucky Horse Park, Reining at 10:18 am by Thomas
KENTUCKY CUP REINING STARTS TODAY
LEXINGTON, KY-The first test event of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games begins today as Kentucky Cup Reining slides in the new indoor arena of the Kentucky Horse Park. Kentucky Cup Reining will be the first competition held in the park’s new arena.
Kentucky Cup Reining is a CRI4* competition, officially sanctioned by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), featuring teams from Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The Nations’ Cup team competition will be held July 21 at 10:00 a.m., and the Individual Final will be held Thursday, July 23 at 7:30 p.m.
“We are thrilled to bring such a spirited rivalry to the Kentucky Horse Park for the first test event,” said Brad Ettleman, reining discipline manager for the World Games 2010 Foundation. “As the fastest growing equestrian sport, reining is a discipline I am confident spectators will enjoy as they get this sneak peak of 2010 competition.”
The Kentucky Cup Reining competition is also an opportunity for organizers of the 2010 Games to test planning and preparations well in advance of next year’s world championships.
“The test events will give us a detailed account of our preparations in many operational areas,” said Foundation CEO Jamie Link. “These opportunities are critical to ensure that we are prepared to successfully host an event of this magnitude and importance in 2010.”
Many 2010 Games sponsors are assisting with Kentucky Cup Reining, including Alltech, John Deere, Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, the American Farriers Association, UK Healthcare, Fortune Realty and Pieratts.
About Reining
Reining was added to the FEI as a discipline in 2000 and was featured for the first time in 2002 at the FEI World Equestrian Games in Jerez, Spain. Huge crowds for the Reining competitions at the 2006 Games in Aachen, Germany launched the discipline and its athletes into fame, with sold-out performances and loud, fanatical crowds.
As the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games come to Kentucky, the sport of Reining is sure to enjoy a sort of “homecoming” in the US, as the only western discipline recognized by the FEI. Plans are well under way to feature Reining in new and exciting ways in 2010, including a newly approved schedule format – allowing for more public sessions of the discipline.
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). Her Royal Highness Princess Haya is the current president of the 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 and Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital. For more information on the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, please visit www.alltechfeigames.com
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