09.17.17
Posted in 2018 Games, Tryon at 6:25 pm by EPR
Tryon, NC, USA – September 12, 2017 – The one year to go countdown to the FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018 (WEG) was launched today. With more than 500,000 people expected to attend the 2018 Games, the 12-day spectacle of equestrian champions is one of the biggest events on the global sporting calendar and will be the largest equestrian event in North Carolina’s history. Mark Bellissimo, CEO of host venue Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) in Tryon, NC, announced today that tickets will go on sale to the public on Monday, October 16, 2017. Competition action at WEG 2018 runs from September 12 through September 23, 2018, with the Opening Ceremony scheduled for September 11.
A variety of ticketing types and prices will be offered such as an All Games Pass for each week of competition or both weeks, an All Session Day Pass, All Session Discipline Pass, as well as individual event tickets, and opening and closing ceremonies. Ticket prices vary, but include an inexpensive Day Pass that gives attendees access to event grounds and expo only. A complete list of ticketing options will be available online at www.tryon2018.com or www.ticketmaster.com.
In addition to announcing ticket sales, TIEC has today released a “Destination Tryon” video to showcase the region where the 2018 Games will be held. Prior to winning the bid to host WEG 2018, Polk County, North Carolina dwelt as a hidden gem, tucked away in the bucolic Blue Ridge Foothills, bordering South Carolina. Surrounded by bold mountains and scenic foothills, the area is conveniently located within an hour of top cities including Asheville and Charlotte in North Carolina and Greenville in South Carolina. The rural community now joins the league of iconic destinations around the world – like Normandy, Stockholm, Rome and Aachen – to host equestrian sport’s most distinguished championships.
For WEG 2018, Bellissimo is focusing on the love of horses to bring added attention to equestrian sport and touch a broader audience of horse enthusiasts globally, highlighting the important role horses have played throughout history.
“All of our nations were discovered on the back of a horse and these amazing animals continue to provide livelihood, transportation, security, entertainment, friendship, therapy, and sport around the world. The love of the horse is universal and profound. The Games is an incredible stage to show the world how important and valuable this creature is and celebrate our relationship with them,” said Bellissimo.
Fédération Equestre Internationale President Ingmar De Vos shared his excitement about the forthcoming Games at TIEC.
“Marking one year to go to the FEI World Equestrian Games is always a very exciting time and we’re really looking forward to the spectacular event that Tryon will bring,” Ingmar De Vos said. “The Games are the greatest gathering of the best athletes and horses from across the globe and hundreds of thousands of people will have the opportunity to enjoy the magic of equestrian sport as world champions are crowned across the eight FEI disciplines. The USA is renowned as a country of horse lovers and is also hugely successful in the sport so we are delighted to have this, the FEI’s flagship event, back in America once again.”
United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) President Murray Kessler is pleased that the WEG is coming back to the United States for 2018 and will be hosted all at one venue at TIEC.
“We are confident that Mark Bellissimo and his team at Tryon will host an exceptional World Equestrian Games next year. Having the Games in the U.S. gives us an opportunity to celebrate the joy of horse sports with millions of Americans in a way that will help grow engagement and participation in all equestrian sports in this country.” said Murray Kessler, President U.S. Equestrian.
The Games are expected to have tremendous economic impact to both Western North Carolina and the South Carolina Upstate. The previous WEG held in Normandy (FRA) in 2014 had an estimated economic impact of $400 million and attracted 575,000 spectators. North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper praised the organizers’ success in bringing the Games to the Carolinas.
“The World Equestrian Games are an incredible opportunity for North Carolina, and we are pleased to host this event in our state,” said Governor Cooper. “We applaud the efforts of Mark Bellissimo and the organizers at Tryon International Equestrian Center to bring this global event to North Carolina and stimulate tremendous economic growth for our state as a result.”
Held every four years alternating with the Olympic Games, the FEI World Equestrian GamesTM combines the world championships for jumping, dressage and para-dressage, eventing, driving, reining, vaulting and endurance into one massive 12-day event.
Click here to watch the FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018 promo video!
ACCOMMODATIONS
Accommodations for the 2018 WEG are being managed by Connections Housing, a full-service sourcing, housing and event management company. With 30 years of experience serving events in a range of industries, Connections has two full-service, fully-owned call centers and will oversee all aspects of the housing process from contracting and room block management to reservations and post-event analysis. Accommodations will be open to the public on Monday, September 18. For more information about accommodations, please visit www.tryon2018.com.
MEDIA INQUIRIES
For media inquiries, please visit www.tryon2018.com or contact one of the following press officers:
National Media – Carly Weilminster at cweilminster@tryonweg.com or at (828) 863-1144.
International Media – Niki McEwen at niki@revolutionsports.co.uk or at 0044(0)203 176 0355.
For more information from the FEI, please contact Leanne Williams leanne.williams@fei.org or at 0041-21-310-4747.
ABOUT THE TRYON INTERNATIONAL EQUESTRIAN CENTER
Tryon International Equestrian Center at Tryon Resort, host of the FEI World Equestrian
Games™
Tryon 2018, is one of the world’s premier equestrian lifestyle destinations. From carousel to competition, the mission of Tryon Resort is to celebrate the magic of the horse, grow equestrian sport, and increase access to this majestic animal. With first-class facilities for hunter/jumper, dressage, and eventing competitions, the facility will soon accommodate all eight equestrian disciplines. Tryon Resort is a spring, summer and fall haven for equestrian competitors and enthusiasts, and a year-round destination for connoisseurs of diverse cuisine and shopping, lodging getaways, and family entertainment. Learn more at www.tryon.com.
ABOUT THE FEI WORLD EQUESTRIAN GAMES™
The FEI World Equestrian Games™ (WEG), which are administered by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), the worldwide governing body of equestrian sport, is the major international championship event for the eight core equestrian disciplines of show jumping, dressage and para-equestrian dressage, eventing, driving, endurance, vaulting and reining. For more information, visit www.tryon2018.com and www.fei.org/tryon-2018
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07.30.17
Posted in 2018 Games, Tryon, World Equestrian Games at 10:10 am by Thomas
Some news on plans to promote recycling for the 2018 World Equestrian Games in Tryon. As with any large public event waste management is always one of the big things that never seems to get the attention it needs, primarily because we don’t want to think about how much waste we generate. In this case the local Polk County Government is making plans to address the issue.
Following is the resolution approved by commissioners and the recycling advisory board:
Resolution endorsing solid waste management and recycling efforts during the 2018 World Equestrian Games
WHEREAS, the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) World Equestrian Games 2018 will be held at the Tryon International Equestrian Center in Polk County, North Carolina (USA) September 2018; and
WHEREAS, the FEI World Equestrian Games, held every four years in the middle of the Olympic cycle, is one of the biggest events on the global sporting calendar, combining eight World Championships at one event; and
WHEREAS, equestrian enthusiasts from more than 70 countries will compete with 500,000 plus spectators watching; and
WHEREAS, it is a priority of this community to protect human health and the environment through safe and effective management of solid waste; and
WHEREAS, it is a goal of the community to maintain its physical appearance and to reduce the adverse effects of large crowds and the compilation of refuse; and
WHEREAS, Polk County recognizes its role in the encouragement of proper disposal and recycling; and
WHEREAS, involvement of the Tryon International Equestrian Center is critical to the establishment of an effective solid waste and recycling program for an event of this magnitude.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Polk County Board of Commissioners and the Polk County Recycling Advisory Board to hereby support and encourage the development and implementation of practices and policies by Tryon International Equestrian Center to further the aims of waste reduction and recycling during the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games.
Full Article from the Tryon Daily Bulletin
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06.29.17
Posted in 2018 Games, Tryon at 8:49 pm by Thomas
Wanted to say that I like what Tryon has done for their title logo for the Games, simplistic but catchy, so far that is the vibe I get from the information I am seeing. That gives me a good feeling about how these Games are going to go because its easy for these kind of events to get complicated in ways they don’t need to be and nothing good comes from that but Tryon looks to have a good plan and is executing that plan effectively.
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05.31.17
Posted in 2026, My Thoughts, Rolex, Rolex Kentucky 3 Day Event, World Equestrian Games at 9:33 pm by Thomas
The news came out today and I can’t say I didn’t know it was the likely outcome but the reality that Rolex is no longer the title sponsor of, “The Kentucky Three Day Event”, which just doesn’t have the ring of “The Rolex” is bitter sweat. My first Rolex was 1994 and I always dreamed of getting to compete there but life had other plans, I would still like be an outrider there one of these years.
The upside to this news is it does clear the way for the Kentucky Horse Park to win back the FEI World Equestrian Games because the agreements Longines had with the FEI would not allow the Horse Park to host the Games while Rolex had the agreements it did with the Horse Park. The reason for this was a clause in the Longines/FEI agreement that required “clean/clear” venues, meaning no Rolex signage or mention anywhere is the simple non-legal explanation.
My sincere hope is that letting Rolex go was with the specific intent of winning the 2026 Games, for me I guess its more then hope, its an expectation that I am going to do all I can to see fulfilled.
Kentucky Colonel
Thomas P. Demond
KyWEGO®
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03.01.17
Posted in 2018 Games, Tryon, Volunteer, Volunteerism at 9:16 pm by Thomas
The request has went out for volunteers for the 2018 World Equestrian Games at Tryon, North Carolina. The Games are scheduled to start September 10, 2018 and go through the 23rd, though as a volunteer you are not expected to do every day of the Games. For the 2010 Games I did 12 of the 16 days and I was being a bit of an over achiever. If you are like most people and you can spare a week though I recommend doing at least 4 or 5 days as a volunteer and this will leave you some time for travel and a day or two to be a spectator while you are there, this is probably what I will end up doing. The hope with an event like this is to have no more then 3 distinct sets of volunteers which means you need them to average 4 or 5 days and to have some overlap. I hope many of you will sign up, my experience at the 2010 World Equestrian Games is something I will always remember and cherish.
Volunteer Sign-Up Form
Kentucky Colonel
Thomas P. Demond
KyWEGO®
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01.13.17
Posted in 2022 Games at 9:26 pm by Thomas
It is with significant disappointment that I report that the Kentucky Horse Park Commission voted earlier today to withdraw its bid to host the 2022 FEI World Equestrian Games. The primary reasons offered for this decision center around $12 million in deferred maintenance expenses that needed to be addressed before considering the capital needs for hosting an event like the World Equestrian Games. As a business person I understand this decision, the risk to the park would be too great to meet both the deferred maintenance needs well preparing for the 2022 Games. One statement though that I find very curious was one indicating that the hosting of the Games would create “limitations on potential Horse Park generated revenue opportunities”. That statement leaves me very puzzled but for now I will not speculate further on what I think that may really be meaning. I hold out significant hope that we will seek and win the 2026 bid but will be honest that if we pursue that bid and then withdraw for a third time that most likely we will not be considered a serious contender for any future World Equestrian Games.
Kentucky Colonel
Thomas P. Demond
KyWEGO®
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01.01.17
Posted in 2022 Games, World Equestrian Games at 1:11 pm by Thomas
Happy New Year to everyone on this mild Winter day in Kentucky, Spring is now just around the corner.
The big story to start the year is Kentucky’s bid to host the 2022 World Equestrian Games, which if successful in our bid would make Lexington the first city to host it twice. The timing is about perfect in that 12 years is long enough time frame that you crave it again and not so long so the infrastructure built for the 2010 Games can be used again without major renovations or rebuilds. Given that the economic benefit to Kentucky this time around should be significant given that those original capital expenditures have paid for themselves in many ways.
Laura Prewitt, executive director of the Kentucky Horse Park said, “The Kentucky Horse Park is honored to be selected as a candidate for the 2022 Games,” and I certainly believe she means that and I have very little doubt in her ability to win the bid and put on a very successful event. Tops in Lexington put out a very nice article on her titled, FILLY OF THE MONTH: LAURA PREWITT . Our only competition in the bidding process is Samorin, Slovakia which has some wonderful facilities but it ain’t the Kentucky Horse Park ;-}.
I am looking forward to making and meeting many friends who share my passion for seeing this great event back in the Commonwealth.
Kentucky Colonel
Thomas P. Demond
KyWEGO®
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12.01.16
Posted in 2018 Games, Tryon at 9:43 pm by Thomas
There looks to be lots going on in the month of December at the Tryon International Equestrian Center and they have the place all decked out for the Holidays. We continue to hear good things about the plans for the 2018 World Equestrian Games with only 648 days until the start on September 10, 2018.
Kentucky Colonel
Thomas P. Demond
KyWEGO®
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11.03.16
Posted in 2018 Games, Tryon at 7:54 pm by EPR
The FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2018 will be held at the Tryon International Equestrian Center in North Carolina (USA) from 10 to 23 September 2018. The FEI Bureau today unanimously agreed that the Games should be awarded to Tryon, meaning that the FEI’s flagship event remains in North America, following the withdrawal of Bromont (CAN) earlier this year.
The original dates for the Games (12-26 August) have been changed following two scientific studies commissioned by the FEI which stated that climatic conditions would be significantly more favourable in North Carolina during September, particularly from a horse welfare perspective. The FEI also looked at date clashes with other fixtures on the FEI Calendar to ensure the optimum timeslot for the 2018 Games.
“We are very pleased to announce Tryon as the host of the FEI World Equestrian Games 2018”, FEI President Ingmar de Vos said. “The Tryon team submitted a really impressive bid and we have every confidence in the organising committee. It’s a truly spectacular venue and almost all the necessary infrastructure for our eight disciplines is already in place. We are looking forward to a fantastic celebration of top level sport as all the disciplines come together to crown their world champions at the Games in two years’ time.”
The Tryon International Equestrian Center, created by Mark Bellissimo in Mill Spring, North Carolina, is situated on a 1,600 acre site at the foothills of the Blue Mountains. The venue has 1,200 permanent stables, 12 arenas including a floodlit international arena with a potential spectator seating capacity of up to 12,000 and VIP seating for up to 1,500, a covered arena with 5,000 seats, and has a world-class cross country course that will be used for both Eventing and Driving. The venue is surrounded by hundreds of miles of equestrian trails for Endurance. The venue contains excellent facilities for athletes and spectators including restaurants, hospitality, accommodation, retail and resort amenities. An on-site state-of-the-art veterinary facility is currently under construction.
“We are thrilled with this news and thank the FEI Bureau for having faith in us and entrusting us with the honour of hosting this prestigious event”, Mark Bellissimo said. “It’s a really great fit for North Carolina’s equestrian heritage and we look forward to working closely with the FEI and with the USEF to produce fabulous FEI World Equestrian Games in 2018.”
The FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2018 were previously awarded to Bromont (CAN), but a lack of secure funding led to mutual agreement between the FEI and the Canadian Comité organisateur des Jeux Équestres Mondiaux 2018 (COJEM) to terminate the host contract in July of this year.
Following the withdrawal of Bromont, the FEI Bureau mandated the President to find a solution and, after a thorough assessment of a number of options, the President proposed that the Bureau allocate the Games to Tryon. In light of the timeframe, with the Games in less than two years, existing infrastructure was a crucial factor in the evaluation process.
The Bureau met by teleconference today (3 November) to agree the allocation and were unanimous in their support of the Tryon bid.
“The FEI is 100% committed to the FEI World Equestrian Games concept and we are extremely grateful to all those that showed interest in hosting the 2018 Games”, Ingmar de Vos said. “Their enthusiasm demonstrates the importance of the event across the equestrian community.”
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10.31.16
Posted in 2022 Games, KEEP at 8:15 pm by EPR
Notable Reports from KEEP Conference (10/21/2016)
At the recent KEEP Industry Conference the new executive director of the Kentucky Horse Park, Laura Prewitt said, confirmed plans to bid on the 2022 World Equestrian Games. The Horse Park was host to the 2010 WEG, the first time it was held outside Europe.
By the numbers: Dr. Jill Stowe, associate professor in the University of Kentucky’s Department of Agriculture Economics and director of the UK Ag Equine Programs, provided statistics from the 2012 survey on the state’s horse industry, the first comprehensive study since 1977. Among the findings: There are 35,000 equine operations in the state with at least one horse in residence, totaling 242,400 equines (which include mules and donkeys), accounting for 40,665 jobs, 1.1 million acres devoted to equine use and with the value of equines and equine-related assets totaling $23.4 billion.
The Kentucky Equine Education Project is a grassroots organization created in 2004 to preserve, promote and protect Kentucky’s signature horse industry. Support for KEEP’s activity comes directly from the horse industry and horse industry supporters that we represent. To learn more about how you can become a member or make a contribution, please visit www.horseswork.com.
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09.23.16
Posted in 2022 Games at 9:37 pm by Thomas
It seems a fitting way to start the fall to be in the hunt for the 2022 FEI World Equestrian Games, with the announcement this week that we have submitted our formal letter of interest in hosting the Games to the FEI. I am not aware of any other locations who have submitted the initial paper work for the 2022 Games at this time, but it is still early and I would expect at least 1 or 2 others, Aachen certainly being one and maybe somewhere in England for the other if not London itself. Given how the economic cycles are running I would expect the 2022 Games to have a very positive impact on the Kentucky economy. I have to point out the ironic fact that its been almost exactly 6 years since we hosted the 2010 Games and if we went we roughly the same dates in 2022 we are 6 years out from those, which is to say the 2022 Games will be here before we know it.
Kentucky Colonel
Thomas P. Demond
KyWEGO®
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08.31.16
Posted in 2018 Games, My Thoughts, Tryon at 10:02 pm by Thomas
First, let me apologize for not having posted earlier in the month as the news was breaking in regards to Lexington and the 2018 Games. In reality its been a busy couple of months and I knew I would need some time to put my thoughts together in a coherent way. Obviously I was disappointed(again) when the news came out that Kentucky would be passing on making another bid for the 2018 Games. In some ways I can’t blame that State, we made a legitimate bid last year when things initially fell through for Bromont and the FEI still went back and gave the Games to Bromont anyway. Yes, the clean venue clause that Longines has with FEI was the reason given for us not getting the Games and on face value that was a hurdle and everyone just excepted that, but in reality I think if the FEI had wanted to clear that hurdle it could of been cleared, certainly the FEI knew of that hurdle before Lexington made its bid, so why even have Lexington make the bid in that case. Ultimately I do not know the answers to that and even though I have my theories, to speculate on that in a public forum doesn’t serve any good purpose and my ultimately goal remains the success of the Games overall as well as their return to Kentucky.
Now some of my disappointment is self inflicted in that I believe you have to keep a positive attitude about things if you want them to succeed. Sometimes I am accused of being overly positive, which is funny because I fancy myself a very logical person who prides himself on being able to look at a scenario from all sides. So in reality I was disappointed but not surprised because there is a lot of competing things going on in the Commonwealth and for the powers that be, there probably isn’t an upside for them to us hosting the Games, certainly not as much upside as potential downside for them.
All of what I have just written is the past now, I have had an excellent summer even with the disappointment of us not getting WEG for 2018 which when you think about it means my life is pretty great and I am very blessed so I continue to move forward with the purpose to improve the lives of those around me and of this great Commonwealth.
Now what I did find to be a happy surprise was the announcement of the bid by the Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring, North Carolina to host the 2018 Games. The Tryon International Equestrian Center is a very new facility that only first opened the summer before the last Games occurred in Normandy and apparently there is some chatter that the developers plans were to bid for the 2022 Games which makes really good sense. Here is the Google Maps view of the Center , if you compare it to the Kentucky Horse Park it looks about half the overall size but its actually listed at 1,500 acres compared to the Horse Park’s 1224 acres. Of course a large portion of the Tryon acreage is wooded, almost like somebody was trying to hide the fact that they were building a world class Equestrian Park, I am only half joking as it would seem they didn’t want to get the word until the had the park completed though they have been hosting events there, almost as test runs as they build out the rest of the park. Now I do not know Mark Bellissimo who heads up the Tryon Equestrian Partners, but I will say at this point my hat is off to them for this endeavor and not only do I wish them much success, I will support them anyway I can.
Now for most people who know me, I probably don’t need to make this next statement, but for those who do not and think I am doing a dis-service to the Kentucky Horse Park by saying I will support Tryon with all the resources I can muster, understand my first responsibility is to the horses themselves because there is no place I am happier then being around horses and events like WEG put horses in front of people who might not otherwise know the majesty of the horse. As the population of the world has grown and technology has taken us away from nature the percentage of people who know horses has dropped significantly and I do fear for a world that one day has no horses. On that note I probably need to close this post before I get too philosophical and end with what is probably my favorite quote;
There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man!
I will be back sooner then later with more on the Tryon Center, our plans of support and the other potential contenders for the 2018 Games.
Kentucky Colonel
Thomas P. Demond
KyWEGO®
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07.28.16
Posted in 2018 Games, World Equestrian Games at 8:24 pm by Thomas
So by now I figure most everyone has heard the news that Bromont has pulled out of hosting the 2018 Games. Of course by now that is old news and in some ways didn’t come as a surprise because as much as I wanted Bromont to be successful I had yet to see any indication that they had ever gotten the financial needs worked out and it seems the expectation had been that the Canadian Federal Government would bail them out. That of course didn’t happen and worst then that the Feds let them know in no uncertain terms that that wasn’t going to happen and at the same time investigations had started into some of the promises made by the Mayor of Bromont.
All and All not a good situation and even though it puts Kentucky back in the running to host the Games in 2018, it does real damage to the future of the Games. Now with all that said there is only one thing to do, fight to get the Games back in Kentucky and make them successful both to benefit Kentucky and to shore up the future of the Games. Of course there has been a number of people saying negative things about the success of the Games in 2010, personally I think it is a fairly easy argument to make that the Games were successful. I know some people point to some raw numbers and say we spent more then we made but I think when you look out the amount spent on the Horse Park as a long term investment and consider what kind of Signature Event the Games were for Kentucky I can’t think of anything else that could bring that kind of long term value to the state. Only this week the USEF signed a 40 year lease and plans on building a new 3 story headquarters at the Horse Park not sure how that is anything but a positive outcome from the Games.
So back to the 2018 Games, I still haven’t heard what deal is going to be worked out between Rolex and Longines but something will have to because even the other 2 venues, Wellington and Aachen that might be up to pulling off the Games in 2 years have the same issue that the Horse Park has in regards to the contract the Longines has with the FEI which is the only thing that knocked us out of getting the Games last year. My hope of course is that Rolex and Longines understand the benefits of the Games and that it is in neither of their interest for the Games to fail to go on in 2018. Personally I still have real doubts that Wellington could host the Games and certainly not with less then 2 years to go to be ready. Aachen is in a better place from the stand point of capability but and I am afraid this is a big but, the security situation in Europe is much more unstable then they let on and I see no reason to expect that to be better in 2 years, in fact I expect it to be worse. So again this really leaves only 1 option, the Kentucky Horse Park and I think the FEI is acutely aware that if Kentucky bids for it again and gets the snub that even I would say we make no further plans to bid for it again and that we come up with our own event with or without FEI sanction. Now with that said, I don’t think it will come to that, I really believe third time is the charm and that the FEI has not choice because there is no way to host the Games in a venue that hasn’t previously and recently held the Games because of the time crunch they are under.
So I ask, and a lot of you I am going to ask personally to enthusiastically support Kentucky bidding and hosting the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games. This means for those who know any elected officially get them on board, even if that is your county sheriff because you will be surprised how important local law enforcement is to this kind of event to provide the man power and support needed for security. Those of you in business, let people know that you believe this event is good for your business either by the direct publicity it brings your business or by the new business it generates in the state. Those of you who volunteered for the 2010 Games let people know you would do it again, I volunteered for 12 of the 16 days and know I would do it again because it was a great experience.
I still have the one year to go poster hanging on my wall that says, “GET YOUR GAMES FACE ON.”, its time to do it again Kentucky. The Games were a success the first time around, and they will be an even bigger success the second time because we have the experience and the passion. My slogan this time is going to be “Y’ALL COME BACK NOW”, because people did come back to Kentucky after the Games last time so we should certainly invite them to come back after the second time.
Kentucky Colonel
Thomas P. Demond
KyWEGO®
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06.30.16
Posted in 2018 Games, My Thoughts, Olympics, Rio 2016, Summer Olympic Games at 4:32 pm by Thomas
The Olympics generate lots of news both good and bad that can have all sorts of down stream effects on events coming afterwards. Now to what effect all the negative press for the Rio 2016 Olympics is having on Bromont’s work in preparing for the 2018 World Equestrian Games, no one can say for sure but you will find no one that would say its having no effect because it shows the perils of hosting Global events and certainly provides ample ammunition to Bromont and WEG’s detractors.
With all that said I am still cautiously hopeful that the 2018 Games will be successful and that Kentucky will pursue and land the 2022 or more likely now the 2026 Games. I say that last part because I very much suspect that there are significant powers looking to get the Games down under in Australia or back to Europe and our current political situations make it unlikely that we will even pursue a 2022 bid. I would certainly love to see us go for and get the 2022 Games, BUT, and I put that in caps because I feel its a big but, I have to be a realist and pursuing the 2022 Games might not be in the best interest of Kentucky because the odds maybe already stacked against us and we would be spending resources that would be better saved for the 2026 bid which I really feel will have to be a do or die kind of effort.
Next month I will have more on what I feel the plan should be to get the Games back to Kentucky!
Kentucky Colonel
Thomas P. Demond
KyWEGO®
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05.30.16
Posted in 2018 Games, Rolex Kentucky 3 Day Event at 9:20 pm by Thomas
Michael Jung of Germany repeated in 2016 winning the Rolex Grand Slam Events and I had the good fortune of tail-gating at the Rolex Kentucky 3-Day Event to watch him. In other news Adelaide, South Australia has given interest in hosting the 2022 FEI World Equestrian Games which would be another first for the Games. I didn’t make it to Sydney for the 200o Summer Olympics so I would certainly have to put it on my bucket list to go if they were successful, with that said of course I am still hopeful that we will submit a winning bid for the 2022 Games. On a personal note, our horses are showing well and warm weather has finally arrived so Spring has been good on many levels.
Of course we have to take the bad with the good and a number of things have occurred in the last several months that I feel must be addressed because they are part of the horse world. I guess the first to address is a number of deaths of Eventers that has been reported this spring. Ultimately Eventing is a dangerous sport and that is something anyone competing in it knows but it doesn’t make any of us feel any better when we hear about the death or injury of someone enjoying something we enjoy as well. First I want to say to the families that have lost someone you have my deepest sympathies and even though we all will say they were doing something they loved it doesn’t make it any easier for those left behind.
On another somewhat dubious note, Bromont is having a number of issues related to hosting the 2018, Horse Canada just had an extensive article on it that you can read here . Some may think I would be happy that Bromont was having issues, in no way do I consider Bromont’s issues a good thing for Kentucky because it is certainly not a good thing for WEG. Remember there was a time before the World Equestrian Games, it was called the 80’s so I maybe more then others is acutely aware that WEG could vanish again. There has been much talk even before Kentucky hosted the Games about going back to just having the European Championships. So to say this Spring has been turbulent like a Spring Thunderstorm in Kentucky might be stating it mildly. So here is hoping that June brings a more sunny outlook on the horse world.
Kentucky Colonel
Thomas P. Demond
KyWEGO®
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04.01.16
Posted in 2022 Games at 12:16 am by Thomas
FEI has opened the bidding process for the 2022 World Equestrian Games, this is not an April Fools Joke. Currently only the Expression of Interest Form is available to download with the Bid Application and Questionnaire becoming available in May. August is the deadline to return the Bid Applications for consideration with the announcement of candidates in December. At this time I have no specific information on where Kentucky is in planning to make a bid. I know after our losing our bid for the 2018 Games it was indicated that we would bid for the 2022 Games and with the contract with Rolex for advertising rights at the Kentucky Horse Park expiring in 2018 we would be free to pursue them without the issue that prevented us from getting the 2018 Games, that being the contract Longines has with the FEI that stipulates clean venues for any events they sponsor, the World Equestrian Games being one of those. I am certainly going to let my voice be heard in that I believe this is an important economic event for Kentucky to pursue. As I find out things that I am at liberty to share I will, though I suspect early in the go any information that I do receive will be under nondisclosure requirements or will be hear say that would not benefit the process to release anyway. So I ask everyone to be understanding if you think I am withholding anything and also I ask that you let your voice be heard by your elected representatives that you feel this is something important for Kentucky to pursue.
Kentucky Colonel
Thomas P. Demond
KyWEGO®
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