09.01.13
Posted in 2026, Governor Beshear, Kentucky Horse Park, My Thoughts, Position Statements at 8:44 pm by Thomas
By now I would assume anyone who has read my blog from over the last almost 8 years, can guess I have a high degree of interest in seeing the World Equestrian Games back in Kentucky again. Now after what I heard last Saturday at the Kentucky State Fair I think I need to re-emphasize that.
It was the Saturday Night of the World’s Championship Horse Show, which is the big night and its not unusual for a sitting Governor to be there to present an award, this year was a little different. The Governor seemed to be doing a stump speech, though not really sure why, but he was going on about how Kentucky is the Horse Capital of the World and how much money this particular week long show brought in. Now let me stop before anyone thinks my intention is to bash the Governor, absolutely not, I like Steve Beshear and the First Lady Jane Beshear who is quite an accomplished horse person in her own right. I will go as far as to say I voted for Governor Beshear, not saying I agree with all his policy positions but certainly think he provides a balance and direction to the Commonwealth that has helped it to weather the economic storm of the last 7 years. I just wish that as the Governor he would openly say that he would like to see the World Equestrian Games back in Kentucky again and at least set the ball in motion considering he realizes how important it for Kentucky that we are the Horse Capital of the World.
So the point I want to drive home is, we are the Horse Capital of the World and we should make it known that we desire to hold the World Equestrian Games every so many cycles, in my opinion, no more then every 16 years with an average of 12, meaning sometimes 8 years and sometimes 16 years. To me it seems a no brainer, there were significant capital improvements made to the Kentucky Horse Park and the infrastructure surrounding it. Those type of capital improvements have a life span just like anything does, I would argue they have a half-life of 16 years meaning if we hosted the Games again by 2026 most of that infrastructure should still be usable having been maintained as part of the standard ops of the Horse Park. Now, I would certainly love to have comments from Architects and Engineers as well as City Planners on where I am right and wrong in that generalization but I am more right that wrong for the sake of my argument, and that argument isn’t whether I am crazy or not, that was settled a long time ago in regards to this. In some ways its no longer an argument on whether the Games are coming back to Kentucky, I will find a way to get them back here because I do believe with all my soul that it is very important to Kentucky and maybe even our responsibility as the Horse Capital of the World to be part of the global rotation that holds the Games, and that is another topic for another post, the idea that there should be set of established host locations, but again, topic for another post.
Kentucky Colonel
Thomas P. Demond
KyWEGO
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08.31.13
Posted in 2014 Games at 8:46 pm by Thomas
We are inside the one year countdown to the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Normandy France. It’s amazing to think that it has been almost 3 years since the start of our own World Equestrian Games and now we are coming up on the next one fast.
The exact dates are August 23rd – September 7th, 2014 in a variety of sites around Normandy France at venues in Caen, the prefecture of the Calvados department in north-western France, the country’s oldest national stud farm at Haras du Pin, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mont Saint-Michel.
I have heard says that this will be the largest Equestrian Event in the history of France of the non-military variety.
To celebrate the one-year countdown, the FEI has today launched an online history hub dedicated to the FEI World Equestrian Games™ which contains detailed information about each of the previous Games, starting with the inaugural edition in Stockholm in 1990, through to Kentucky 2010 and looking forward to 2014. Along with a summary of the Games’ most memorable moments, the website features key facts and figures, complete results, and extensive photo galleries.
Kentucky Colonel
Thomas P. Demond
KyWEGO
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07.27.13
Posted in 2010 Games, World Equestrian Games, World Games 2010 Foundation at 10:14 pm by Thomas
My condolences go out to the family of Jack Kelly who passed on July 24th after a long battle with cancer. He was the CEO of the 2010 World Equestrian Games organization from 2006 to 2008 and played a significant role in laying the foundation for the success of the Games.
Funeral services for Mr. Kelly will be at 4 p.m. Sunday at the Clark Legacy Center at Brannon Crossing in Nicholasville, with a reception afterward.
Kentucky Colonel
Thomas P. Demond
KyWEGO
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07.01.13
Posted in 2018 Games, World Equestrian Games at 9:04 pm by Thomas
Breaking News: The announcement has just been made in the last couple of hours that Bromont Canada’s bid for the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games has been turned down as it currently stands. With this decision the FEI has been forced to re-open the bidding process for the 2018 Games but did strongly request that Bromont resubmit a bid which they said they would.
It all came down to the public financing of the Games. “The Bromont/Montreal bid was very impressive on all technical aspects and it is hugely disappointing, both for the bid team and for the FEI, that the Bureau was unable to allocate the FEI World Equestrian Games 2018 today”, FEI President HRH Princess Haya said, “but unfortunately, without the necessary financial support, the FEI and the organisers would be exposed to an unacceptable financial risk”.
No specifics were given on the new timeline for the re-bidding process. So we will be keeping our ears to the ground to see what we hear through both the official and unofficial information channels.
Kentucky Colonel
Thomas P. Demond
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12.12.12
Posted in 2022 Games at 10:28 pm by Thomas
Today seems like a good day to re-iterate my goal of returning the World Equestrian Games to Kentucky. First, I think having the Games every 12 years would be a good time frame between games, thus I would like to see us host the 2022 Games. It allows us to take advantage of the Capital Improvements made for the 2010 which was the biggest State Funded Expenditure for the Games, but at the same time not making it so often that it looses that feeling of being a somewhat rare event both for the spectators and the volunteers. At this point the Games are 2 years in the past but I am of course working towards those Games representing the Future of Kentucky that becomes a Legacy of the Impact of the Horse on the People of Kentucky.
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10.01.12
Posted in 2010 Games, Disciplines, Para-Dressage at 8:18 pm by Thomas
I am always confounded when an individual passes in the horse world that I did not know personally but at least knew of through their successes. I first want to send my thoughts and prayers to his family, I wish I had had the chance to know your son personally but I have no doubt the horse world was a better place because of his participation. I think I can safely say that Jonathan Wentz was a horse person first, Equestrian second and a person with a disability some where further down a list with many other things coming before it. I think it is also fair to say that Jonathan was able to accomplish a number of his dreams, namely competing in the 2010 World Equestrian Games and the 2012 London Summer Para-Olympics all by the age of 21. So Thank You Jonathan for just being yourself and proving that any so called disability does not define who we are as human beings.
For a more in depth article on Jonathan check out the photos and article by Lindsay Yosay McCall on the United States Para-Equestrian Associations website.
Thomas Demond
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09.30.12
Posted in 2010 Games, 2014 Games at 8:50 pm by Thomas
It’s amazing to think that it has been 2 years already since the World Equestrian Games were here in Lexington and that leaves now less then 2 years until the start of the Altech FEI World Equestrian Games 2014 in Normandy France.
I am going through all my old blog postings from the Games and reflecting on how much fun it was. At this point 2 years ago I was into my forth day of volunteering, and of course was having a Great time already. I can say 2 years on that my involvement with the 2010 Games was a Great experience that I will always remember. I also continue to believe and see the positive impacts the 2010 Games had on Lexington and Central Kentucky.
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Now onto Normandy, which if my count serves me correct is now only 692 days away. Opening day of the Normandy Games is August 24th and they will close on the 7th of September. |
I probably need to get on the ball and start looking at what the weather is like in that part of France at that time of the year. I would assume that the close proximity to the English Channel moderates the climate. Actually there is a lot I need to start researching for the 2014 Games now that we are within the 2 year window and everyone will start making their plans to go.
Beyond the 2014 Games, there are still many questions about the 2018 Games and the future of the World Equestrian Games beyond that point. There are a lot of unknowns, many of which revolve around the economic outcomes of Europe over the next Decade, but I will not get into that today.
Kentucky Colonel
Thomas P. Demond
KyWEGO
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08.16.12
Posted in 2014 Games, Alltech, Kentucky Horse Council at 10:04 pm by EPR
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Lexington, KY, August 12, 2012 – Kentucky Horse Council (KHC) representatives joined a group of more than 30 Kentucky delegates for a cultural and economic development tour sponsored by Alltech, traveling through Normandy, France, and concluding at the Alltech European Bioscience Centre in Dunboyne, Ireland. The tour was in conjunction with the July 2011 announcement of Alltech’s sponsorship of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014, in Normandy.
Anna Zinkhon, KHC Board President, and Ginny Grulke,
KHC Executive Director, joined Kentucky Governor Steven Beshear, Secretary of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, Marcheta Sparrow, and Secretary Larry Hayes of the Cabinet for Economic Development, among others, in exchanging ideas during a series of workshops hosted by the Normandy council. The Kentucky Horse Council delegates participated in a workshop with the Normandy Horse Council to discuss partnership opportunities focused on the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014, in Normandy.
Dr Pearse Lyons personally hosted the delegation, engaging in exploratory conversations about both economic and equestrian opportunities, as well as the cultural bond between the countries.
The equine industry provides a strong link between Ireland, Caen, France and Lexington, Kentucky, USA (host city of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™). Each community is renowned for top-quality horse breeding programs and elite equestrian competition. The economic impact is also significant in each region, with the thoroughbred industry contributing upwards of €600 million to the Basse-Normandie region, and €900 million in Ireland in 2010.
“This trip represents a vision for the future,” commented Anna Zinkhon, KHC President. “In the equine industry as in other industries, our business is becoming more global. By teaming with the exceptional horsemen in Normandy and Ireland, we can accelerate Kentucky’s international equine growth while examining new equestrian support programs from the European model.”
In 2013, The Kentucky Horse Council will announce shared projects with the Normandy Horse Council, which will be implemented in time for the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.
ABOUT THE KENTUCKY HORSE COUNCIL – The Kentucky Horse Council is a non-profit organization dedicated, through education and leadership, to the protection and development of the Kentucky equine community. The Kentucky Horse Council provides educational programs and information, personal liability insurance, trail riding advocacy, horse show support, and an annual statewide equine industry directory. The specialty Kentucky Horse Council license plate, featuring a foal lying in the grass, provides the primary source of revenue for KHC programs. |
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Contact
Ginny Grulke
Executive Director
director@kentuckyhorse.org |
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Kentucky Horse Council
www.kentuckyhorse.org
info@kentuckyhorse.org
Phone: (859) 367-0509 |
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07.09.12
Posted in 2018 Games at 8:25 pm by Thomas
It became official today, though the writing had been on the wall for some time, Wellington, Florida has announced their intention to drop a bid to be host city for the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games. We are disappointed but it is hard to be surprised by this outcome considering the political in fighting that had been on public display for the last couple of months. Actually our primary disappointment is the with how this was handled and some feelings that Wellington should not of even submitted a bid in the first place because the dynamics that caused this failure were in place prior to the bid being submitted.
I realize my group and maybe more importantly myself will draw some fire for publicly making that statement. I am not trying to indite the good intentions of certain individuals in Wellington, but it would seem there was a sense the other side would raise up to prevent this bid from being successful. I have a pretty good sense of why that is, but that is totally unimportant to me, what is important, where the 2018 Games finally land and the impact that has on Kentucky pursuing either the 2022 or 2026 Games.
Currently the favorite to win the bid is Vienna, Austria for the simple fact, its Vienna. With Wellington out though Bromont, Canada picks up some support with those wanting the Games in North America. However Vienna effectively received the same boost when Budapest, Hungary withdrew their bid a few weeks ago. Rabat, Morocco is the other city via for the Games, but it seems hard to in-vision them beating out Vienna.
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06.25.12
Posted in 2018 Games, Weather at 8:53 pm by Thomas
We hope everyone is staying cool and safe, seems we maybe paying for our mild Winter with a hot-dry Summer. Thankfully hay production was well advanced in Kentucky by our Spring weather so hay supplies should hold up. The hope now for our pastures will rest in a tropical system coming up through Texas to provide a significant rain event through the Central U.S.
On another hot topic, the Hungarian Federation has withdrawn the Budapest bid for the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games stating their support for neighboring Vienna Austria’s bid. This leaves four(4) competing sites, Rabat (MAR); Bromont (CAN); Vienna (AUT) and Wellington (USA). We will start our countdown for the 2014 FEI World Equestrian Games after the Olympics.
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10.10.11
Posted in 2010 Games, My Thoughts, World Equestrian Games at 11:14 pm by Thomas
Today marks one year since the close of the Alltech 2010 FEI World Equestrian Games. At the start of the Games there was a question of whether they would be a success, by the end I think the general consensus was that they were at least a success from the “on the ground” prospective. When the final economic report came out, the overall numbers were also positive as far as the local economic impact. One year past I still get the sense from talking to people that the positives outweighed the negatives but there isn’t a real urgency to try and get the Games back for 2022 and certainly not 2018. That I do find a bit disappointing but, I will work to change that prior to 2016 when we would need to submit a bid for the 2022 Games.
As always I want to thank everyone who has and continues to support me in this endeavor, even when it seems all an uphill battle.
Kentucky Colonel
Thomas Demond
KyWEGO®
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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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09.20.11
Posted in 2010 Games, Equestrian Events Inc, World Equestrian Games at 9:52 pm by Thomas
I wanted to put out the word on the wonderful programs that Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI) supports here in Kentucky and abroad. For those that don’t know, EEI is the organization that produces the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event Presented by Bridgestone. EEI which itself is a non-profit, charitable organization makes donations to other charitable organizations, among that list for 2011,
Kentucky Children’s Hospital – $15,000, primary for 2011.
Others supported during the year,
Central Kentucky Riding for Hope (CKRH)
Equine Land Conservation Resource (ELCR)
Midway College
Boyd Martin Fire Relief
University of Kentucky Equestrian Team Fund
The Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event is a great event, and I highly recommend people to get out to it if they have the opportunity. Certainly the efforts that EEI has put forth over the years in making The Rolex Kentucky such a success laid the ground work for the World Equestrian Games to come to Kentucky, so my hat’s off to them.
Kentucky Colonel
Thomas Demond
KyWEGO
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07.11.11
Posted in 2014 Games, Alltech, Sponsors, World Equestrian Games at 3:48 pm by EPR
July 8, 2011
[Caen, FRANCE] – Laurent Beauvais, chairman of the Basse-Normandie Regional Council and Normandy 2014 Organizing Committee, and Alltechpresident Dr. Pearse Lyons today announced that Alltech will be the title sponsor of the 2014 FEI World Equestrian Games™ in Normandy. This joint signing represents an historic partnership in the world of equestrian sports with a commitment from Alltech to the value of €10 million. The seventh edition of the FEI World Equestrian Games will officially be known as the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Normandy 2014.
“Alltech is proud to continue our partnership with the World Equestrian Games,” said Alltech President and Founder Dr. Pearse Lyons. “These world championships of equestrian sport epitomize the values that we applaud: passion, excellence and performance. When the eyes of the world tune in to watch the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Normandy, France, we will be there. Alltech’s sponsorship of equestrian sport brings the brand to life and creates value for our partners, generating strong ties with the end consumer of our products at moments of great passion. France and Normandy in particular, with its worldwide reputation of excellence in horse breeding, is a strategic location for our company. Alltech has a longstanding history of serving the agricultural community in France, and we are thrilled to support the event in Normandy and to share in the pride of this spectacular event. Given the inherent passion the people of Normandy have for the horse, we hope to leverage this sponsorship to support the communities in which we live and work.”
Alltech’s commitment to supporting national and international equestrian sports began in 2006, when it agreed to become the first-ever title sponsor of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. More than half a million spectators from all 50 U.S. states and 63 countries attended the 2010 event in Kentucky, and another 500 million television viewers around the world tuned in. This year also marks the 20th anniversary of Alltech France, where Alltech has offices in both Paris and Nantes. The company has a strong corporate presence throughout Europe, where 36 of its offices are located. Vice-President for Alltech Europe, Mr. Marc Larousse oversees the European region from the Paris office.
Countdown to the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Normandy 2014 officially begins on July 8, 2011. This day marks 1136 days out to the opening day of the event on August 17, 2014. More than 900 riders and 850 horses representing more than 60 nations are expected to convene in Normandy.
For more information on the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, please visit www.normandie2014.com
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06.27.11
Posted in 2010 Games, Announcement, Business Impacts, Government, Governor Beshear, World Equestrian Games at 10:35 pm by Thomas
Report: Visitors to event came from 63 countries, all 50 states
LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 27, 2011) – The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games held in 2010 at the Kentucky Horse Park had an economic impact of $201.5 million, Governor Steve Beshear announced today.
“The World Equestrian Games were indeed a success and this report illustrates the positive result that our local and state governments, our sponsors, the many volunteers, the business community and the citizens of the Commonwealth working together can have.” Gov. Beshear said. “It also underscores the important role of the Kentucky Horse Park and the legacy the games will have for future years.”
Gov. Beshear, First Lady Jane Beshear, Alltech founder Dr. Pearse Lyons, Tourism, Arts and Heritage Secretary Marcheta Sparrow and Kentucky Horse Park Executive Director John Nicholson participated in the announcement today at the Kentucky Horse Park.
“The World Equestrian Games was a unique opportunity to reaffirm our standing as Horse Capital of the World, as well as promote tourism and business in Kentucky,” said Mrs. Beshear. “To witness the event first-hand, from its inception to the closing ceremony of the final day, I am thrilled with its success and want to thank everyone who took part in creating and executing such a tremendous, historic event for our state.”
The Alltech World Equestrian Games were held Sept. 25 through Oct. 10, 2010, the first time the international event had been held outside of Europe. The games are composed of eight events – dressage, driving, endurance, eventing, jumping, para dressage, reining and vaulting.
According to the report commissioned by the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, the Alltech World Equestrian Games Foundation reported that it sold or provided complimentary tickets to 419,853 visitors. They came from 63 countries and all 50 states.
The economic impact took into account “direct” spending that accounted for $128.2 million. This includes guest spending at the Horse Park, lodging, restaurants, shopping centers and retail outlets.
It also considered “indirect” spending – $73.3 million – such as money spent for food and lodging suppliers, construction and other services that were needed to support the influx of guests.
The report found that $55.4 million was spent on tickets, food, souvenirs and other items at the event while $39.6 million was spent on lodging. The games also generated nearly $18.4 million in state taxes and nearly $4.6 million in local taxes, the report said.
“While these financial impact numbers are quite impressive and stronger than even anticipated, the impact extends far beyond the monetary evaluation,” said Dr. Lyons. “For years to come, our community will reap the benefits of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, from a new sense of community pride to statewide improvements and infrastructures that continue to drive tourism today.”
The study was conducted for the cabinet by Certec Inc. of Versailles. Information for the study was supplied by the World Games 2010 Foundation Inc., the Kentucky Horse Park, and the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet. An online version of the report is available at http://www.kentuckytourism.com/industry/research.aspx.
“The investment Gov. Beshear and the legislature made here at the Horse Park has already made this facility the best in the nation for equine-related events and organizations,” Lexington Mayor Jim Gray said. “The visibility the Games brought to our city and the investments the state made in Lexington to help our city host the Games – road improvements, a much improved gateway into our city and a new runway at the airport – have elevated Lexington’s brand as the Horse Capital of the World. The legacy and the economic impact of the Games have been remarkable.”
The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games had a direct impact on passenger travel at Lexington’s Blue Grass Airport. In October 2010, passenger enplanements increased by 39 percent from the previous year, according to the airport’s 2010 annual report.
The airport and its partners hosted more than 700 private and corporate airplanes, provided security for international dignitaries, welcomed more than 460 international athletes and facilitated 18 special event charter flights, said Eric Frankl, executive director at Blue Grass Airport
“It was a privilege for the airport to serve as the gateway to central Kentucky for World Equestrian Games visitors,” he said. “The airport experienced one of its busiest months in airport history as a result of the collaborative effort put forth by our airlines, airport partners and staff to successfully handle an event of this magnitude.”
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Follow Governor Beshear on Twitter @Govstevebeshear, read the Governor’s personal notes on his blog at http://blog.governor.ky.gov/ , and view the Governor’s weekly YouTube commentary at http://www.youtube.com/governorbeshear.
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10.22.10
Posted in 2010 Games, Kentucky Horse Park, World Equestrian Games at 10:17 pm by Press Release
Dear Kentucky Horse Park Family,
As all of us begin to emerge from our splendid and wonderful exhaustion,
and as the dust begins to settle . . . literally . . . I appreciate you
giving me the opportunity to share some reflections upon what I think we
would all agree was a most remarkable sixteen days.
Despite years of challenges, difficulties, tensions, angst of every
sort, and long endured struggles, all of which were largely unseen by
the world, history will record that the Alltech FEI World Equestrian
Games of 2010, conceived by, and held at, the Kentucky Horse Park, was a
triumphant success!
Throughout the many years of thinking about these Games, I simply did
not dare to dream that this event would go so well and result in the
nearly universal euphoria that we now seem to share. As a result, I am
filled with, not only great humility, but with profound gratitude, to be
associated with such a rare and remarkable group of people that made
these Games so extraordinarily successful.
In addition to the world’s best equestrian athletes, both human and
equine, there are many winners in these World Games. These winners
include, the Commonwealth of Kentucky, the Kentucky Horse Park,
Kentucky’s horse industry and, most assuredly, the city of Lexington.
Not surprisingly, I would like to begin with the Kentucky Horse Park.
One of the most satisfying occurrences during this entire effort was
that so many people, from so many different places in the world, were
able to witness first hand the remarkable competence, intelligence,
cleverness, and tireless dedication of the staff of the Kentucky Horse
Park. The praise for this group of people continues to be heard from all
corners. This exceptional collection of people include not only the
staff of the Horse Park, but also the staff of our Foundation and our
wonderful army of volunteers. I am not surprised, but am glad they are
being recognized for their excellence. I can tell all of you that I
consider it THE great privilege of my professional life to be associated
with every single one of my Horse Park colleagues. All of us owe them
our deepest gratitude.
In thinking of our Horse Park, it is important that we remember that the
Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games did not CAUSE the success of the
Kentucky Horse Park. The World Games are, instead, a REFLECTION of the
success of the Kentucky Horse Park. Our ascendancy has been in effect
for some years now. As a result of the urgency created by the Games, we
now have the tools to allow our Horse Park to truly fulfill its destiny.
As has been said on many occasions, the new facilities and all the
upgrades to the park were needed whether or not we ever heard of the
World Equestrian Games. And, as we predicted, these new facilities have
been extensively booked by new events and many of our long standing
events are growing dramatically. It is with this in mind, that we can
state confidently that there will be world class equine competition at
our Horse Park for decades and generations to come.
As we look forward to what promises to be an exhilarating future, it is
important that we not forget the special people who got us to where we
are today. It was gratifying that for sixteen days, tens of thousands of
people traversed upon Nina Bonnie Boulevard. One can mark the moment in
history when the Kentucky Horse Park began its rise to preeminence to
the day Governor Collins appointed Nina Bonnie to head Commission and
to start the Foundation. I will always be grateful to her and the
Commission for hiring my mentor, Lee Cholak, whose leadership set the
stage for so much of what we have achieved. I will also always be
grateful to Lee and Nina for hiring me and giving me the opportunity of
a lifetime.
It was also during these important years that people like Alston Kerr
and Cabby Boone began to take leadership roles in the park’s
development. The great leadership that Alston and Cabby give to the park
today can be traced to the leadership of not only Nina Bonnie, but to
the many people who gave so much of themselves to the park before anyone
could be assured of its ultimate success.
In key points of its history, the Kentucky Horse Park has been blessed
to be supported and protected by special friends. There is no greater
example of this than our Governor and First Lady.
All of us know the long devotion that Steve and Jane Beshear have given
to the Kentucky Horse Park. There is something nearly Providential that
when the park entered the most critical time in its history – placing
itself upon the world stage – the Governor’s Mansion was occupied by two
of its most faithful supporters. Much of the world will never know the
critical role both of them played as the Games faced every sort of peril
and challenge. The fact that the Games prevailed in the manner that they
did is indicative and reflective of their leadership.
It is also characteristically thoughtful of Steve and Jane that they
made sure that Governor Ernie Fletcher and Glenna were deservedly
recognized for the essential role they played in securing these Games
for Kentucky. Lessor people would have not been so magnanimous and
somehow that generous gesture seemed, not only to reflect their
wonderful character, but also to embody the entire spirit of the Games.
Clearly it is not possible to discuss the success of the 2010 Alltech
FEI World Equestrian Games without expressing our enduring gratitude to
Pearse and Dierdre Lyons. Alltech has provided an event sponsorship that
is truly unprecedented and assured the success of the Games. As a native
Kentuckian, I find it as a real source of pride that the first named
sponsor of a World Equestrian Games was not one of the usual band of
international companies, but is instead, a Kentucky based company, that
is international in scope, based in our agricultural heritage, but on
the cutting edge of biotechnology. I am very proud that Dr. Lyons (both
Pearse and Mark) represent twenty-first century Kentucky to the world.
As we know, over the years the formula for success of the Kentucky Horse
Park has involved public/private partnership. We have definitely taken
that concept to an entirely new level with the naming rights agreements
that have resulted in the Alltech Arena and the Rolex Stadium. It is
fitting that these mutually beneficial business agreements involve these
particular partners. The new arena carries the name of the company that
made possible the park’s most historic event. The new stadium carries
the name of company that has a thirty year relationship with the park
and has been responsible for the park’s international reputation which
allowed us to be taken seriously as we undertook to bid on the Games.
The Games provided the occasion to celebrate and strengthen some of the
park’s most important relationships. The park staff became true partners
with the World Games Foundation staff which was charged with the actual
execution of the Games. We also solidified our close relationship with
the United States Equestrian Federation. The park renewed its many close
associations with countless breed and discipline organizations that were
present during the World Games and who have had and will have many of
their events at the park.
The Kentucky Horse Park has no prouder association than its membership
among the agencies of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, so ably
lead by Secretary Marcheta Sparrow. The Alltech FEI World Equestrian
Games provided the forum for the Kentucky Experience, one of the most
significant tourism endeavors in the history of the Commonwealth. All
Kentuckians were proud of how this pavilion presented Kentucky to world
and I was very proud that such a magnificent presentation was upon the
grounds of the Horse Park.
Kentucky was indeed a huge winner as a result of the Games. The
worldwide positive exposure was unprecedented and we have defined
ourselves to much of the world as a beautiful place inhabited by warm,
friendly people in an environment that is worthy of relocation and
business investment.
The same can be said of Lexington. Downtown Lexington has experienced
nothing less than a renaissance as a result of Spotlight Lexington,
which would not have happened were it not for the Games. The city has
experienced a surge in pride, energy and confidence. The
Herald-Leader’s Tom Eblen noted that he lived in both Knoxville during
the time of the World’s Fair and in Atlanta during the Olympics. He
stated forthrightly that Lexington did better with these Games than
either Knoxville or Atlanta. The level of discussion about how to keep
alive the spirit of the Games within the community is simply inspiring.
The Kentucky horse industry has been change for the better as well. The
growth of the sport horse sector of the industry has given a new and
deeper meaning to “Horse Capitol of the World.” This growth is directly
related to the success of the Kentucky Horse Park and has been occurring
for several years now. The World Games is reflective of the remarkable
growth of the Kentucky Horse Park and, consequently, the growth of the
sport horse sector of the industry.
There is no longer any question but that our Kentucky Horse Park has
made the most significant contribution in memory to the advancement of
equestrian sport on this continent. There can be no question but that
our Horse Park has made an historic contribution to the international
profile of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. No one can dispute but that the
park has been an essential element in the renaissance that is occurring
within Lexington and the Bluegrass. It is now clearly evident that the
Kentucky Horse Park is at the vanguard of the movement that will make
the twenty-first century the “Golden Age of the Horse” in America.
Without doubt, the best, most exciting, and exhilarating days for the
Kentucky Horse Park lie in the future and the great spirit of the 2010
World Games will continue at the park for decades and generations to
come.
Warmest regards,
John Nicholson
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