KyWEGO® Kentucky World Equestrian Games Citizens Action Group
LEXINGTON, KY—DAY ONE—Follow the World Championship competitions of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games with start lists, live scoring and results online at www.alltechfeigames.com/results.
After more then 4 1/2 years the day we have waited for has finally arrived, Opening Day of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games … Kentucky’s World Equestrian Games. It is a beautiful morning, Temperature is a cool 59º F in Lexington.
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.
LEXINGTON, KY—The countdown clock reads zero days to go. Athletes and horses have arrived. Construction crews are finishing their jobs. Entertainers are practicing for the Opening Ceremonies and the Kentucky Horse Park is bustling with activity. Let the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games begin!
The Kentucky Horse Park will host 800 athletes from 58 countries during the Games. Some of those athletes and 800-plus horses have traveled thousands of miles to compete in world championship competitions. These horses are incredibly fit and well cared for. In recent days, athletes have been training and practicing for the upcoming competitions.
Eight different disciplines will be competing at the 2010 Games, each with several competitions to contest in both team and individual champions. So far, tickets have been sold in 58 countries and all 50 US states.
The Kentucky Horse Park has undergone extensive construction for the Games. The Rolex Stadium will be the main stadium for the event, holding up to 25,000 people. Dressage, Jumping and Eventing will be held there. The Indoor Arena will host Reining and Vaulting. The arena is climate controlled with 6,000 seats and hospitality suites.
In addition, the temporary Driving venue is complete and ready to hold up to 6,000 spectators. A temporary venue was constructed for the Endurance start, finish and veterinary checkpoints, and many other temporary structures have been built throughout the Park.
Gates will open at 7 a.m. Saturday, and the Kentucky Horse Park will be the first US venue to host the World Equestrian Games. Tickets to several finals competitions have sold out including Dressage Freestyle, Vaulting Individual Freestyle and the Reining Individual finals. Tickets to all other competitions are still available. To secure your tickets, visit www.alltechfeigames.com or call 1-888-934-2010.
About the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games:
The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games are the world championships of eight equestrian disciplines recognized by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI). The Games are held every four years and this will be the first occurrence in the United States. Tickets to the 2010 Games are still available and can be purchased at www.alltechfeigames.com/tickets, at www.ticketmaster.com, through the Ticketmaster hotline at 1-800-745-3000, or at your local Ticketmaster outlet.
The Games will be broadcast on NBC Sports, which marks 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 $167 million, and current sponsors include Alltech, Rolex, John Deere, Ariat International, Inc., Meydan, Kentucky Ale and the University of Kentucky. For more information on the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games please visit, www.alltechfeigames.com.
LEXINGTON, KY—1 day to go—The 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games have announced definite entries for the following disciplines: Dressage, Endurance and Reining.
Definite entries for the three disciplines can be viewed online at http://www.alltechfeigames.com/content.aspx?id=5380.
The 2010 Games will begin September 25 with the Reining competition and Opening Ceremonies. Endurance will be held on September 26. The Dressage competition will begin September 27 and will end on October 1 with the sold-out Dressage Freestyle.
Definite entries for Driving, Eventing, Jumping, Para-Dressage and Vaulting will be available within the coming days.
Tickets to the 2010 Games are still available, but selling quickly. Experience it in person by securing your tickets today at www.alltechfeigames.com/tickets or 1-888-934-2010.
LEXINGTON, KY—1 Day to Go–When the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games officially begin on Saturday, Kentuckians will have the opportunity to witness the pageantry and excitement of the opening ceremonies as most of the state’s NBC affiliates broadcast the event live from 7:00–9:00 p.m. EST Saturday.
The following Kentucky NBC affiliates will be carrying the live show:
· WLEX, Lexington
· WAVE, Louisville
· WLWT, Cincinnati
· WNKY, Bowling Green
· WPSD, Paducah
· WFIE, Evansville (Indiana)
The broadcast will be produced by Carr-Hughes Productions, the official host broadcaster of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Heading up the production will be five-time Emmy winner Jim Carr, 20-year Olympic veteran Bob Hughes and acclaimed director Brian Douglas, who led the complete broadcast production of two Olympics. The show will be hosted by Nancy Cox and Kevin Christopher of WLEX – Lexington.
The opening ceremonies will see a cast of nearly 1,500 people, ages 8 to 80, joining almost 200 horses from around the world for a celebration of dreams that will play tribute to the Games’ American debut. With scenes of the prairie, Broadway, the Wild West, and the Deep South, the show will journey through the history of horses and man as well as iconic moments in U.S. history and culture.
Forty different acts will be featured, including Kentuckian Wynonna Judd; opera stars Denyce Graves, Cynthia Lawrence and Ronan Tynan; Sara Lee Guthrie; Cherryholmes; and Jazz at Lincoln Center among other notables. World-renowned boxing legend, humanitarian, global icon and Kentucky native Muhammad Ali will also be making a special appearance.
Along with the opening ceremonies, the broadcast will also include regional features and a special preview of the coming events as eight world championships are contested over the following 15 days.
“The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games will be an epic moment in the Commonwealth’s history. Never before has an international sporting event of this magnitude come to our Bluegrass,” said Terry Johnson, vice president of marketing and sponsorship for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. “We are delighted that NBC affiliates throughout the state have partnered to bring the show to Kentuckians.”
Opening ceremony tickets are still available but selling quickly. Experience it in person by securing your tickets today at www.alltechfeigames.com/ticketsor 1-888-934-2010.
An opening ceremonies mobile app is also now available for $0.99 download.
LEXINGTON, KY—2 Days To Go—Rabobank, a leading bank in the global food and agriculture industry, is the Official Agribusiness Bank and sponsor of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.
“We are pleased to have Rabobank join our family of sponsors,” said Terry Johnson, vice president of marketing and sales for the World Games 2010 Foundation. “Their commitment to financing agribusiness around the world makes them a perfect fit for the 2010 Games.”
As a premier financial services provider to the global food and agribusiness industry, Rabobank is the bank of choice to many leading animal feed companies in the U.S. and in key international markets. Rabobank is also an active supporter of equestrian sports in its parent country, the Netherlands, sponsoring the Royal Dutch Equestrian Federation and Dutch Olympic Equestrian Teams, as well as talent development programs for young Dutch equestrians.
“Rabobank is delighted to be a part of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games,” said Adriaan Weststrate, Managing Director, Rabobank North America Wholesale banking. “We are thrilled to lend our support as Official Agribusiness Bank to an event which will bring together world leaders in the areas of equestrian health, nutrition and sports. This sponsorship is a wonderful way to continue and extend our commitment to our many valued clients in the global animal feed industry, and to showcase the talent of the Dutch equestrian team. We are especially pleased to be involved with the Games for their debut in the U.S., a country in which we have established a leadership position in the F&A market over the course of our 30-year presence.”
Rabobank (www.Rabobank.com) is the leading financial services provider to the global food and agribusiness industry, providing a full range of specialized services, products and advisory to meet the needs of wholesale, production and retail clients operating across the entire food and agri value chain. Established as a banking cooperative by Dutch farmers over a century ago, Rabobank today is one of the 20 largest banks in the world by Tier I capital, with operations in over 40 countries. Rabobank is ranked as one of the safest banks in the world, with a triple A credit rating from both Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s Investors Service for 29 years. Rabobank remains true to its agricultural and cooperative heritage, and brings an unparalleled depth of industry knowledge, sector expertise, and long-term commitment to every client relationship. Rabobank: the financial link in the global food chain™
LEXINGTON, KY—One of America’s finest songwriters, Lyle Lovett, will bring the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games to a vibrant finale at the October 10th closing ceremonies in Lexington, Ky.
Known for his versatility and musicality across many genres, from country and bluegrass to swing, folk ballads, gospel and blues, the four-time Grammy Award winner and his Large Band will provide a musical bookend to the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games’ closing ceremonies’ celebration of iconic moments in U.S. history and culture.
Lovett has celebrated nearly 30 years of hits including “If I Had a Boat,” “Nobody Knows Me,” “South Texas Girl,” “That’s Right (You’re Not from Texas),” “She’s No Lady,” and his groundbreaking single, “Cowboy Man.” On his 14th album, “Natural Forces” released last year, Lovett croons a poignant line that speaks to his equestrian spirit: “Home is where my horse is.”
Lovett’s connection to the Games is not limited to the closing ceremonies. As a Texas native, he breeds and raises quarterhorses for reining, competes non-professionally as a rider, and is involved in equestrian charity work. One of his horses, Smart and Shiny, is slated to be ridden by Italy’s Marco Ricotta in Reining.
“Lyle Lovett is one of America’s greatest living singers and songwriters,” said Dr. Everett McCorvey, executive producer of the opening and closing ceremonies. “As the curtain closes on the World Equestrian Games’ debut in the United States and we bid farewell to newfound friends the world over, no one could bring us to a better concluding note than the iconic Lyle Lovett.”
In addition to his music, Lovett has appeared in 12 feature films, including several directed by the highly-acclaimed Robert Altman.
Tickets to the October 10th closing ceremonies are still available. To secure your tickets today, please visit www.alltechfeigames.com or call 1-888-934-2010.
LEXINGTON, KY—4 Days to Go—With less than one week until the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games open, two more sessions of competition are now sold out.
Both price levels A and B are now sold out for Dressage Freestyle on Friday, October 1st, fulfilling a complete sell out for this session in the outdoor stadium.
Additionally, the Vaulting Individual Male/Female Freestyle on Saturday, October 9th in the Indoor Arena is now sold out.
Both the Dressage Freestyle and Vaulting Individual Male/Female Freestyle are medal rounds of competition. In the past few weeks, the Reining Individual Final and some hospitality offerings have also reached capacity.
Tickets are still available for many sessions of competition, including compulsory and finals rounds in each of the eight world championship sports contested at the Games.
To find the best seats available, purchase your tickets today at www.alltechfeigames.com/tickets or at 1-888-934-2010.
I was out to the Kentucky Horse Park Friday evening and can report everything is coming together nicely. One major update has to deal with parking or more importantly, getting from the parking area to the Front Gate. It was announced on Friday that there will be buses running continuously to bring all spectators that want from the parking area to the Front Gate. Depending on where you park this will probably save you about 1/2 mile of walking. For those with mobility challenges, there will also be shuttles on the KHP grounds to help you get around as well. The weather looks to also be cooperating in that the current forecast is dry for the first week of the Games. Check out our KyWEGO Information Central site for quick information updates on the Games.
Kentucky Colonel
Thomas P. Demond
LEXINGTON, KY—9 days to go—World-renowned boxing legend, humanitarian, global icon and Kentucky native Muhammad Ali will take center stage when the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games begin in Lexington, Ky., in nine days.
The Champ will join a cast of nearly 1,500 people, ages eight to 80, and almost 200 horses from as far away as Australia for an opening ceremonies celebration of dreams that will play tribute to the Games’ American debut with scenes of the prairie, Broadway, the Wild West, and the Deep South.
The show will journey through the history of horses and man as well as iconic moments in U.S. history and culture, beginning with America’s Native American heritage and a prayer for all nations by Lakota chiefs, and concluding with a Mardi Gras extravaganza that will see all cast members join together in a jubilant parade.
The two and a half hour show will include 40 different acts, including Kentuckian Wynonna Judd; opera stars Denyce Graves, Cynthia Lawrence and Ronan Tynan; Sara Lee Guthrie; Cherryholmes; and Jazz at Lincoln Center, among other notables.
“While the majority of our cast is ‘homegrown’ to showcase the talent bred in our Bluegrass region, this show will represent the global nature of the eight equestrian world championships,” said Dr. Everett McCorvey, executive producer of the opening and closing ceremonies. “We have an international collaboration of talent coming together and communicating through their artistry.”
Following in the tradition of World Equestrian Games’ opening ceremonies, a special musical score has been composed for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. McCorvey and his team entertained pieces from composers around the world and selected Jamie Burton of London, England. His “World Equestrian Games Fanfare” will debut at the opening ceremony with a 100-piece orchestra from the University of Kentucky.
Opening ceremony tickets are still available, but selling quickly. To secure your tickets today, please visit www.alltechfeigames.com or call 1-888-934-2010.
About the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games
The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games are the world championships of eight equestrian disciplines recognized by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI). The Games are held every four years and this will be the first occurrence in the United States.
The Games will be broadcast on NBC Sports, which has marked the largest commitment to network coverage of equestrian sport in U.S. television history. The 2010 Games are expected to have a statewide economic impact of $150 million, and current sponsors include Alltech, Rolex, John Deere, Ariat International, Inc., Meydan and Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital. For more information on the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, please visit www.alltechfeigames.com
About the Muhammad Ali Center
Muhammad Ali and his wife, Lonnie, founded the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville, Kentucky in 2005. On behalf of Ali’s home state, the cultural and education center that bears his name, and one of the Center’s important international partners—Alltech—he proudly makes this significant Opening Ceremonies appearance, similar to his historic appearance at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, GA.
The Muhammad Ali Center is a cultural attraction and international education center that is inspired by the ideals of Muhammad Ali. Featuring an award-winning visitor experience, educational and public programming, and global initiatives, the Ali Center reaches beyond its physical walls to fulfill its mission: To preserve and share the legacy and ideals of Muhammad Ali, to promote respect, hope and understanding, and to inspire adults and children everywhere to be as great as they can be.
Lexington, KY–9 days to go–A temporary equine quarantine facility at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Airport is ready to facilitate the entry of horses from around the world competing in the eight World Championships of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, September 25-October 10 at the Kentucky Horse Park.
The World Games 2010 Foundation worked in conjunction with officials from the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Airport, the US Department of Agriculture and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture to have the airport classed as a temporary port of entry for the horses coming to compete.
Almost 500 horses are anticipated to pass through this new temporary facility on their way to the Kentucky Horse Park. The horses will be coming from Europe and the Middle East through Belgium on non-stop flights. The first horses are scheduled to arrive on September 16th. Approximately 50 horses and their attendants will travel on each of these special flights into the airport.
The importation of horses into the US is supervised by the USDA in order to monitor the health of the animals. Horses that are imported from Europe and the Middle East via the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Airport must undergo at least a 42-hour quarantine upon arrival to the US. The quarantine facility will be managed by the KY Department of Agriculture in conjunction with the veterinarians from the World Games.
Horses may be imported into the United States provided they meet strict requirements. All horses must be accompanied by an official health certificate written in English. The official health certificate must be signed by a full-time veterinary officer of the national government of the country of export. These requirements and the quarantine period exist to guarantee the health and safety of animals already residing within the United States’ borders against health threats from other countries.
Upon arrival at the airport, all horses and equipment are immediately placed in the care of the USDA/Kentucky Department of Agriculture and veterinarians from the World Games, and are taken to the Quarantine Facility. Access to the animals is restricted to authorized personnel and the animal’s regular attendant, who must follow regulations and be supervised by a USDA/Kentucky Department of Agriculture or Games employee at all times. The facility is a high security area, surrounded by a double fence and 24-hour security.
After the quarantine period, if the animal is given approval, it will be transported to the Kentucky Horse Park to compete in the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.
Any imported horses suspected of having a communicable disease will be kept in quarantine and will not be transported to the Horse Park until the issue is resolved.
LEXINGTON, KY—10 Days to Go—The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games will honor men and women in the military with a Military Appreciation Day on October 7th and a special Grounds Pass ticket offering.
Active Duty personnel, Reserves, National Guard, and Military retirees can purchase Grounds Pass tickets for $15 instead of the full price of $25. Up to four Grounds Pass tickets can be purchased at the $15 rate.
Tickets can be purchased September 14th-24th at any Ticketmaster outlet and must be purchased in advance. This offer is not available online as military personnel must show their certified identification badge at the time of purchase. This ticket offering will not be available at the gate box office on October 7th.
Military personnel can find their nearest Ticketmaster outlets at www.ticketmaster.com or at 1-888-745-3000.
For more information about tickets to the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, visit www.alltechfeigames.com/tickets or call 1-888-934-2010.
Ok, I am hopeful that everyone isn’t getting tired of me talking about the Games, if you are you only have a couple more weeks and then I won’t talk about it for a month or two :-}. What I wanted to say though, and this is mainly for my Kentucky friends, is that if you haven’t decided whether to go or not, let me ask you to trust me when I say you should go. I won’t say that this is a once in a lifetime experience because I plan on seeing the Games come back to Kentucky one day, but the earliest that they would likely be back would be 2026. You don’t have to buy a competition ticket, just get you a day pass, but I promise you there is a real magic with these Games that you will understand if you go. Anyone who would want to go on Tuesday the 28th, I have a few Grounds Passes that I could let go for what I paid($20) for them, just send me a message.
For all my friends and family who continue to support me even though I know some of you think me crazy for all the time and effort I have spent on this over the last 4 1/2 years, thank you.
Lexington, KY—With just 14 days until the opening ceremonies of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, the first group of eight horses arrived at the Kentucky Horse Park on Friday afternoon. This first group of equine athletes represent Chile and Guatemale and will compete at the Games in the World Championship of Endurance presented by Meydan.
The horses have been quarantined in Miami since their flight to the United States and have traveled via trailer to Kentucky. While the athletes are not arriving with these horses, this first group of equine athletes arriving to the park signifies that the Games are getting underway!
The first of the horses from Europe will be arriving next week and will be in quarantine in Northern Kentucky.
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