I made it Downtown (Lexington) today for the 100 day kickoff celebration and Fortnight Festival announcements and came away impressed with the line-up. I have to say, for the non-horse music loving people the Fortnight Festival will be the biggest thing in Kentucky I am sure for several years to come and for us horse-music loving people, things just got that much more complicated. The number and variety of what I would call big name acts surprised me and I would have to believe that Dr. Lyons has some inside contact in the music industry to have pulled this together. There are a number of acts on here I would love to see because I suspect I might never get the chance again. So let me run down the list for all of you who hadn’t heard yet in order of dates (9/23 – 10/9);
Little Feat
Wynonna Judd
Ralph Stanley & Clinch Mountain Boys
Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band & Johnson Brothers Band
100. You get to walk on the bluegrass. It’s pretty famous in Kentucky.
99. You know that saying “When pigs fly?” Horses actually do fly here…over jumps.
98. Because trail riding is fun, but horses do much cooler things at the 2010 Games.
97. You get to meet someone from a different country, or actually, more than 60 different countries.
96. Single men, two words: International visitors.
95. Single ladies, we’ve got cowboys. With boots and hats. Some even have a southern drawl.
94. You can get horse training tips from world famous equine clinicians.
93. Because you can have a place to party…outside.
92. You can practice using a foreign language with native speakers.
91. Because tickets to the Games are better than anything Santa could ever bring.
90. You get to see horses of every color and size.
89. We’ll have beer. Kentucky Ale to be exact.
88. You can see horses in Kentucky doing something other than run in a circle.
87. Because you’re wondering exactly how one place can hold so many horses and people.
86. The Iron Chef will cook for you. It’s the only time you’ll think even rabbit liver tastes amazing.
85. To buy that cowboy hat you know you’ve always wanted.
84. Don’t care for horses? We’ll have penguins.
83. Don’t like penguins? We’ll have sharks too. Both in the Alltech Experience Pavilion.
82. For the right price, you can sit in the Champions Club without having to vault, drive or jump your way there.
81. The best rooftop gardener in New York City will be there. And guess what? He’s a Kentuckian!
80. If you’ve never made it to the Kentucky Derby, you can watch approximately 90 Kentucky Derbies at about one-third the speed. It’s called Endurance.
79. It’s the perfect horsey fix in between Keeneland’s Fall Sales and Fall Meet.
78. The Kentucky Horse Park will be taken over by an army. Well, we have 7,000 volunteers. That’s basically an army.
77. You can take your girl for a ride on a big green tractor in the John Deere sponsor pavilion.
76. It’s the biggest party in Kentucky this year. Don’t be the only one with nothing to talk about the morning of October 11.
75. Ever wonder how horses do stunts for movies? Equine Village demonstrators will show you.
74. The day doesn’t stop after the competition is over, Lexington will continue the celebration downtown at Spotlight Lexington.
73. To visit the state that makes 95% of the world’s bourbon…and then drink some.
72. Because no matter how crazy your friends are, they are never going to jump on the back of a cantering horse and then do a back flip. But our vaulting athletes will.
71. Our Driving teams bring a whole new feeling to the phrase “horse and buggy.” It’s a carriage—not a cart—and they drive like NASCAR’s best.
70. Because you’re an Auburn fan and you drove all the way here for the UK Football game. Or because you’re a UK fan who sold your Auburn tickets.
69. UK’s basketball season hasn’t started yet—which means our Jumping athletes will have the biggest “air” in town.
68. When your daughter comes home wanting a dressage pony, you’ll at least know that “dressage” rhymes with “garage.”
67. To cross Kentucky off your list of states visited.
66. The Kentucky Horse Park has 1,224 acres of rolling bluegrass countryside. The 2006 Games in Aachen, Germany had 40 acres. Come see what we’re doing with the extra 1,184.
65. Because your kids get in free.
64. It might be the only time you can have a world-renowned chef cook for you using items you might find at a Kentucky Farmer’s Market. We call it Kentucky Proud, and we’re proud of it!
63. Because you’ve heard someone say they use “Natural Horsemanship” and you have no clue what it is.
62. Not a world champion equestrian athlete? More than a dozen clinicians will be on hand to show you the reins. Or in the case of Stacy Westfall, to entertain you without reins.
61. To pick up some new dance moves. Dressage horses are more graceful than lots of people. Most people, actually.
60. Because if you only know about our bourbon you are missing out on our incredible Kentucky wines. Taste them in the Kentucky Experience.
59. Spend a day with your family for the same cost as a night at the movies. Fun, laughter and memories required with purchase of your Grounds Pass tickets.
58. Because you can have your own bottle of Maker’s Mark personally dipped for you in our Makers Mark Bourbon Village Hospitality Pavilion. Where else will you ever see that signature wax melted?
57. The number of activities for horse-obsessed children is endless.
56. You have never been to a horse show, and doesn’t the saying go: don’t knock it till you try it?
55. Because you’re sick of watching sports that revolve around some type of ball.
54. You can spend all day outside…or 16 days outside.
53. Because you’ve never seen a horse up close.
52. How many times have you heard Wynonna Judd sing “My Old Kentucky Home?”
51. Because you’re looking for an excuse to pull out those cowboy boots from the back of your closet.
50. And, if you don’t have boots you have to come put your feet in a pair of Ariat’s.
49. Roads have been created and widened just so you don’t have to fight traffic.
48. It is the first time the Para-Dressage will be part of the World Equestrian Games. Don’t know what Para-Dressage is? Come find out.
47. You get to watch riders play musical horses in the Rolex Top Four jumping competition.
46. You get to learn from top veterinarians and animal health experts.
45. Because weeknights during the Games will be far from boring.
44. Because you don’t have to be a jockey or a zillionaire to get a great seat.
43. Because there are airports in Lexington, Louisville and Cincinnati that can assure you get to the event as safely as the horses.
42. Following our athlete bloggers? Now is your chance to see them in person.
41. The most talented riders in the world will all be in one location. It’s your chance to see the best of the best compete against each other.
40. Ever heard of the champion racehorse Cigar? He’ll be there. And you can meet him in the Kentucky Horse Park’s Hall of Champions.
39. Because if you can’t buy a real horse you can buy a Breyer.
38. We have over 30,000 friends on Facebook and they are definitely coming…don’t be left out.
37. Because our trade show is the only place where you can buy a treadmill for your horse and a watch for your spouse in the same shopping experience.
36. You get to shop…period.
35. There will be a sneak peak of the 2014 Games in France.
34. Because it’ll have more horsepower than that car you’re driving.
33. Our Para-Dressage athletes conquer every challenge—come be amazed.
32. Lexington has created one of the top horse venues in the world.
31. Because your experience at the Games will be timeless, just like a Rolex watch, the official time piece of the Games.
30. You can see the entire state in one place. All nine tourism regions will be in the Kentucky Experience exhibit.
29. Because horses run faster, jump higher and turn quicker than any human ever will.
28. During the Games, Lexington is going to be the talk of the horse world…don’t you want to be a part of it?
27. Because it will definitely give you something to tweet about.
26. You will make your child’s day, month and probably year.
25. Because you don’t know what the word piaffe means and you definitely didn’t know it is something a horse can do.
24. You have never seen a horse slide on its hind legs and look cool doing it.
23. Because you haven’t been to the Kentucky Horse Park.
22. And if you have been to the Kentucky Horse Park, you haven’t seen the Park’s newest addition. Find out about the Park’s Gift from the Desert.
21. Because Kentucky and the city of Lexington have prepared to make this event one to remember.
20. You can find out how Dippin’ Dots made ice cream into tiny, tasty pellets—the creators will be there!
19. Because some of the most beautiful farms in the bluegrass will be transformed into a 100 mile endurance course.
18. You can see a bond between a horse and a rider that you can’t see anywhere else.
17. Because Lexington has had a count-down clock running since December 29, 2007 and it will finally say 0 days to go.
16. You aren’t from Kentucky-or maybe you are- and you are wondering what this state has to offer…the Kentucky Experience will fill you in.
15. If you like taking photos you can fill a bookshelf full of albums with exciting snapshots from this event.
14. Because the Kentucky Horse Park is the only park in the world dedicated to horses.
13. We can bet you have never been to a horse show that has the world championships of eight disciplines held at the same venue.
12. September is the perfect time to take a little vacation.
11. Doesn’t everyone want to take a vacation?
10. Because Lexington has been under construction since 2006 and it’s time for everything to finally come together.
9. You won’t get to see a World Equestrian Games again until 2014.
8. Because other world championship sporting events don’t have tickets for as little as $25.
7. You will be a part of history in the making.
6. It’s Kentucky hospitality. It’s what we do best.
5. You can spend your day watching the biggest horse show to hit this country and your night attending the best party in Lexington.
4. Because the Games have never been here before—and who knows if they will ever be back?
3. Kentucky is within a day’s drive of 2/3 of the U.S. population. Don’t believe us? We’ll see you in 12 hours. Loser buys a ticket to the Games.
2. Because you’re running out of time, tickets won’t be on sale much longer.
1. 16 days. Eight World Championships. The Horse Capital of the World. Isn’t that enough?
Volunteers from Kentucky and surrounding states flocked to Lexington on June 1 for the first volunteer training session in preparation for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. This marks the beginning of general volunteer training which will span the month of June.
“It went fabulously,” said Erin Faherty, director of volunteer services, about the first session. “The volunteers are very excited and they are beginning to realize that they not only represent themselves, the local area, and Kentucky, but also the United States.”
The training session, which is mandatory for all volunteers, consists of several educational presentations that are designed to prepare volunteers for what they will encounter at the Games. They include an overview of the Games, information about volunteer check-in, uniforms, behavior, safety and communication.
“I thought it was very informative,” said Donna Vanover, a volunteer from Lexington who attended the first training session. “(It gave) volunteers a general overview of what to expect and opened your eyes to what you hadn’t thought of.”
Vanover said the session answered many of her questions and helped her know how to plan her schedule for when the Games arrive.
“It is a fun two hours,” Vanover said. “Even if it’s after work, it will get you excited even more about the Games.”
During the month of June, training sessions will be held every Tuesday and Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Faherty said the training sessions are very interactive, including videos and demonstrations that have gotten both volunteers and staff members excited.
“It has been a long time coming,” said Melissa Gamble, volunteer services manager. “They (the volunteers) have stuck with us, and it was nice to see the passion in their eyes.”
General training is the first leg of training that volunteers will receive in the months prior to the Games. Job specific training and venue training will be assigned closer to the Games, depending on what position the volunteer will be working.
Training is mandatory for all volunteers, both competition and general. They can sign up on Shiftboard using their volunteer profile. Each session is limited to 200 volunteers. Another training option will be available for volunteers who live too far away to attend a session in Lexington. Those volunteers will be contacted through email.
Still interested in becoming a volunteer? Your time is running out. Click here for more information.
LEXINGTON, KY–This fall, visitors from around the world will get a chance to experience all the sights, sounds and tastes that Kentucky has to offer during the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, without ever leaving the Kentucky Horse Park.
“Our goal is to immerse visitors in all that is Kentucky so that before they return home, or the next time they travel, they won’t be able to resist seeing the real thing,” said Mike Cooper, Kentucky’s Commissioner of Travel & Tourism.
While the primary focus of the 2010 Games is eight world championships in equestrian sport, spectators from around the world will be able to enjoy The Kentucky Experience, which will present the multitude of Kentucky cultural, historical and artistic features that make the Bluegrass State such a unique and special place among the world’s travel destinations.
Located at the Kentucky Horse Park and grounds of the Games from September 25 through October 10, The Kentucky Experience is a major exposition that will feature the nine tourism regions of the Commonwealth, from the lakes in the west, to the mountains in the east, and even to the caves and Corvettes in the south.
The Kentucky Experience will have three Pavilions to entice visitors. The first stop, though, is The Kentucky Experience Welcome Center. At the Welcome Center, visitors will get a dose of Kentucky hospitality as hosts will provide a list of daily events and provide information on each region represented.
Next, walk through the regions of Kentucky and experience the Bluegrass State in the Exhibit Pavilion. Images, artifacts and audio will combine to present a virtual tour of the Commonwealth. From Ali to Colonel Sanders, horses to houseboats, artists to aquariums, and so much more, the Exhibit Pavilion will present an unbridled Kentucky experience.
The Kentucky Product Pavilion is designed give visitors a taste of Kentucky, literally. Local bourbon distillers will be on hand to show (and let you sample!) the bourbon distilling process, in addition to local wineries and wine tastings. Kentucky ales will also be featured. Visitors will also be able to taste a selection of Kentucky Proud products, such as beer cheese and bourbon balls. Beautiful handmade Kentucky folk crafts and world-famous art will be on display and even available for purchase.
Follow the sounds to the Entertainment Pavilion, where performances will be occurring throughout the Games, all by Kentucky artists. Kentucky is well known for its Bluegrass and Country artists, and will be found at the entertainment pavilion, but so too will the full array and diversity of talent that resides in Kentucky.
The Welcome Center and pavilions will surround a beautiful Kentucky courtyard garden designed by nationally known master gardener and Rockastle County native, Jon Carloftis.
See it, experience it…The Kentucky Experience!
Access to the The Kentucky Experience will be available with a Grounds Pass or a competition ticket. Grounds Pass ticket sales begin April 16 at 10 a.m. at www.alltechfeigames.com, www.ticketmaster.com, at any Ticketmaster outlet, and at (800) 745-3000. Tickets will be on sale at a promotional rate of $20 until May 31. Grounds Pass tickets will be priced at $25 after that time. All children 12 years of age and under will be granted free entry with a paying adult.
No sooner did I get my last post up and the voting had started. As I said previously my first vote went to Sheri Israel. I decided to give my second vote to Kristine Oakhurst because other then Sheri she was the only semi-finalist that had their first blog entry up. Everyone please vote, the more votes cast the closer Purina comes to their goal of donating $10,000 to the NARHA.
Well we have heard through the grape vine that Purina has chosen the four semi-finalist for the Live from Lexington Blog-O-Spondent contest and afraid yours truly was not among them. I am not too disappointed, I would have really enjoyed being Purina’s Blog-O-Spondent but I have been spreading myself very thin this last year and so to have taken this on may have been a bit much. I do believe “Everything Happens for a Reason”, so I may have missed out on this opportunity but there will be others.
So here is the list as I have been told though Purina still hasn’t officially released the results.
Sheri Israel
Nina Ackerly
Kristine Oakhurst
Erin Gallagher
Of these four only one was on my original list and that was Sheri Israel, aka Dressage Mom . Sheri made my list because I liked the way she came across in her video and she has been doing her blog for the last four years which takes a level of commitment that I can so attest to and so she will be getting my first vote. The contest is actually for two Blog-O-Spondents so I will have see what the other three do on their blogs each day and cast my vote on that basis.
LEXINGTON, KY—The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, with several key sponsors and partners, will celebrate 100 Days to Go until the world’s most prestigious equestrian event comes to Kentucky with a celebration in downtown Lexington on June 17.
The Fifth Third Pavilion at Cheapside Park will be transformed into a celebration and preview of things to come from September 25-October 10, 2010, when the world championships in eight equestrian sports are contested at Lexington’s Kentucky Horse Park.
The 100 Days to Go Celebration will kick off at 11 a.m., with live music and a culinary preview of the Games, including Dippin’ Dots, Alltech Angus and Kentucky Ale.
At noon, the Games’ title sponsor, Alltech, will announce the line up for the Alltech Fortnight Festival, a sixteen-day concert series which will take place in venues around the state of Kentucky concurrent with the Games.
At 12:30 p.m., The World Games 2010 Foundation will showcase its Ariat Consumer apparel line for the Games in a fashion show. These festivities will both be emceed by WLEX anchor Nancy Cox.
From 1-3 p.m., some very unique aspects of the Games will get a special spotlight. World-renowned gardener and Kentucky native, Jon Carloftis, will host a signing of his book, Beautiful Gardens of Kentucky, while showcasing a preview of two gardens he will create at the Games venue in the Alltech Experience Pavilion and the Kentucky Experience Pavilion.
Also from 1-3 p.m., Alltech will showcase its aquaculture program, with some help from an African King Penguin and alligator from the Newport Aquarium, which will showcase its marine wildlife in the Alltech Experience and Kentucky Experience during the Games.
Throughout the entire day, the state’s Department of Travel and Tourism will preview The Kentucky Experience, which will allow Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games spectators to venture into the state’s nine tourism regions, as well as a showcase of Kentucky crafts, music, and food products. On June 17, visitors will see a small taste of Kentucky, and can view a Corvette arriving from Bowling Green in time for the celebration.
Of course, the celebration would be incomplete without the stars of the show – horses. The Kentucky Horse Park will offer a preview of its Equine Village, another destination point on the grounds of the Games, with a few majestic equine athletes.
The World Games 2010 Foundation will have a ticketing booth and several prizes, including tickets, will be given away throughout the day.
Come join the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games for a fun, family-friendly day as we celebrate 100 Days to Go!
Those unable to come downtown to the festival can still join in the celebration by logging onto www.alltech.com, where a live video broadcast from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. will showcase all of the excitement.
LEXINGTON, Ky. — Papa John’s International, Inc. (NASDAQ: PZZA), the world’s third largest pizza chain, will be the Official Pizza of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, as today announced by the World Games 2010 Foundation and the Kentucky-based company.
“Papa John’s looks forward to delivering our ‘Better Ingredients. Better Pizza.’ brand promise to visitors from all over the world as they converge in Lexington for the Games,” said Mike Coomes, division vice president for Papa John’s. “Our brand has always been known for quality and we are proud to partner with another quality organization in the World Equestrian Games.”
As part of the agreement, Papa John’s will assist in feeding thousands of volunteers over the course of the 16-day event and will be the exclusive pizza sold on the grounds. They will also have a significant presence on the grounds during the event.
“Papa John’s coming on board as a sponsor is very exciting for the Games,” stated Terry Johnson, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for the Games. “Not only are their products of the highest quality, but they are also a proud Kentucky company, which makes it even more special.”
Papa John’s is based in Louisville, Kentucky and has more than 3,400 restaurants in 30 countries.
About Papa John’s
Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, Papa John’s International, Inc. (NASDAQ: PZZA) is the world’s third largest pizza company. For nine of the last 10 years, consumers have rated Papa John’s No. 1 in customer satisfaction among all national pizza chains in the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI). Papa John’s also was honored by Restaurants & Institutions Magazine (R&I) with the 2009 Gold Award for Consumers’ Choice in Chains in the pizza segment and was named 2007 Pizza Today Chain of the Year. For more information about the company or to order pizza online, visit Papa John’s at www.papajohns.com.
Clinics and Demonstrations are Part of Grounds Pass Ticket Offering
Lexington, Ky. – Lynn Palm will be a featured performer at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, September 25 to October 10 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Ky.
Activities provided daily by Lynn Palm include Bridleless Musical Exhibitions with elements of dressage, reining and jumping to showcase the beauty, amazing athleticism and outstanding ability of Rugged Painted Lark, her registered American Paint Horse. In addition, Palm will be a presenter at the Clinicians Corral and the Kids Zone demonstrating dressage principles for all breeds, levels and disciplines. Palm’s demonstrations will be available with a Grounds Pass Ticket, which are now on sale at www.alltechfeigames.com/tickets.
One of the few clinicians available today with a proven competition record, Lynn Palm’s list of accomplishments include being named 2007 AQHA Horsewoman of the Year and AQHA Female Equestrian of the Year, amassing a record four AQHA Superhorse wins and over 34 World and Reserve World Championships. Palm has also written three books and produced over 50 videotapes on training the Western and English rider and horse.
For 40 years, Lynn has championed the partnership of horse and rider, bringing her unique perspective to hundreds of thousands of horse enthusiasts around the world. Having performed at the 1996 Olympic Games with Quarter Horse stallion, Rugged Lark, Palm is no stranger to large audiences whether performing bridleless or offering her step by step teaching methods.
“Our musical exhibition is unique and we are proud to showcase the unique abilities of western, dressage, and jumping as well as demonstrate dressage principles that apply to all disciplines,” said Palm. “Most of all we are proud to show a happy horse while performing.”
Lynn will also be available for training questions throughout the Games. Make a point to join her at the booth in the Equine Village for training products, gifts, saddles, giveaways and contests from Palm Partnership Training and the American Paint Horse Association.
Access to the Equine Village will be available with a Grounds Pass or a competition ticket. Grounds Pass tickets can be purchased at www.alltechfeigames.com, www.ticketmaster.com, at any Ticketmaster outlet, and at 1-800-745-3000. Grounds Pass tickets are priced at $25. All children 12 years of age and under will be granted free entry with a paying adult.
It has been a busy start to summer, and summer hasn’t officially started yet, but I finally got around to making my video for Purina’s “Live from Lexington” Blog-O-Spondent contest. Purina is looking for two people to be Blog-O-Spondents at the Games, and who better then yours truly.
Of course things come up and I find myself trying to shoot a 60 second video on the fly on the last evening to be able to submit it. Amazingly after a number of takes I managed to get one that I at least found except-able that came in at a minute and 2 seconds, pretty good doing that unscripted. I am much more at ease handling the logistics of a video shoot then I am actually trying to star in and direct at the same time. The funny thing is, I am always ready to talk about the Games to anybody willing to listen (and I am sure a few who weren’t) but it is always harder just talking to a camera. I also have to give thanks to my horse “Charm’s Express”, she was patient with me tonight, though by the end she was tired of just looking at the grass.
Gina Beare, Volunteer Coordinator at the Kentucky Horse Park, is extending an invitation to CTAs to join an orientation session for “A Gift from the Desert” volunteers. Even if you don’t have plans to volunteer, this is great opportunity to learn the art, history and culture of the Arabian horse. RSVP’s are not necessary. Choose one of the two sessions listed below and the first 100 people at each session will receive a free pass to this spectacular international exhibit.
Session 1: Wednesday, May 19th 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., Kentucky Horse Park, South Theater
Session 2: Saturday, May 22nd 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., Kentucky Horse Park, South Theater
Each session will start with a presentation by one of the guest curators, Sandra Olsen or Cynthia Culbertson, with an introduction to the exhibition, the artifacts and the history of the Near East. Following will be a presentation by Jenny Sutton-Amr, Executive Director of the Kentucky Islamic Resource Group, exploring the culture, traditions and customs including clothing and language.
**Don’t forget! Attending educational programs and seminars counts 5 points towards your Annual Renewal of Certification**
LEXINGTON, KY—The World Games 2010 Foundation is pleased to announce that 60 National Federations have submitted entries in principle for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. They are:
Argentina France Norway
Australia Germany Paraguay
Austria Great Britain Poland
Belgium Greece Portugal
Bermuda Guatemala Qatar
Brazil Hungary Russia
Bahrain India Saudi Arabia
Bulgaria Ireland Singapore
Canada Israel Slovakia
Chile Italy South Africa
China Japan Spain
Columbia Jordan Sweden
Costa Rica Lebanon Switzerland
Czech Republic Lithuania Syria
Denmark Luxembourg Turkey
Dominican Republic Malaysia Ukraine
Ecuador Mexico United Arab Emirates
Egypt Namibia Uruguay
El Salvador Netherlands United States
Finland New Zealand Venezuela
With 60 countries expressing an interest in attendance at the Games, the World Games 2010 Foundation anticipates as many as 800 athletes could compete. The world championships for eight equestrian sports will be contested September 25 -October 10 at Lexington’s Kentucky Horse Park. Final entries and individual athletes will be named in August.
Clinics and Demonstrations are Part of Grounds Pass Ticket Offering
Lexington, Ky.,—As the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games approach, guests should not only be looking forward to the competition, but also to the multitude of equine entertainers and clinicians that will be a part of the 2010 Games Equine Village, September 25 – October 10 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Ky.
Among the entertainers that are part of the Equine Village is Pat Parelli, known around the world for his Natural Horsemanship training method.
Born in California, Parelli became involved with horses early in life, and learned from a horseman and trapper named Freddie Ferrera. Ferrera introduced Parelli to a more natural way of handling horses, which stuck with him as he grew up.
As a teenager, Parelli started competing in rodeos and won the Bareback Rookie of the Year title in 1972. He began training young horses as a business but soon found that training horses wasn’t all he wanted to do.
Parelli had been developing his own style of teaching based on natural training methods, as well as Kung Fu principles learned from Australian horseman Tony Ernst. Parelli discovered that in order to make a difference with horses he would have to train their owners, and in 1982 he began giving seminars.
“Our philosophy is that we use the same thing that the horse’s mother used,” Parelli said. “She used strength of bond, lightness and politeness of response, and had an ultimate respect. The idea is to create a relationship with the horse that is way more than riding.”
Parelli said his Natural Horsemanship method applies to any discipline and any breed. He and his wife Linda plan to showcase this at the Equine Village by bringing a team of mastery level students and horses from seven different breeds.
“Every demonstration will have a different theme and it won’t be the same thing over and over again,” Parelli said. “We’ll have a western performance, English sport horses and driving horses.”
Parelli also will be doing demonstrations on his world famous mare, Magic, who he said can jump, slide, spin and piaffe all in the same demonstration.
“I think that the World Games is a stage so-to-speak.” Parelli said. “A stage where everything top level equestrian is going to be, and we are there to inspire and educate at the highest level.”
Between performing on his own horses and doing demonstrations along with his students, Parelli has planned an educational experience in Natural Horsemanship that will run every day during the Games.
“Tell everyone they need to bring two pairs of socks,” Parelli said to those who plan to come to the Equine Village, “because we’re going to blow the first pair off.”
Access to the Equine Village will be available with a Grounds Pass or a competition ticket. Grounds Pass tickets can be purchased at www.alltechfeigames.com, www.ticketmaster.com, at any Ticketmaster outlet, and at 1-800-745-3000. Tickets will be on sale at a promotional rate of $20 until May 31. Grounds Pass tickets will be priced at $25 after that time. All children 12 years of age and under will be granted free entry with a paying adult.
The 2010 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event is in the books and by all appearances provided a final successful test for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. The weather provided the unknown factor for the test, with the possibility of severe weather Saturday afternoon the Event Management Team from Equestrian Events, did a great job by deciding to eliminate the lunch break and keeping the riders coming out of the start on a tight interval. The weather did hold the attendance down on Saturday with the total attendance for the event coming in at 61,828 but the Stadium was packed on Sunday for the Stadium Jumping.
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