09.01.18
Free Community Day Presented By Mars, Incorporated Set For September 17 During World Equine Expo™ And FEI World Equestrian Games™
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07.24.18
Impacts from the 2010 World Equestrian Games still being felt.
I ran across a recent article discussing the ongoing positive impacts of the 2010 World Equestrian Games on Central Kentucky. The article just published this week in the Blue Ridge Now out of Hendersonville, North Carolina was titled, World Equestrian Games: Kentucky still feeling impact from 2010 event.
What was interesting was the fact that just 2 weeks before I had been to the Kentucky Horse Park for the Junior League Horse Show and had remarked on how I felt the Horse Park continued to benefit from WEG. The Junior League Horse Show had previously been held at the Red Mile in downtown Lexington since the early 20th Century and is the longest running outdoor Horse Show in the United States. It was moved to the the Rolex Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park to maintain that record and though there were many concerns raised about it being moved I for one found that it was an improvement in multiple ways having it at the Kentucky Horse Park. The Rolex Arena had been upgraded for WEG and continues to pay dividends in the events it attracts and should do so for years to come. So check out the article in Blue Ridge Now for a good perspective on the impact of the Games now that enough time has past to provide a more objective view on their impact to the Central Kentucky Area.
Kentucky Colonel
Thomas P. Demond
KyWEGO®
06.30.18
Plan Your Trip to FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018 with the Official WEG Destination Guide!
Download our official FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018 (WEG) Destination Guide to plan your stay in North Carolina this September! Everything you need to know about visiting the Carolinas is there: what to do, where to explore, how to find the best food, and so much more!
05.20.18
World Equine Expo™ Announces Nonprofit Vendor Program
Tryon, NC USA – May 10, 2018 – The World Equine Expo™ featured at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) alongside the FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018 (WEG)September 11-23 has announced a Nonprofit Vendor Program with applications now available. “Nonprofit Row” will be clearly marked for high visibility and consist of 9’x10′ booths shared by two non-profit organizations at a 20% discount.
Each booth includes:
- (2) 4’x2′ tables (one for each nonprofit organization)
- (2) chairs (one for each nonprofit organization)
- (2) waste baskets (one for each nonprofit organization)
Booths will be assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis. An initial inventory of ten booths has been set aside for a total of twenty available spots, but more inventory may be added to suit demand, and organizations can select a full-sized booth as well.
Nonprofits will be responsible for providing their own table coverings that reach the floor, brochures and marketing materials, banners, and signage.
Nonprofits are required to apply as a vendor using the online Vendor Application, agree to terms and conditions, and provide a valid credit card. Booths are not assigned until payments have been received in full. All applicants must provide a copy of their IRS determination letter designating 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.
Application Process and Pricing
- Visit https://vendors.tryon2018.com and click “Vendor Application”
- Login if you have an account, or click “Register” to create a new account. Follow the online instructions.
- Once your account has been created, you will receive an invitation to apply as a vendor. Click the link, login, and begin completing the Online Vendor Application.
The three-page application process is easy and straightforward, and includes:
- Organization information
- Booth selection
- Payment and submission
Pricing:
9’x10′ Full Booth – Non-Profit Organization: $6,084
9’x10′ Shared Booth – Non-Profit Organization: $3,042
Additional benefits for Nonprofit Row vendors includes a listing in the World Equine Expo™ Online Marketplace as well as a directory in the World Equine Expo™ program.
Advertising is also available in the World Equine Expo™ Program and the FEI World Equestrian Games™ Commemorative Program. For more information, visit https://tryon2018.com/page/
Like the @Tryon2018 Facebook page to stay informed on the most recent news.
To start planning a trip to the FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018, visit www.Tryon2018.com.
Media Inquiries
For media inquiries about the FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018, please contact one of the following press officers:
For media inquiries about the FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018, please contact one of the following press officers:
National Press Officer – Carly Weilminster at cweilminster@tryonweg.com
International Press Officer – Niki McEwen at niki@revolutionsports.co.uk or 0044(0) 203 176 0355
For more information from the FEI, please contact Shannon Gibbons at shannon.gibbons@fei.org or 0041-78-750-6146.
About Tryon International Equestrian Center
Tryon International Equestrian Center at Tryon Resort, host of the FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018, is one of the world’s premier equestrian lifestyle destinations. From carousel to competition, the mission of Tryon Resort is to celebrate the magic of the horse, grow equestrian sport, and increase access to this majestic animal. With first-class facilities for hunter/jumper, dressage, and eventing competitions, the facility will soon accommodate all eight equestrian disciplines. Tryon Resort is a spring, summer and fall haven for equestrian competitors and enthusiasts, and a year-round destination for connoisseurs of diverse cuisine and shopping, lodging getaways, and family entertainment. Learn more at www.Tryon.com.
About the FEI World Equestrian Games™
The FEI World Equestrian Games™, held every four years in the middle of the Olympic cycle, is the property of the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), the world governing body for horse sport recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). It is one of the biggest events on the global sporting calendar, combining World Championships in the Olympic disciplines of Jumping, Dressage and Eventing, the Paralympic discipline of Para-Equestrian Dressage, as well as Driving, Endurance, Vaulting and Reining.
The inaugural FEI World Equestrian Games™ were hosted in Stockholm (SWE) in 1990. Since then the Games have been staged in The Hague (NED) in 1994, Rome (ITA) in 1998, Jerez (ESP) in 2002, and Aachen (GER) in 2006. The first Games to be organised outside Europe were the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ in Kentucky (USA) 2010. The Games came back to Europe for the 2014 edition, the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ in Normandy (FRA), which attracted more than 500,000 on-site spectators and a worldwide television audience of 350 million, as well as delivering an economic impact of €368 million to the French economy.
The FEI World Equestrian Games™ History Hub can be viewed here:
For more information, visit www.Tryon2018.com and ht
04.29.18
Townend Is Tops at Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event
Lexington, Ky., April 29, 2018-In a nail-biting finish filled with gasps and thrills, Oliver Townend of Great Britain did the seemingly impossible: he beat Germany’s three-time defending champion Michael Jung at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event.
Standing in third overnight, Townend jumped a gorgeous fault-free show jumping round aboard Cooley Master Class, finishing on his dressage score of 28.7 penalties and setting up the showdown with overnight leader Jung on Fischerrocana FST. When the German pair dropped a rail at fence 5, the victory was Townend’s. Jung would finish second (31.5).
“Obviously it’s a fantastic feeling,” Townend, 35, Shropshire, England, said. “I had to do a bit of arm-twisting to get the horses here as there was no funding from Britain to come here this year. The owners gambled on me to win their money back, and I’m pleased the horses have come through with great results and that I’ve repaid the owners’ gamble on me.”
Want to see Oliver Townend’s
Show Jumping Round? Click Here?
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Oliver Townend was all smiles as he received the keys to his new Land Rover Discovery from Land Rover USA’s Deb Sandford. (c) Michelle Dunn Photo
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American pair Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous also put in a double-clear show jumping round to move up into third overall, and to win the Land Rover/USEF National CCI**** Championship as the highest-placed Americans with a score of 32.8.
“She is a diva and is notoriously a terror in the stable,” Little, 36, Frederick, Md., said of “Kitty” a 13-year-old Oldenburg. “But she knows her people. Her groom is with her at all times, and she’s very trusting. She has an incredible sense of the moment and loves performing for a crowd. She’s a real princess, which was a concern early on, as we wondered was she too delicate and fragile and careful for eventing? But she’s become a courageous horse, and she gives you 150 percent of all she has.”
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Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous finished third overall, but took home the Roger Haller Trophy for the Land Rover/USEF National CCI**** Championship. (c) Michelle Dunn Photo
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The morning started with a dramatic turn when Fischerrocana was sent to the holding box during the final horse inspection, as was second-placed Christopher Burton of Australia with Nobilis 18. As the crowd held their breath, the ground jury accepted both horses upon re-presentation.
Early on in the show jumping, rails fell, but it was also clear that course designer Richard Jeffrey had measured the course tightly, and even horses who were jumping clean were having multiple time penalties.
The first to post a double-clear round was Kim Severson and Cooley Cross Boarder (21st/55.9) and the crowd roared their approval. As the top horses came in one by one, the tension ratcheted up. In the end, only seven would complete the show jumping with no jumping or time penalties, and those that could climbed up the order.
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| Oliver Townend and Cooley Master Class had to be perfect, and they were, to win the Land Rover Kentucky CCI****. (c) Michelle Dunn Photo |
Townend had come into the show jumping with Cooley Master Class in third and MHS King Joules tied for fourth. He went early on King Joules and lowered a rail, so he cantered in aboard Master Class, all business. The bay gelding jumped his heart out, putting pressure on Burton and Jung.
Burton would lower two rails, and the crowd grew silent as Jung, the Land Rover Kentucky winner for the last three years, cantered in. At fence 5, his 13-year-old German-bred mare stood off the triple bar and just tipped the front rail.
“I’m very happy about Rocana, a little more sad about me,” said a circumspect Jung, 35, the three-time Olympic gold medalist from Horb, Germany. “It was my mistake, I was too far away from this fence. My mare tried hard, and it was a good round, only one down, but it was one down too much. But it was a very nice week here in Kentucky. I really like this event, it’s beautiful and I’m happy to be here.”
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Germany’s Michael Jung and Fischerrocana FST dropped one rail to finish second at the Land Rover Kentucky CCI****. (c) Redbaystock.com
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When Jung faulted, Townend covered his face with his hands in disbelief before dissolving into tears.
Ultimately, three others besides Townend would finish on their dressage scores: Phillip Dutton/Z (33.7/4th), Sharon White/Cooley On Show (35.6/7th) and Will Coleman/Tight Lines (38.3/12th).
Townend has had Cooley Master Class since he was a 4-year-old and says he has always been a barn favorite. “He came right at the end of a period where I had sold a lot of my good horses to set my life up and buy a property,” he said. “He came right at the right time, and when I sat on him, I said ‘one way or another we’re finding a way to keep this one.’
“I was lucky to sell him to someone who let me keep the ride, and he’s never really let us down,” he continued. “He had a couple of niggles injury-wise, at certain stages in his career. At times we thought, ‘Will he ever come through with what he can really do?’ But these last two seasons he toughened up, and we learned more about him and how to manage him. He’s always been cheeky and talented and I’m very pleased for him to come through with it.”
Townend also finished seventh on King Joules. “(With) Joules, I’m just thrilled, really pleased. If you’d wanted me to sign a piece of paper saying I’d have one down before the round, I’d have happily signed for that. He is the most difficult horse I’ve ever ridden and also the most talented. For him to put up the performance this week he did, I’m just as happy as I am with the winner.”
The winner takes home a check for $130,000, and for his seventh-placed finish Townend adds an additional $14,000, making it a profitable weekend for his team. MHS King Joules and Cooley Master Class are both 13-year-old Irish Sport Horses.
For his victory, Townend received a one-year lease on a Land Rover Discovery, and he got to take a victory lap in the car. He zoomed around the ring to the roar of the crowd. When asked how fast he was going, he replied with a dry laugh, “I don’t know, the man in the passenger seat was screaming too loud.”
Townsend, who also took home a Rolex watch for his win, has a reason to be happier than most with his win, as this victory is his second leg of the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing. A hefty cash prize of $350,000 goes to the rider who wins the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton, Land Rover Burghley and Land Rover Kentucky in succession. Townend won Burghley last September aboard Ballaghmor Class, who is entered at Badminton next week, along with Cooley SRS. If he wins there, he will be only the third person in history to take the Grand Slam. Previous winners were Jung in 2016 and Pippa Funnel in 2003.
“I’m very fortunate to have two nice horses also belonging to (Cooley Master Class’ owner Angela Hislop), and we’re living in dream world,” Townend said. “Angela came up to me about six years ago and said if she was going to own horses for me she wanted a four-star winner and a British team horse, and now we’ve had both. So, we’re both living in dream world, and hopefully it will continue for another week–please.”
In the Dubarry of Ireland Nations Team Challenge, Team Germany/Great Britain/Australia/Poland (Jung/Fischerrocana FST, Burton/Nobilis 18, Oliver Townend/MHS King Joules, Pawel Spisak/Banderas) maintained their top spot, winning with a final score of 102.7, over Team USA (108) and Team Canada (244.2).
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Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous put in a fault-free round to finish third at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event. (c) Michelle Dunn Photo
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Want to see Marilyn Little’s Show Jumping Round?
Click Here.
About the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event:
The Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event is the nation’s premier three-day event. Known as “the best weekend all year,” this multi-day competition features the world’s best horses and riders vying for their share of $400,000 in prize money, as well as a shot at the $350,000 Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing which is awarded to any rider who wins the Land Rover Kentucky, Mitsubishi Motors Badminton and Land Rover Burghley Four Star Events in succession. Land Rover Kentucky is one of only six annual Four Star Three-Day Events in the world and the only one in the Western Hemisphere.
This event also serves as the Land Rover/USEF CCI**** National Championship for the American riders.
Also featured as a part of the competition is the Dubarry of Ireland Nations Cup Team Challenge, with each team vying for $20,000 in prize money. Four teams will line up for their share of the winnings.
The Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event will be broadcast on NBC on Sunday, May 6, from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. EDT. It will also be broadcast on the Olympic Channel on May 26, from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. EDT. USEFNetwork.com will livestream the competition in its entirety. Competition will also be archived and available on demand.
For further information: www.kentuckythreedayevent.com
04.25.18
Seven horses held, 46 moving forward to dressage at 2018 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event
Lexington, Ky., April 25, 2018 — It was a drama filled first day at the 2018 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event as seven horses were held at the first horse inspection, though all but two would make their way through the inspection process to move on to the next phase of competition.
Savannah Fulton and Captain Jack jog for the ground jury at the first horse inspection. (c) Redbaystock.com
The first horse inspection is a chance for the ground jury of Christian, Landholt (SUI), Sue Baxter (GBR), Jane Hamlin (USA) and veterinary delegate Karen Nyrop (USA) to see the horses and determine if they appear fit and sound to start in the competition.
Caroline Martin’s Spring Easy, Colleen Loach’s Qorry Blue D’ Argouges, Sara Gumbiner’s Polaris and Alexandra Knowles’ Sound Prospect were all held, but then accepted upon re-inspection.
Erin Sylvester had a rough start to her weekend when both of her mounts, Mettraise and Paddy The Caddy, were sent to the holding box. Paddy the Caddy was passed upon re-inspection, but sadly Mettraise was not.
Joe Meyer of New Zealand’s Johnny Royale was withdrawn after being held.
One of the international rider, Oliver Townsend of Great Britain, and Cooley Master Class present to the ground jury during the first horse inspection. (c) Redbaystock.com
Two horses on the entry list, Veronica ridden by Lauren Kieffer and Obos O’Reilly ridden by William Coleman were on the entry list, but did not present at the first horse inspection, as they will be contesting Badminton Horse Trials in England next week.
The remaining 46 horses will start the dressage Thursday, the first of three phases for these brave horse-and-rider pairs. Dressage will run Thursday and Friday, with the exciting cross-country on Saturday, and the event culminating in a nail biting finish in the show jumping on Sunday.
Phillip Dutton is clearly hoping to win a new pair of Dubarry of Ireland boots as the best-dressed man at the first horse inspection.
The first horse inspection is a chance for the riders to “strut their stuff” along with their horses, and the best dressed man and woman from Wednesday’s inspection will be chosen and awarded a pair of Dubarry boots.
About the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event:
The Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event is the nation’s premier three-day event. Known as “the best weekend all year,” this multi-day competition features the world’s best horses and riders vying for their share of $400,000 in prize money, as well as a shot at the $350,000 Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing which is awarded to any rider who wins the Land Rover Kentucky, Mitsubishi Motors Badminton and Land Rover Burghley Four Star Events in succession. Land Rover Kentucky is one of only six annual Four Star Three-Day Events in the world and the only one in the Western Hemisphere.
This event also serves as the Rolex/USEF CCI**** championship for the American riders.
Also featured as a part of the competition is the Dubarry of Ireland Nations Cup Team Challenge, with each team vying for $20,000 in prize money. Four teams will line up for their share of the winnings.
The Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event will be broadcast on NBC on Sunday, May 6, from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. EDT. It will also be broadcast on the Olympic Channel on May 26, from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. EDT. USEFNetwork.com will livestream the competition in its entirety. Competition will also be archived and available on demand.
The Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event will host a $225,000 Invitational Grand Prix on Saturday, April 28 after the completion of the cross-country phase. In addition to the $225,000 Invitational Grand Prix, there will be a $35,000 1.45m FEI ranking class on Friday, April 27, following the completion of the CCI’s dressage competition.
Spectators can also shop at the Sponsor Village and International Trade Fair with almost 200 booths and tents. Land Rover Kentucky also features tailgating, glamorous camping “glamping”, a fund-raising dinner on Thursday evening, the Head Up Heels Down 5K race on Friday evening, and Champions Live! on Sunday morning.
For further information: www.kentuckythreedayevent.com
03.08.18
Dr. Pearse Lyons – Thank You!
Pearse Lyons Credit: Alltech
I wanted to first express my condolences to the family and friends of Dr. Pearse Lyons. I only had the opportunity to meet Dr. Lyons twice, once at the 2010 World Equestrian games and about a year ago on a business trip to his distillery in downtown Lexington. On hearing of his passing today, my first reaction was of surprise, on those times I met him I found him to be a very vibrant individual with a great passion for life.
It goes without saying that I had great admiration for the man and certainly hold to this day that he was individually responsible for the fact that the 2010 Games even happened because I don’t believe they would have went forward had he not stepped in and provided the financial, political and financial support for them in the way he did. He had the guts to put both the financial well being of Alltech and his personal reputation on the line to support the Games the way he did, but then nothing I know of the man ever suggested that he knew how to do anything other then with a total commitment, for Dr. Lyons I think he was of the Yoda mind set, there was no try, only do or don’t do.
Dr. Lyons, I say thank you for all you have done for Kentucky and for all that Alltech will continue to do for Kentucky, because you maybe gone but your legacy will live on. So I bid you a sad farewell but hope we get to meet again someday.
Kentucky Colonel
Thomas P. Demond
KyWEGO
02.28.18
Mark Bellissimo Launches Inaugural Global Equestrian Trifecta of World Equine Expo™, WEQx Games™ and World Horse Day™ to Run Concurrently Within FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018
Mill Spring, NC – February 22, 2018 – Mark Bellissimo, Managing Partner and CEO of the International Equestrian Group and Tryon Equestrian Partners, announced today the inaugural annual World Equine Expo™ that will include the WEQx Games™ and World Horse Day™ and will run concurrent with the FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018 (WEG) between September 11-23rd, 2018.The collective event theme is “Celebrate the Horse, Celebrate the Sport,” which honors and highlights the unique connection between horses and humans across the world. The Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) team, location of the 2018 WEG, will release its #Together video highlighting this powerful connection between the World Equine Expo and the FEI World Equestrian Games™.
01.01.18
Happy New Year 2018!
Happy New Year everyone, 2018 is here and it looks to be an exciting and great year with Tryon hosting the 2018 Games, ticket sales opened 2 weeks ago and with the 2022 Games back up for bidding hoping to see Kentucky back in the hunt for those.
Kentucky Colonel
Thomas P. Demond
KyWEGO®
11.24.17
FEI forced to re-open 2022 World Equestrian Games bidding process after sole candidate Šamorín withdraws
As Reported by Inside the Games
The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) has been forced to re-open the bidding process for the 2022 World Equestrian Games after sole candidate Šamorín withdrew from the contest.
The Slovakian city had been due to stage the event after American city Lexington pulled out of the race in January.
But Šamorín refused to sign the host city contract despite “lengthy discussions” with the FEI.
A host city for the event will be announced at the FEI Bureau meeting in Manama in November of next year.
Šamorín’s decision to withdraw was announced by FEI President Ingmar de Vos at the governing body’s General Assembly in Montevideo.
Their withdrawal marks the latest difficulty for the FEI and the World Equestrian Games but De Vos, who became a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in September, claims he is confident a suitable host will be found.
“We are confident there will be candidates, but these are complex Games and we need to make sure we do it right,” he said.
Šamorín hosted last year’s FEI World Endurance Championships after stepping in to replace Dubai.
The United Arab Emirates city was axed due to horse welfare concerns.
The 2018 World Equestrian Games are due to held at the Tryon International Equestrian Center in North Carolina in the United States between September 10 and 23.
The city replaced Bromont in Canada, which had been selected to host but was then hit by financial issues.
Šamorín pulling out was among a number of key decisions announced at the General Assembly in the Uruguayan capital.
The FEI’s membership approved the qualification process for the sport’s three Olympic disciplines: jumping, dressage and eventing – at Tokyo 2020.
An initial deadline achieve minimum eligibility requirements to compete at the Games was due to be May 18 in 2020 but that has been altered to five weeks before the sports entry deadline, due to be confirmed by the IOC next year.
Plans to introduce a new scoring system for international dressage tests were also scrapped by the FEI following a mixed response from the organisation’s members.
It would have seen the implementation of a “hi-lo” drop score, which removes the highest and lowest scores for each movement so an average mark is formed.
De Vos claimed during his opening address that the sport was “expanding at an amazing rate” and was continuing to grow and develop.
“In 10 years the number of events have more than doubled and we are now seeing a steady and annual increase of around eight per cent in terms of events and four to five per cent in terms of registered athletes,” he said.
“These are incredible statistics – especially in this very diverse and competitive sports market.
“And not only is our sport growing but the quality and the presentation is better than ever.”
About the author
Liam Morgan Reporter
09.17.17
One Year Until FEI World Equestrian Games™ Comes to North Carolina, USA
Tryon, NC, USA – September 12, 2017 – The one year to go countdown to the FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018 (WEG) was launched today. With more than 500,000 people expected to attend the 2018 Games, the 12-day spectacle of equestrian champions is one of the biggest events on the global sporting calendar and will be the largest equestrian event in North Carolina’s history. Mark Bellissimo, CEO of host venue Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) in Tryon, NC, announced today that tickets will go on sale to the public on Monday, October 16, 2017. Competition action at WEG 2018 runs from September 12 through September 23, 2018, with the Opening Ceremony scheduled for September 11.
A variety of ticketing types and prices will be offered such as an All Games Pass for each week of competition or both weeks, an All Session Day Pass, All Session Discipline Pass, as well as individual event tickets, and opening and closing ceremonies. Ticket prices vary, but include an inexpensive Day Pass that gives attendees access to event grounds and expo only. A complete list of ticketing options will be available online at www.tryon2018.com or www.ticketmaster.com.
In addition to announcing ticket sales, TIEC has today released a “Destination Tryon” video to showcase the region where the 2018 Games will be held. Prior to winning the bid to host WEG 2018, Polk County, North Carolina dwelt as a hidden gem, tucked away in the bucolic Blue Ridge Foothills, bordering South Carolina. Surrounded by bold mountains and scenic foothills, the area is conveniently located within an hour of top cities including Asheville and Charlotte in North Carolina and Greenville in South Carolina. The rural community now joins the league of iconic destinations around the world – like Normandy, Stockholm, Rome and Aachen – to host equestrian sport’s most distinguished championships.
| Click here to watch the Destination Tryon video as part of the one year countdown to the FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018! |
For WEG 2018, Bellissimo is focusing on the love of horses to bring added attention to equestrian sport and touch a broader audience of horse enthusiasts globally, highlighting the important role horses have played throughout history.
“All of our nations were discovered on the back of a horse and these amazing animals continue to provide livelihood, transportation, security, entertainment, friendship, therapy, and sport around the world. The love of the horse is universal and profound. The Games is an incredible stage to show the world how important and valuable this creature is and celebrate our relationship with them,” said Bellissimo.
Fédération Equestre Internationale President Ingmar De Vos shared his excitement about the forthcoming Games at TIEC.
“Marking one year to go to the FEI World Equestrian Games is always a very exciting time and we’re really looking forward to the spectacular event that Tryon will bring,” Ingmar De Vos said. “The Games are the greatest gathering of the best athletes and horses from across the globe and hundreds of thousands of people will have the opportunity to enjoy the magic of equestrian sport as world champions are crowned across the eight FEI disciplines. The USA is renowned as a country of horse lovers and is also hugely successful in the sport so we are delighted to have this, the FEI’s flagship event, back in America once again.”
United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) President Murray Kessler is pleased that the WEG is coming back to the United States for 2018 and will be hosted all at one venue at TIEC.
“We are confident that Mark Bellissimo and his team at Tryon will host an exceptional World Equestrian Games next year. Having the Games in the U.S. gives us an opportunity to celebrate the joy of horse sports with millions of Americans in a way that will help grow engagement and participation in all equestrian sports in this country.” said Murray Kessler, President U.S. Equestrian.
The Games are expected to have tremendous economic impact to both Western North Carolina and the South Carolina Upstate. The previous WEG held in Normandy (FRA) in 2014 had an estimated economic impact of $400 million and attracted 575,000 spectators. North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper praised the organizers’ success in bringing the Games to the Carolinas.
“The World Equestrian Games are an incredible opportunity for North Carolina, and we are pleased to host this event in our state,” said Governor Cooper. “We applaud the efforts of Mark Bellissimo and the organizers at Tryon International Equestrian Center to bring this global event to North Carolina and stimulate tremendous economic growth for our state as a result.”
Held every four years alternating with the Olympic Games, the FEI World Equestrian GamesTM combines the world championships for jumping, dressage and para-dressage, eventing, driving, reining, vaulting and endurance into one massive 12-day event.
Click here to watch the FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018 promo video!
ACCOMMODATIONS
Accommodations for the 2018 WEG are being managed by Connections Housing, a full-service sourcing, housing and event management company. With 30 years of experience serving events in a range of industries, Connections has two full-service, fully-owned call centers and will oversee all aspects of the housing process from contracting and room block management to reservations and post-event analysis. Accommodations will be open to the public on Monday, September 18. For more information about accommodations, please visit www.tryon2018.com.
MEDIA INQUIRIES
For media inquiries, please visit www.tryon2018.com or contact one of the following press officers:
National Media – Carly Weilminster at cweilminster@tryonweg.com or at (828) 863-1144.
International Media – Niki McEwen at niki@revolutionsports.co.uk or at 0044(0)203 176 0355.
For more information from the FEI, please contact Leanne Williams leanne.williams@fei.org or at 0041-21-310-4747.
ABOUT THE TRYON INTERNATIONAL EQUESTRIAN CENTER
Tryon International Equestrian Center at Tryon Resort, host of the FEI World Equestrian
Games™
Tryon 2018, is one of the world’s premier equestrian lifestyle destinations. From carousel to competition, the mission of Tryon Resort is to celebrate the magic of the horse, grow equestrian sport, and increase access to this majestic animal. With first-class facilities for hunter/jumper, dressage, and eventing competitions, the facility will soon accommodate all eight equestrian disciplines. Tryon Resort is a spring, summer and fall haven for equestrian competitors and enthusiasts, and a year-round destination for connoisseurs of diverse cuisine and shopping, lodging getaways, and family entertainment. Learn more at www.tryon.com.
ABOUT THE FEI WORLD EQUESTRIAN GAMES™
The FEI World Equestrian Games™ (WEG), which are administered by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), the worldwide governing body of equestrian sport, is the major international championship event for the eight core equestrian disciplines of show jumping, dressage and para-equestrian dressage, eventing, driving, endurance, vaulting and reining. For more information, visit www.tryon2018.com and www.fei.org/tryon-2018
08.31.17
Great American Eclipse 2017
The Great American Eclipse of August 21st, 2017 was a non-horse event but still brought a lot of attention to Kentucky. We found a great location in Cadiz, Kentucky just east of the Land Between the Lakes to catch totality only 16 miles from the point of greatest eclipse so totality lasted almost 2 minutes and 4o seconds. It was our first total eclipse and it was an amazing experience to say the least. We actually setup an experiment to capture what is referred to as Shadow Bands or Shadow Snakes. We had several video cameras running to capture both the eclipse and the shadow on the ground. Two of the cameras were mounted on a drone we custom built just for this event, we are still processing some of the videos but the video of the ground effects from the drone is online in 2 separate videos to make it a bit smaller to load, you can find them by going to our website KyWEGO . We are building other drones to do everything from Equine Movie Production to Real Estate videos and Dynamic Agricultural Analysis. We also can repair, service and upgrade drones so what ever your needs maybe give us a call.
Kentucky Colonel
Thomas P. Demond
KyWEGO®
07.30.17
Recycling at WEG 2018 Encouraged
Some news on plans to promote recycling for the 2018 World Equestrian Games in Tryon. As with any large public event waste management is always one of the big things that never seems to get the attention it needs, primarily because we don’t want to think about how much waste we generate. In this case the local Polk County Government is making plans to address the issue.
Following is the resolution approved by commissioners and the recycling advisory board:
Resolution endorsing solid waste management and recycling efforts during the 2018 World Equestrian Games
WHEREAS, the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) World Equestrian Games 2018 will be held at the Tryon International Equestrian Center in Polk County, North Carolina (USA) September 2018; and
WHEREAS, the FEI World Equestrian Games, held every four years in the middle of the Olympic cycle, is one of the biggest events on the global sporting calendar, combining eight World Championships at one event; and
WHEREAS, equestrian enthusiasts from more than 70 countries will compete with 500,000 plus spectators watching; and
WHEREAS, it is a priority of this community to protect human health and the environment through safe and effective management of solid waste; and
WHEREAS, it is a goal of the community to maintain its physical appearance and to reduce the adverse effects of large crowds and the compilation of refuse; and
WHEREAS, Polk County recognizes its role in the encouragement of proper disposal and recycling; and
WHEREAS, involvement of the Tryon International Equestrian Center is critical to the establishment of an effective solid waste and recycling program for an event of this magnitude.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Polk County Board of Commissioners and the Polk County Recycling Advisory Board to hereby support and encourage the development and implementation of practices and policies by Tryon International Equestrian Center to further the aims of waste reduction and recycling during the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games.
06.29.17
Tryon 2018: 438 Days and Looking Good!
Wanted to say that I like what Tryon has done for their title logo for the Games, simplistic but catchy, so far that is the vibe I get from the information I am seeing. That gives me a good feeling about how these Games are going to go because its easy for these kind of events to get complicated in ways they don’t need to be and nothing good comes from that but Tryon looks to have a good plan and is executing that plan effectively.
05.31.17
Rolex has left the building!
The news came out today and I can’t say I didn’t know it was the likely outcome but the reality that Rolex is no longer the title sponsor of, “The Kentucky Three Day Event”, which just doesn’t have the ring of “The Rolex” is bitter sweat. My first Rolex was 1994 and I always dreamed of getting to compete there but life had other plans, I would still like be an outrider there one of these years.
The upside to this news is it does clear the way for the Kentucky Horse Park to win back the FEI World Equestrian Games because the agreements Longines had with the FEI would not allow the Horse Park to host the Games while Rolex had the agreements it did with the Horse Park. The reason for this was a clause in the Longines/FEI agreement that required “clean/clear” venues, meaning no Rolex signage or mention anywhere is the simple non-legal explanation.
My sincere hope is that letting Rolex go was with the specific intent of winning the 2026 Games, for me I guess its more then hope, its an expectation that I am going to do all I can to see fulfilled.
Kentucky Colonel
Thomas P. Demond
KyWEGO®
04.30.17
Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event 2017 Results
Jung Scores A Three-Peat at Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, Presented by
Land Rover
Lexington, KY, April 30, 2017-In the 39-year history of the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, presented by Land Rover, only three riders have ever managed to win two years in a row. But Michael Jung made history by winning the 2017 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event for a third consecutive time aboard FischerRocana FST. The German duo lowered one rail in show jumping to finish on 42.7 penalties, just ahead of France’s Maxime Livio and Qalao Des Mers in second (44.6) and England’s Zara Tindall and High Kingdom in third (46.6).
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Michael Jung was all smiles when he received the Rolex watch for winning with FischerRocana FST at Rolex Kentucky. (Michelle Dunn Photo)
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By placing fourth, a pair of U.S. veterans, Phillip Dutton and Mr. Medicott (54.6), who took home the Roger Haller Memorial Trophy for the Rolex/USEF CCI4* Eventing National Championship. Dutton won the national championship for a record fifth time, and his finish this weekend on three horses gives him an astounding 40 completions at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, presented by Land Rover.
Show jumping day was hot and blustery, but that didn’t prevent 24,159 fans from packing the Rolex Stadium to see the best in the world compete for $400,000 in prize money. Double-clean rounds were few and far between, with only one coming in the first session, for Will Faudree and Pfun. There would only be three more in the second session, for Livio, Tindall and Kurt Martin on Delux Z. Dutton and Mr. Medicott would leave all the rails in the cups, but add 1 time penalty to his score.
Jung, 34, Horb, Germany, would continue his streak of not being perfect, but still being good enough, by having a rail down in the triple combination. However, his six-point lead going in to the show jumping allowed for one mistake to claim the victory.
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One rail down was not enough to keep Michael Jung of Germany from winning Rolex Kentucky aboard FischerRocana FST (Michelle Dunn Photo)
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“Without the horse you are just walking people, I’m not sure how you say that in English,” said Jung with a laugh. “This is a very wonderful horse, she is absolutely a top horse, and she is always fighting for me. We have a partnership, I know everything that she needs for me to motivate her. But she was perfect. I am so thankful for my whole team and my horse.”
Jung went on to say the he felt his rail in the triple combination had begun earlier on course when she spooked at the stark white rails of an the Race Track Rail combination. “Maybe I used my hands too much,” he admitted. “Then we had the problem in the triple and I had two more jumps so that made me nervous!”
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Maxime Livio and Qalao Des Mers of France were nearly perfect, but had to settle for second place at Rolex Kentucky. (Michelle Dunn Photo)
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Livio, 29, Saumur, France, had been chasing Jung all weekend, and he is the only person to have beaten him in recent memory, but he settled for second place today. His powerful double-clean round put the pressure on Jung as he cantered out of the ring.
“There is always a little pressure in the ring, especially at a four-star with all the top riders,” Livio said. “With my horse, I just have to stick to him and stick to my ride, and if I do that the pressure goes down. I know if I’m very focused on my riding, the horse will do his best. But, of course there is pressure because I want to be good enough for my horse, and after that it’s good for me to start to put pressure on (Jung). I think to try beat such a rider you have to be 100 percent all the time. All this week my horse was 100 percent, but I was maybe only 90 percent in dressage. But after that I have no regrets.”
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Zara Tindall and High Kingdom of Great Britain had a much better trip this time, to finish third at Rolex Kentucky. (Michelle Dunn Photo)
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Tindall, 35, Gloucestershire, England, came in to this event keeping her expectations in check following a difficult trip to the Kentucky Horse Park two years ago where an injury in the stable prevented her from even starting. But each day she put in a sparkling performances to, like Livio, be one of only two to finish on their dressage score.
“I’m obviously very lucky to come back and very thankful to my owner and to Land Rover and Rolex to be able to come back,” she said. “It’s great to be sitting up here with these guys. My horse was fantastic all the way through the competition -he jumped great today.
“He doesn’t owe me anything,” added Tindall, noting the horse has been in the ribbons at several four stars and has an Olympic medal and a World Championship medal on his resume. “I loved riding him all weekend. This is such a fantastic competition, thanks for having it.”
Dutton came to Kentucky without his usual enthusiasm. In the fall of 2016, his step-daughter LeeLee Jones suffered a devastating head injury while riding, and has been in the hospital or a rehabilitation facility ever since. “It’s not easy,” he said, emotion coloring his voice. “LeeLee is in rehab at Bryn Mawr and I’m very glad for the livestreaming because she apparently loved watching. But it’s a struggle and it’s something I hope you all don’t ever have to go through. Everybody in the horse world has been great–it’s a great family to be a part of.”
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Veteran competitors Phillip Dutton and Mr. Medicott took home the Roger Haller Memorial Trophy for the Rolex/USEF CCI4* Eventing National Championship. (Michelle Dunn Photo)
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Dutton, 53, West Grove, Pa., brought three horses to Kentucky, and all three finished in the top 10, with Fernhill Fugitive finishing eighth (63.0) and I’m Sew Ready finishing 10th (69.1). But it was his top placing mount, Mr. Medicott, who brought Dutton his fifth national championship.
“Cave,” as he is known, is 18 this year, well past the age that many horses are competing at this level, but he has Olympic performances to his name and was bought for Dutton with those goals in mind. Unfortunately, he suffered an injury and has spent the last two years recovering, but after showing Dutton he was ready, he earned a trip to Rolex Kentucky.
“I was quite unsure about whether I should bring him,” Dutton admitted. “He’s been off for two years, but there wasn’t much else for him the rest of the year that was suitable, and for a horse like this, this is an appropriate event. But for him to show so much heart-I mean, I only did one horse trial on him in two years. He’s such as an incredible horse. I probably didn’t have him fit enough, but he was just incredible this weekend.”
While the horse looked wonderful all weekend, Dutton announced that he would be retiring Mr. Medicott from this level of competition.
In the Dubarry of Ireland Nations Team Challenge, Team USA jumped out in front of the combined New Zealand/France/Germany team to win with a score of 179.2. The combined team finished second with 180.3 over Team Canada in third with 231.5. Team USA included Hannah Sue Burnett/Under Suspection, Boyd Martin/Cracker Jack, Dutton/Fernhill Fugitive, and Lauren Kieffer/Vermiculus.
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Ballynoe Castle RM gets a special bouquet during his retirement ceremony from rider Buck Davidson and groom Kathleen Blauth-Murray. (Michelle Dunn Photo)
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Prior to the show jumping, Buck Davidson retired his venerable mount Ballynoe Castle RM in front of cheering crowds. Buck and “Reggie’s” friends and family turned out to wish the Irish Sport Horse gelding a happy retirement. Davidson and his long-time groom Kathleen Blauth-Murray choked back tears as they draped him in flowers and a blanket commemorating his long career.
In all, 80,654 people came to the Kentucky Horse Park this weekend to enjoy amazing performances at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, presented by Land Rover.
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