04.23.14

60 Horses Ready To Start At The Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, Presented by Land Rover

Posted in Rolex Kentucky 3 Day Event at 10:27 pm by EPR

Lexington, Ky.- April 23, 2014 – In front of an eager crowd of about 500 people on a sunny and warm afternoon, the international ground jury accepted 60 of the horses presented for the first horse inspection at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, presented by Land Rover. The event begins on Thursday, April 24, and runs through Sunday, April 27.

A record number of horses-82-were entered for this year’s event, and riders presented 62 horses this afternoon to the ground jury of Sandy Phillips (Great Britain), Christina Klingspor (Sweden) and Gillian Rolton (Australia). Five horses were held for re-inspection, and three were accepted. Laine Ashker withdrew Anthony Patch before re-presenting him, and the jury did not accept Sir Oberon, ridden by Ellen Doughty.

Riders from seven nations-the United States, Canada, Great Britain, New Zealand, Australia, Ireland and Brazil -will be aiming for the top prizes that will be awarded on Sunday, including the coveted Rolex watch. The total prize money is $250,000, of which $80,000 will go to the winner.

For the first time, The Dubarry of Ireland Nations Team Challengewill award $20,000 in prize money, while helping national teams prepare for the team competition at the 2014 World Equestrian Games this summer. The standings of the teams from the United States, Canada and Great Britain will be determined each day by the overall scores of their three top-placed horses.

Dressage gets underway on Thursday at 10:00 a.m., continuing until 4 p.m., and resumes Friday from 10:00 to 4:00. Saturday features the cross-country phase, the heart of the competition, with the climactic show jumping phase on Sunday.

The Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event Presented by Land Rover, April 24-27 at the Kentucky Horse Park, is one of the world’s most prestigious equestrian competitions and features the world’s best horses and riders vying for their share of $250,000 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 Rolex Kentucky, Mitsubishi Motors Badminton and Land Rover Burghley four-star Events in succession.

The 2014 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event is a selection trial for the 2014 FEI World Equestrian Games and will crown the 17th Rolex/USEF National CCI4* Champion. The only four-star event in the Western Hemisphere, Rolex Kentucky draws an estimated 60,000 to 70,000 spectators and is seen by millions more on worldwide telecasts.

This year, for the first time ever, Rolex Kentucky includes a team challenge. The Dubarry of Ireland Nations Team Challenge will award $20,000 in prize money, while helping national teams prepare for the team competition at the World Equestrian Games this summer. The winning nation will be the nation with the fewest penalties after adding together the final scores of the three highest-placed individuals from that nation.

Rolex Kentucky is a fun time for all in attendance. Aside from the competition, the event features exquisite shopping in the Sponsor Village; an International Trade Fair with almost 200 booths and tents displaying designer clothing, artwork, gifts, sport clothing, horse-related items, and event souvenir items; and the brand-new “Kentucky Uncovered,” which highlights products unique to the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Rolex Kentucky also features a variety of other entertaining attractions. General admission to the Kentucky Horse Park, America’s only theme park dedicated to horses, is included with each Rolex Kentucky ticket.

Coverage of America’s only Four Star Event includes an NBC broadcast – the Rolex Equestrian Championships presented by Land Rover – which will air on Sunday, May 4. All four days of the competition is being streamed online LIVE on USEFNetwork.com, presented by SmartPak, beginning on Thursday, April 24.

For equestrian fans throughout the rest of the world, FEI TV is airing LIVE coverage of Saturday’s cross-country and Sunday’s show jumping competitions. To sign up for FEI TV, visit www.feitv.org.

The broadcast schedule is listed below, and is also available on the USEF Network coverage page, www.usefnetwork.com/featured/2014Rolex/.  All broadcast times are subject to change.

*              April 24: LIVE Dressage on USEFNetwork.com, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. EDT

*              April 25: LIVE Dressage on USEFNetwork.com, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. EDT

*              April 26: LIVE Cross-Country on USEFNetwork.com, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. EDT

*              April 27: LIVE Show Jumping on USEFNetwork.com, 1:15 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. EDT

Awards Ceremony on USEFNetwork.com, 3:00 p.m. EDT

*              May 4: Rolex Equestrian Championships on NBC, 2:00-3:00 p.m. EDT

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04.01.14

Record Number of Entries Filed for Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event Presented by Land Rover

Posted in Rolex Kentucky 3 Day Event at 9:43 pm by EPR

2013 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event winner Andrew Nicholson (NZL) and Quimbo (photo © David Toczko)

Among the entries filed to compete in the only four-star Eventing competition in the Western Hemisphere are the world’s top riders on the FEI ranking list including:

In all, riders from seven countries have filed entries including riders from Australia, Brazil, Canada, Great Britain, Netherlands, New Zealand, and the United States. Included is an impressive list of Olympic veterans and past Rolex Kentucky Champions who have their sights set on the coveted Rolex Kentucky title, especially as this year’s event will serve as a Selection Trial for the 2014 FEI World Equestrian Games.

“As always, this year’s Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event has an impressive field of world-class horses and riders,” said Darren Ripley, President of Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI), producer of the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. “While the number of horses that will ultimately compete is sure to be a little less than this, it is very exciting that the best riders from around the world have submitted this record number of entries assuring us that this year’s Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event is going to be the best ever!”

Included among the Olympic veterans and past Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event champions who have filed entries are:

• Andrew Nicholson of New Zealand, a six-time Olympic veteran with team Silver (1992) and team Bronze (1996 & 2012) medals and 2013 Rolex Kentucky CCI4* champion
• William Fox-Pitt of Great Britain, a four-time Olympic veteran with team Silver (2004 & 2012) and Bronze (2008) medals and the 2010 and 2012 Rolex Kentucky CCI4* champion
• Mark Todd of New Zealand, a six-time Olympic veteran with 2 individual Gold (1984 & 1988), team Silver (1992), individual Bronze (2000) and team Bronze (2012) medals
• William Coleman III of the U.S.A., an Olympic veteran (2012)
• Boyd Martin of the U.S.A., an Olympic veteran (2012)
• Hawley Bennett-Awad of Canada, a two-time Olympic veteran (2004 & 2012)
• Selena O’Hanlon of Canada, an Olympic veteran (2008)
• Ruy Fonseca of Brazil, an Olympic veteran (2012)

The Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event is one of the world’s most prestigious equestrian competitions and features the world’s best horses and riders vying for their share of $250,000 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 theRolex Kentucky, Mitsubishi Motors Badminton and Land Rover Burghley Four Star Events in succession. For the first time ever, Rolex Kentucky will include a team challenge. The Dubarry of Ireland Nations Team Challenge will award $20,000 in prize money, while helping national teams prepare for the team competition at the 2014 World Equestrian Games this summer. The winning nation will be the nation with the fewest penalties after adding together the final scores of the three highest placed individuals from that nation.

Rolex Kentucky is a fun time for all in attendance. Aside from the competition, the event features exquisite shopping in the Sponsor Village; International Trade Fair with almost 200 booths and tents displaying designer clothing, artwork, gifts, sport clothing, horse-related items, Event souvenir items; and the brand new “Kentucky Uncovered.” “Kentucky Uncovered,” will highlight products unique to the state of Kentucky. Rolex Kentucky also features a variety of other entertaining attractions. General admission to the Kentucky Horse Park, America’s only theme park dedicated to horses, is included with each Rolex Kentucky ticket.

Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI) is a non-profit charitable Kentucky corporation that was established initially to produce the 1978 World Three-Day Event Championships at the Kentucky Horse Park. Following the success of those championships, EEI established an annual event which quickly evolved into what is today the only Four Star three-day event in the western hemisphere, the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. The Kentucky Reining cup was incorporated as part of the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event schedule in 2011.

Several ticket options for attending the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event are available, including ringside hospitality packages. For complete information, please visit www.RK3DE.org or call 859-254-8123.Сео

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03.29.14

Wellington withdraws bid, down to Lexington or Bromont for the 2018 Games.

Posted in 2018 Games, World Equestrian Games at 9:36 pm by Thomas

The Chronicle of the Horse has broken the news that Wellington, Florida has withdrawn its bid to host the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games.  So we are left with Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington and Bromont, Quebec Canada to give their final bid presentations in June to decide the host city for the 2018 Games.

Go Kentucky!

Kentucky Colonel
Thomas P. Demond
KyWEGO®

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03.03.14

Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event to Host “Kentucky Uncovered”

Posted in Rolex Kentucky 3 Day Event at 10:56 pm by EPR

TOPS in Lexington to Co-Host New Pavilion featuring Everything Kentucky

Lexington, KY – March 3, 2014 – “Kentucky Uncovered,” a new pavilion featuring Kentucky businesses and attractions, will be featured at this year’s Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, Presented by Land Rover, April 24-27 at the Kentucky Horse Park.TOPS in Lexington, Lexington, Kentucky’s most influential magazine, has joined with Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI), producer of the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, to host the new attraction and also to produce the Event’s official “Entertainment, Shopping, and Dining Guide.”

“TOPS MAGAZINE and TOPSINLEX.COM are thrilled to be a promotional partner with one of the most prestigious and entertaining events in Central Kentucky,” said Keith Yarber, President/Founder of TOPS In Lex. “The Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event is one of many reasons Lexington is the Horse Capital of the World.  Spectators enjoy amazing athleticism from horses and riders, surrounded by gracious hospitality, and the beauty of the Horse Park.”

The Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event is one of the world’s most prestigious equestrian competitions and features the world’s best horses and riders vying for their share of $250,000 in prize money as well as a shot at the $350,000 Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing. Aside from the competition, the event features exquisite shopping in the Sponsor Village and International Trade Fair with almost 200 booths and tents displaying designer clothing, artwork, gifts, sport clothing, horse-related items, Event souvenir items and much more.

“More than 60,000 people attend Rolex Kentucky each year, generating more than $14 million of spending in the local community,” said Lee Carter, EEI Executive Director. “Kentucky Uncovered and our official Entertainment, Shopping, and Dining Guide will be of great interest to these visitors and both present outstanding opportunities for Kentucky businesses looking to reach them. I can think of no better partner for these exciting attractions than TOPS in Lexington who is tapped into the Central Kentucky community as well as anyone.”

“I am delighted to be a part of this partnership between the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event and Tops in Lexington, said Lisa Sheehy, TOPS In Lexington Editor. “This exciting new event, Kentucky Uncovered, will showcase all the wonderful Kentucky products, services, restaurants, the high-spirited nightlife and more. This signature event will be the pride of the Bluegrass Region.”

Rolex Kentucky is America’s only Four Star event, the highest designation of a Three-Day Eventing competition and one that is given only to the Olympic Games, World Championships, and just six annual events around the world.

The Kentucky Reining Cup is held in conjunction with the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event and features the Adequan/USEF Open Reining National Championship and World Equestrian Games Selection Trial determining which horses and riders will represent the U.S. in the World Reining Championships at the 2014 World Equestrian Games in Normandy, France this summer.

Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI) is a non-profit charitable Kentucky corporation that was established initially to produce the 1978 World Three-Day Event Championships at the Kentucky Horse Park. Following the success of those championships, EEI established an annual event which quickly evolved into what is today the only Four Star three-day event in the western hemisphere, the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. The Kentucky Reining cup was incorporated as part of the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event schedule in 2011.

Tops Magazine is distributed in more than 350 locations in 10 Central Kentucky Counties and has over 94,000 dedicated, loyal readers. It is rated #1 most read magazine in many of the most key income and age demographics important to advertisers by the Media Audit.  The TopsInLex.com website enjoys close to 300,000 unique visitors annually.Anyone interested in learning more about how to be part of “Kentucky Uncovered” and the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event’s official “Entertainment, Shopping, and Dining Guide” should contact Teri at 859-543-8677 or Teri@TOPSmarketing.com.

Further information on the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event is available at www.rk3de.org or by calling 859-233-2362.

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02.16.14

Year of the Horse

Posted in My Thoughts at 9:58 pm by Thomas

Interestingly enough, on the Chinese calendar, this is the “Year of the Horse” which of course I take as a good sign for Kentucky, but really everyone should take as a good sign for a year.  The horse is a very noble and inspiring creature so that holds great promise for this year.  Of course what I suspect most of us are hoping for in this new year, is warmer weather, not that we should be too surprised by getting an old fashioned snowy winter from time to time.  Now I believe in the old adage, that which doesn’t kill you makes you stronger and this weather will soon give way to a beautiful Kentucky Spring that will smell that much sweeter when the Dogwoods are in bloom.  For me I am waiting with great anticipation for the warm weather of Spring and the Rolex Kentucky 3-Day Event which for us represents the kickoff to so many horse events and activities.  So just remember, Spring is only 32 days away and you have the endurance of the horse on your side to make it to the finish of the marathon winter.

Kentucky Colonel
Thomas P. Demond
KyWEGO

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01.16.14

Look Forward & Always Remember What We Have!

Posted in 2010 Games, 2018 Games, John Nicholson, Kentucky Horse Park, My Thoughts at 11:53 pm by Thomas

First, I will start off by saying Happy New Year, you may say I am a little late but I have learned you need to savior the New Year and give Thanks to the old before moving on.  I am thankful for many things in life, my family and friends first and the many people who cross my path if even but once but who give a piece of themselves to me.  In that regard I want to give thanks to Mr. John Nicholson for his service over the years at the Kentucky Horse Park, though we have never met but in passing, his influence and the events he has put in motion have certainly provided a unique and positive environment in which to grow in certain aspects of my life.  I wish him a well deserved, long and healthy retirement, and hopefully I will get the chance to shake his hand one day to convey my appreciation for all he has done.

Now, before shifting gears on to my resolutions, let me speak to the other side of the coin regarding Mr. Nicholson’s retirement.  I have had discussions with some today on that very topic in regards to what it means for our bid for the 2018 Games.  Again, I do not know Mr. Nicholson personally, but have listened to him enough and seen his actions to think to offer some insight into the impact of his decision which I believe he made fully with the best interest of the Horse Park in his decision.  He certainly has earned his retirement and whether we get the 2018 Games or not will certainly not diminish that and as I still believe we will be successful in our bid that will certainly be a testament to the position he has put the Horse Park in.  His stepping aside now allows for the selection of a new Executive Director with enough time before the formal bid to give that individual the time to get comfortable in their new position but not too comfortable.  My take on Mr. Nicholson would have been had he still been around in June, he would not have felt he could step down until after the 2018 Games and that would of been a lot to ask of the man, because for someone like him, preparing for the Games isn’t a job it’s a total immersion that touches every aspect of your life.  So ultimately I see his retirement as a well thought out decision with the most positive possible out come for the Horse Park.

My resolutions are simple and straight forward.  I will continue to work towards always being a better person as I get older and to be thankful for all that I have in my life.  A significant part of that will be to do what I can to be a positive influence on the conditions in Kentucky.  In regards to what I am doing here that means being dedicated to seeing Kentucky host the World Equestrian Games again and for that to be a positive to the people of the Commonwealth.

One final resolution or maybe I should call it a proclamation.  I still continue to believe that we will be successful in winning the bid to host the 2018 Games but if we are not it will not trouble me for a day because I will be working towards seeing us host at some other date in the future for Kentucky is the Horse Capital of the World as we have been blessed by the horse.

Kentucky Colonel
Thomas P. Demond
KyWEGO

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12.13.13

USEF Announces Dates and Location for 2014 Adequan/USEF Open Reining National Championship and Selection Trial

Posted in Adequan, Reining, Rolex Kentucky 3 Day Event, United States Equestrian Federation at 10:32 pm by EPR

Lexington, KY–December 11, 2013–The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is pleased to join with HorsePower, Inc. and Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI), in announcing that the Adequan/USEF Open Reining National Championship will be held as part of the Kentucky Reining Cup which is being run in conjunction with the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by Land Rover, April 24-27, 2014 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Ky. The Reining championship will also serve as the Selection Trial for the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games U.S. Reining Team.

Produced by HorsePower, Inc., the 2014 Kentucky Reining Cup will also feature a World Championship Freestyle class and offer $120,000 in total prize money. The Adequan/USEF Open Reining National Championship and Selection Trial will be a CRI3* event held in two rounds over three days, April 25-27 in the Horse Park’s Alltech Arena. Athletes must complete at least two Tryout Events/Qualifying Competitions to be eligible to compete in the Selection Trial. A list of Selection Trial Qualifying Competitions can be found here.

“It is very exciting to once again have the Kentucky Reining Cup held in conjunction with the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by Land Rover,” said John Long, USEF CEO. “The excitement will be elevated in 2014 with the addition of the Adequan/USEF Open Reining National Championship and Selection Trial. We look forward to a great weekend of competition.”

Reining was first held during the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event in 2011, following its success at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Its popularity with both riders and spectators has been evidenced through the world-class field and enthusiastic crowds it has attracted.

“In just three short years, the Kentucky Reining Cup has become established as a major competition on the national reining calendar,” said Brad Ettleman, President of HorsePower, Inc. “The opportunity to host the Adequan/USEF Open Reining National Championship and WEG Selection Trial guarantees that we will have the best horses and riders in the nation at next April’s event!”

“The Kentucky Reining Cup has proven to be the perfect event to complement the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event,” said Darren Ripley, President of EEI, producer of the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event.  “We are thrilled that it will be back bigger and better than ever in 2014.”

Further information on the Kentucky Reining Cup is available at www.KentuckyReining.com. Further information on the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event Presented by Land Rover is available at www.rk3de.org. Further information on the U.S. Equestrian Federation is available at www.usef.org.  Further information on HorsePower, Inc., is available at www.hpowerinc.com.

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12.06.13

8 Years Later!

Posted in 2010 Games, 2018 Games at 8:51 pm by Thomas

I am not sure how many remember that it was this day 8 years ago when the announcement broke that Kentucky had been selected to host the 2010 FEI World Equestrian Games.  And so the story began, like most there were moments when it didn’t look like we would make it, but in the end, the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games were considered a success for all involved.

So here we are today, in the hunt to host the 2018 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, of course everyone expected that at this point Bromont would be preparing to host the Games.  Bromont is still one of the 3 potential host sites but I think calling them a long shot is probably being generous.  Lexington is still the odds on favorite for all the obvious reasons, though, before I get hate mail from the Wellington faithful, I will say Wellington is going to make it a horse race.  Now I still believe this is Lexington’s to lose, but if the competing parties in Wellington can come together and show that they can work together in an extended way that gives everyone confidence that their presentation isn’t full of hot air like a Florida summer, I would certainly support them for the 2022 Games.  Now again, before I get hate mail, that is not intended as a slap at Wellington, more as a friendly challenge.

Kentucky Colonel
Thomas P. Demond
KyWEGO®

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11.28.13

Kentucky Horse Council Honors 2013 Industry Contributors with Excellence Awards

Posted in Kentucky Horse Council at 7:23 pm by EPR

Lexington, KY, November 10, 2013 – The Kentucky Horse Council Excellence Awards recognize the individuals, groups and associations whose dedication and innovation, through outstanding achievements, positively impact our Kentucky equine community.  This year’s award winners were celebrated at the KHC Annual Member Meeting on November 10, where recipients received public accolades for their work and accomplishments.

Volunteer of the Year:
The Kentucky Horse Council chose Donna Waldrup from Nicholas County, KY, as the 2013 Volunteer of the Year.  Donna has spent long hours over the last four years, working on KHC events & programs, such as the Kentucky Round-Up, the Kentucky Trail Summit, and the Annual Convention.

In addition to her full time job with AT&T, Donna remains extremely active in the equine industry.  Her equine activities include (but definitely are not limited to): working as a part-time rider for Blue Grass Stockyards East, participating in the Cowboy Church Network of Kentucky and Blue Grass Cowboy Church, volunteering at the Kentucky Horse Park and with the Back Country Horsemen, and competing in ranch roping, working cow horse, penning/sorting, and mounted shooting.  This year, Donna competed in CMSA mounted shooting with the Cowtown Rangers and won the State Championship for Ladies Level 1!

“The Kentucky Horse Council has been fortunate to have an incredible database of knowledgeable and dedicated volunteers,” said Anna Zinkhon, President of the Kentucky Horse Council.  “This past year, Donna Waldrup stood out, and showed everyone what an ideal, hardworking volunteer can do.  Her service to the Kentucky Horse Council is invaluable and highly appreciated.”

Ambassador Award
The KHC Ambassador Award is an annual award with the following criteria:

• Evidence of significant, long term collaboration with one or more Kentucky equine groups
• History of positive involvement with the Kentucky Horse Council through board, committee or volunteer work
• Pioneer or groundbreaking work advancing equine causes in Kentucky

This year’s Ambassador Award was presented to Madelyn Millard of Lexington, KY for her service and dedication to the equine community in Kentucky.

As former president of the Kentucky Horse Council (KHC), Madelyn has made the KHC critical to the industry’s health and well-being.   During her tenure as president, Madelyn guided the KHC board and staff to develop programs in horse welfare, equine professional education, youth support, trail protection, legislative involvement and communications.  Some of these programs are now even national models.

Madelyn also had the vision to recognize that the Kentucky Horse Council was not just a state organization, but also an important participant in the national industry through equine connections and partnerships.  She is involved with the equine industry at the national level and has been active in the Coalition of State Horse Councils, first serving as Vice-Chair in 2010 – 2011, and then being elected Chair in 2012 at the American Horse Council’s Annual Meeting.

“It is my honor and privilege to present Madelyn with the first annual Ambassador Award,” said Anna Zinkhon, President of the Kentucky Horse Council.  “We thank her for her vast contributions to the equine industry, within the state, the nation, and globally.  She has shown the world the dedication it takes to make a positive impact on the entire equine community, and has become a role model in the process.”

For more information about the Kentucky Horse Council, visit www.kentuckyhorse.org or call (859) 367-0509.

ABOUT THE KENTUCKY HORSE COUNCIL – The Kentucky Horse Council is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated, through education and leadership, to the protection and development of the Kentucky equine community.  The Kentucky Horse Council provides educational programs, grants, scholarships, personal liability insurance, trail riding programs, and an annual statewide equine industry directory.

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11.03.13

Alltech National Horse Show sets the stage for WEG 2018!

Posted in 2018 Games, Alltech National Horse Show, Dr. Pearse Lyons at 10:00 pm by Thomas

I took my family out to the Alltech National Horse Show yesterday and can say we had an excellent time.  We had tickets to both the Kentucky Savor Event in the afternoon as well as for the $250,000 Grand Prix so we had a full day at the Alltech Arena.  I was actually surprised at the crowds in the Arena, though I guess I shouldn’t as Alltech has added a lot of different events and activities in and around the Arena so there is a little something for everyone.  Again, this should not be anything that surprises me because Alltech as an extension of Dr. Lyons leadership backed by his passion and imagination looks to always learn from what they have done in the past and improve on it.  This is why I came away from the show last night being even more certain that Kentucky would be successful in winning the bid for the 2018 Games.  Alltech set the stage for what they and Kentucky have to offer for the 2018 Games, which is leadership built on a passion and imagination that has led to the success at Alltech and the success of the 2010 Games.

Kentucky Colonel
Thomas P. Demond
KyWEGO

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10.29.13

Kentucky One Step Closer to 2018 WEG Confirmation. Everyone Get Ready!

Posted in 2018 Games at 8:27 am by Thomas

The word came out late yesterday that the British Equestrian Federation (BEF) has withdrawn their bid for the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games.  I am not surprised as the BEF was making lots of stipulations on what they wanted changed about the Games in order for them to host and on the time schedule we now find ourselves, the FEI wasn’t in a position to change much.  Ultimately I believe, Great Britain was the real competition we had for these Games.

So now that the British are out of the hunt, that only leaves Kentucky, Wellington and Bromont going forward.  Of course I still do not consider Wellington a viable choice because of the political situation in Wellington which is only a little less contentious then the Hatfield-McCoy Feud because nobody has died yet, though I am afraid with the amount of money involved that is only a matter of time.  Bromont is at least politically more stable but the Canadians are still dealing with the hang over from the 76 Summer Olympics, namely that it took them 30 years to pay off the debt from them.  I know there was some feeling among the Canadians that they needed to find a way to host these Games after everyone else had dropped out because they didn’t want to be blamed if the 2018 Games didn’t occur at all.  I know many are going to say that wouldn’t be a possibility, trust me, that is more a realistic possibility then you would ever get anyone in official circles to admit publicly.

Of course this all brings me to say what I have been saying since the last Games ended, that we could and would host the Games again.  Ultimately I was certain before Britain withdrew that we would be hosting the 2018 Games, this is just one more event that brings us closer to that formal conclusion and announcement in the Spring.  So I need everyone to start getting ready, as I have heard the complaints raised, to address those for the 2018 Games means you need to get involved and speak up early.

Kentucky Colonel
Thomas P. Demond
KyWEGO

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10.03.13

It’s Official, we are in the hunt for WEG 2018.

Posted in 2018 Games, News Worthy at 9:46 am by Thomas

So it’s official, FEI announced this morning that Kentucky had formally expressed interest in hosting the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games.  November 15th is the deadline for the return of the Bid Applicant Questionnaires, and then the FEI will make the announcement on December 2nd as to the host city candidates.  Those candidates will then make their formal presentations at the FEI Bureau Spring meeting and the decision will be announced at the end of that meeting.  I have not seen the date for that meeting yet but would of course suspect it will be prior to the Kentucky Rolex so expecting us to have much to celebrate then.

Kentucky Colonel
Thomas P. Demond
KyWEGO®

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10.02.13

2018 WEG is knocking, lets answer the opportunity.

Posted in 2018 Games, Alltech, Dr. Pearse Lyons, FEI, Governor Beshear, John Nicholson at 11:31 pm by Thomas

The second article in a little over the week has come out touting the possibility of the 2018 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games being back in Kentucky.  This article was written by Nancy Jaffer for EquiSearch who had discussions with both John Nicholson and Dr. Pearse Lyons and all indications from those discussions were that the idea of us hosting the 2018 Games was under active consideration, though Mr. Nicholson did temper that by saying “that should not imply a decision has been made”.

Now, based on my research and discussions with others there is certainly an opportunity for us to host the 2018 Games if we so desire.  I will go as far as to say that currently the decision has been made and indicated to FEI that we are interested in hosting them.   I should and will clarify, that is NOT information that I have gotten directly from the horse’s mouth, excuse the pun, by which I mean anyone in close contact with the 3 needed principals, Dr. Lyons, John Nicholson or the Governor  Steve Beshear.  Dr. Lyons pretty much hinted though that, that is where the decision lies at the moment, that is to say the Governor is doing the political calculation on whether there would be support for it within our Legislative body to pursue a fast track formal bid.  Now the Governor is not facing re-election but I am sure he doesn’t want to start the process of us formally submitting a bid only to then have the Legislature not provide support for it when the come back into Session after the first of the year, being as this upcoming Session will be a Budget Session for Fiscal Years 2015-2016.

My best guess/gut is a formal announcement will be made this month, possibly as early as the 10th or as late as the end of the Alltech National Horse Show which would take us into early November.  If a formal announcement one way or the other isn’t made by then I would have to say that highly suggests we are not going to pursue a bid to host.  Stay tuned as you know I will be staying on top of this story.

Here is the link to Nancy Jaffer’s article.

Kentucky Colonel
Thomas P. Demond
KyWEGO®

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10.01.13

Local and equine charities receive support from Equestrian Events, Inc.

Posted in Equestrian Events Inc at 8:46 pm by EPR

Lexington, KY -September 30, 2013-Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI), producer of the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event and the Kentucky Reining Cup, has made financial contributions of almost $20,000 to support several  charities that serve the Commonwealth of Kentucky and local equine interests.

Foremost among the donations by EEI is a contribution of $10,000 to Kentucky Children’s Hospital; this is the 15th year EEI has contributed to the hospital.

“Central Kentucky has supported our event for 35 years and it’s important to us to give back to our community,” said EEI President Darren Ripley.  “Our relationship with the Kentucky Children’s Hospital has been wonderfully reciprocal. Over the last 15 years Kentucky Children’s Hospital employees have given countless volunteer hours to the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event and the Reining Cup. It’s a great example of how organizations can work together.”

This year the Kentucky Children’s Hospital is conducting a capital campaign to totally renovate the Children’s Hospital.  EEI’s donation will result in a new patient room named in honor of EEI.

Currently, the Kentucky Children’s Hospital provides:

– 66 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) beds

8 Level II beds

38 Level III beds

20 Level IV beds

– 43 Acute Care (non-ICU) beds
– 12-bed Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)
– 12-bed Progressive Care Unit (PCU)
– Eight 23-hour observation beds and 3 infusion beds
– 26-bed normal newborn nursery
– Three children’s playrooms, a computer room and a library containing books and movies
– Three consult rooms (one in PICU, one in NICU and one in Acute Care)
– Four sleep rooms for parents of children in the ICU
– A Ronald McDonald family room, open 24 hours a day for families of children in intensive care.

EEI also made financial contributions to:
·         Central Kentucky Riding for Hope – CKRH is dedicated to enriching the community by improving the quality of life and the health of children and adults with special physical, cognitive, emotional and social needs through therapeutic activities with the horse.
·         Midway College – As Kentucky’s only college for Women and as a forerunner in coeducational adult accelerated learning, Midway College empowers undergraduate and graduate students as leaders through a professionally-oriented liberal arts education.
·         UK Equestrian Team – The University of Kentucky Equestrian Team is a national competitive team affiliated with the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA). The UK Equestrian Team welcomes all levels of riders, and all levels have the opportunity to compete in IHSA shows.  The UK Equestrian Team has consistently been at the top of the IHSA standings. In 2008, the Hunt Seat team won the IHSA National championship.  The team has since enjoyed continued national success with a reserve championship title in 2009, third place finish in 2010, fifth place in 2011 and 8th place in 2012.
·         Georgetown College Equine Scholars – The Equine Scholars Program at Georgetown College enables qualified students to obtain a first-class education at a premier liberal arts college while participating in equine related opportunities available only in the “Horse Capital of the World”: Central Kentucky.
·         Equine Land Conservation Resource – The Equine Land Conservation (ELCR) is an educational and networking resource for horsemen and communities. Since all land is saved locally, ELCR provides the information horsemen need to protect horse lands and trails in their home town.

“We’re thankful to be in a position where we can assist these important organizations,” said Ripley.  “The popularity and success of the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event and Kentucky Reining Cup enable us to do this. It’s our many supporters who make these contributions possible.”

Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI) is a non-profit charitable Kentucky corporation that was established initially to produce the 1978 World Three-Day Event Championships at the Kentucky Horse Park.  Following the success of those championships, EEI established an annual event that quickly evolved into what is today the only Four-Star three-day event in the western hemisphere, the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event.  EEI initiated the Kentucky Reining Cup in 2011.

Tickets for the 2014 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event Presented by Land Rover and the Kentucky Reining Cup, scheduled for April 24-27, 2014, at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Ky., will go on sale on Nov. 1.  Details on the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event are available online at www.RK3DE.org.  Further information on the 2014 Kentucky Reining Cup is available at www.KentuckyReining.com.  To order tickets for either event, please call 859-254-8123. To receive a printed ticket brochure, please send your name and mailing address to tickets@RK3DE.org.

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09.25.13

3 Years Later, ready to do it all over again!

Posted in 2018 Games, My Thoughts, The Lane Report at 11:21 pm by Thomas

Its been exactly 3 years since the start of the 2010 World Equestrian Games and I am blown away by how quickly that time seems to have gone by.  This December will mark 8 years since the announcement that we had won the right to host the Games.  A lot of hard work by a lot of dedicated people occurred between that announcement and this date 3 years ago.  I played a small part during that time as well as volunteering for 12 of the 16 days of the Games and was/am proud of my participation and humbled by the experience all at the same time.  Of course I am ready to do it all over again and as much as I have talked about the possibility of us getting it back, most time I felt a bit alone in that endeavor.  I do know that it took a lot out of a lot of people but I have always believed after some time the true positives of us hosting the Games would be what people remembered and that a spark would ignite the fire again to seek them once more.

This week I believe that happened, Mark Green of The Lane Report wrote a piece on the idea of Kentucky getting the Games back for 2018, which of course is sooner then even I dreamed anybody would suggest.  First let me say, part of my excitement, and my wife can attest that I was actually excited after reading Mark’s article, was just knowing I wasn’t totally alone in believing that I would live to see the Games back in Kentucky again, and I believe that to the point of knowing it in my heart and soul.  What takes the excitement even to a higher level is that this was an article published by The Lane Report which by all standards I have seen over the years is a well read and well considered publication both in and out of the Commonwealth.  Now I have to assume they, meaning the editors who had to approve Mark’s article, had to feel it had some merit and interest to their readership because its a publication that likes and needs to be taken seriously to stay in business because there is a significant segment of the business community in this area that looks to The Lane Report for some level of guidance in how and where business in this area is going.  Obviously more then a few business leaders read this article and stopped to ponder the implications of what if we did get the Games back in 2018.  I highly suspect those editors at The Lane Report are well aware of the implications of such pondering because successful business leaders will tell you that a key to being successfully is having a plan that runs 5 to 1o years out in the future and being prepared to take advantage of opportunities when they present themselves.

I know we may not get the 2018 Games, but my plans go out much farther then that so I won’t be disappointed if they are not here in 2018 because I will know I am still that much closer to seeing them back, One Day!

Kentucky Colonel
Thomas P. Demond
KyWEGO®

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09.23.13

Will the 2018 World Equestrian Games jump back into Kentucky?

Posted in 2018 Games at 10:01 pm by EPR

Will the 2018 World Equestrian Games jump back into Kentucky?

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