Imagine the best of the best in the equestrian world all gathered together in one place. Think of the most accomplished riders and the most talented horses converging at one location to do what they do best. Then, picture that phenomenal event happening right here in our home country, on picturesque land dedicated entirely to the horse.

You have just envisioned the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games at Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky, September 25 through October 10, 2010. WEG is comprised of the world championships for eight different equestrian sports (dressage, driving, endurance, eventing, jumping, para dressage, reining, and vaulting). The Games are held every four years (two years prior to the Olympic Games). This year, organizers anticipate hundreds of thousands of spectators to attend, up to 60 competing nations, and as many as 500 million TV viewers worldwide. 

History of the Games

Before the World Equestrian Games was established, the world championships for each discipline were hosted by the country that had won in that discipline four years earlier. For example, the United States hosted the eventing world championship in 1978, after Bruce Davidson won the 1974 title of champion.

The concept of a World Equestrian Games, at which all the FEI disciplines would contest their world championships at one time and in one place, was first proposed to the FEI in 1983. The very first World Equestrian Games were held in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1990, and included six disciplines: jumping, dressage, eventing, driving, endurance, and vaulting. In 1994, the World Equestrian Games were held at The Hague, Netherlands. It followed the Stockholm format, representing six disciplines.

After a late cancellation of the Games that were to be held in Dublin, Ireland, Rome stepped forward to host the 1998 Games on one year’s notice. All disciplines except endurance were held and well executed, considering the very short preparation time. The endurance world championship was held in Dubai that year.

The next Games were held in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain, in 2002, and included all six disciplines; also, reining was included for the first time. In 2006, the Games took place in Aachen, Germany, after a spirited competition between Aachen and Kentucky Horse Park. In 2010, the Games leave Europe for the first time and come to the United States to the Kentucky Horse Park where, for the first time, para dressage, the newest FEI discipline, will also be contested. 

This year’s WEG opening ceremonies will be more elaborate than ever. Five-time Grammy Award winning artist and native Kentuckian, Wynonna Judd, will be a major highlight. The program will also feature more than 200 horses, a symphony orchestra and chorale, all of whom will showcase Kentucky’s, and America’s, equestrian and musical heritage to the world.

The Perfect Venue

If you’ve never been to Kentucky Horse Park, WEG is a good reason to see this amazing property, dedicated solely to horses. KHP is a working 1,200-acre horse farm, educational theme park, and competition facility that welcomes approximately 900,000 visitors and 15,000 competition horses each year.

Featuring dozens of different breeds of horses at work and at play, the park showcases the horse in daily presentations, horse-drawn tours, horseback riding, a movie presentation, and an array of horse shows and special events throughout the year.

Visitors also can meet living legends of racing, such as Cigar, Alysheba, and Funny Cide. Their International Museum of the Horse illustrates the history of the horse, and Kentucky’s first native breed of horse is presented in the American Saddlebred Museum.

A number of changes that had already been on the park’s long-term plans have been finished in time for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games this year. Permanent additions and upgrades include a lighted outdoor stadium that opened in April 2009, a climate-controlled indoor arena that opened in July 2009, a new vehicle entrance, and upgrades to roads, pathways, and visitor gathering areas throughout the park.

Temporary accommodations for the Games consist of about 28,000 temporary seats, centers for welcoming visitors and volunteers, areas for Equine Village and Trade Show Village, and sponsor showrooms. They’ve also constructed a temporary driving stadium.

Holding this competition at such a large venue has its benefits, but also adds some challenges. Kate Jackson, Vice President and Competition Director, explains, “The movement of athletes, horses, staff, spectators, etc. across the venue during the Games will be a challenge. The participating countries are being advised to bring bicycles!” Unfortunately, bikes and some other modes of transportation are not permitted within the park for spectators, but a bike trail to the park, and a place to store bikes in a parking lot, is available.

Another challenge unique to this year’s Games “is the number of horses on the venue at once. Being the first time in the United States, the 2010 Games require over 600 horses to be flown into the United States, the largest number of horses ever flown overseas for an equestrian competition. Due to the flight schedules, there will be a time when almost all the competition horses are on the venue at the same time. This, of course, requires even more detailed planning than any other Games.”

Something for Everyone

As with most events this big, organizers make sure the whole family will enjoy the stay. In addition to the eight world championships, this year’s World Equestrian Games will be a celebration of all things equestrian.

The trade show will include hundreds of vendors to provide you with the ultimate equestrian shopping experience. Prominent exhibitors from around the world will offer the finest in gifts, collectibles, artwork, apparel, tack, and jewelry, as well as other unique merchandise and services throughout the Games.

Equine Village will be a unique opportunity for visitors to meet folks in the horse industry and learn more about horses. Exhibitors and demonstrations will include: breed and discipline organizations, such as the American Paint Horse Association, the International Andalusian and Lusitano Horse Association, and the American Hackney Horse Society; entertainment from the Dancing Morgans; Odd Job Bob of El Brio Vanner; and Mario Contreras Equestrian Fiesta.

The lineup also includes: educational clinics and seminars with industry giants, including John Lyons, Pat Parelli, Clinton Anderson, and Aaron Ralston; exhibits of lesser-known equestrian disciplines, such as polocrosse and drill teams; and, of course, thrills for little ones from Molly the Pony, the Bandit and Melissa, and others.

Eager to show the world exactly what is “Kentucky,” local residents have assembled their state on the KHP grounds. Attractions are interactive, allowing visitors to see, hear, taste, and smell all that the Bluegrass State has to offer. Scaled-down models of famous landmarks, Bourbon and wine tastings, samples of traditional Kentucky food, examples of local music and art, along with the opportunity to purchase locally-made products, are just a few of the temptations that await.

Media Coverage

As official broadcast partner, NBC has committed to 6-1/2 hours of coverage, the largest amount of equestrian coverage by any network in the history of television in the U.S. The 2006 Games in Aachen, Germany, were broadcast to about 460 million people worldwide. Organizers expect the 2010 Games to be watched by a half-billion viewers. Live results will be available on www.alltechfeigames.com each day.

Spectators at the Games can also purchase access to World Equestrian Radio, a personal radio service, complete with a souvenir radio receiver. Patrons will be able to listen to unique live commentary and information pertaining specifically to the event they are currently attending. A one-time fee of $45 includes expert commentary for all championship events. Commentators are top professionals that have a broad-reaching knowledge of their disciplines. Before the events and during breaks, the listener will hear updates regarding other disciplines and the event in general.

Go to Kentucky

Time is running out. If you want to be part of this once-in-a-lifetime event, make your arrangements now. WEG tickets are available at Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com, or 800-745-3000). Tickets for reserved seating will be available to each session of competition of the eight world championships. Prices range from $25 to $150, providing a range of options for every spectator. Once the Games begin on September 25, spectators will also be able to buy tickets at the front gate of the Games. All competitions being held in outdoor venues will take place, rain or shine.

For the first time at WEG, there will be a grounds pass available this year. This will give those who don’t have a reserved seat for one of the world championships access to the grounds and park activities during the Games. Organizers want everyone to take part in the international celebratory atmosphere at the park, whether or not they want to see a world championship.

Amy Walker, head of WEG public relations, encourages spectators to make their arrangements now. “Hotels in the Lexington area are just starting to fill, but many rooms are still available. Spectators are also encouraged to explore housing bureau options outside the Lexington area, as a wide variety of accommodations and prices are available just a short drive from the Kentucky Horse Park.”

When you reserve your accommodations, be sure to mention that you’re attending WEG, as special discount rates will apply. There are more than 7,000 hotel rooms in Lexington and a variety of hotel types around the region; so, there are accommodations available to fit everyone's budget and style.

An unfortunate sign of today’s times, security at WEG will be reasonably tight. Measures include surveillance cameras, security personnel, and identification checks for access to certain areas. Be sure to check the list of prohibited items on www.alltechfeigames.com to avoid delays and inconveniences.

History in the Making

Enthusiasts of horse sports are thrilled that the United States finally has its chance to host the World Equestrian Games. Everyone involved, from leaders to part-time volunteers, is doing everything possible to make it safe, fun, and memorable. For more information about the 2010 World Equestrian Games, visit www.alltechfeigames.com, or call 888-WEG-2010.

Photo: Bob Lanrish

Photo: Bob Langrish

Photo Bob Langrish

Photo: Bill Patterson

The outdoor stadium at the Kentucky Horse Park, the competition facility for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

Photo: James Archambeault, Courtesy of the Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau

Calumet Farm, one of Lexington's most prestigious horse farms, is one of the many sights you can see while in Kentucky for WEG.

Photo: Lee Thomas, Courtesy Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau

There are many fun and unique exhibits to see while at the Kentucky Horse Park