WEG Reining Results: Current Day One Reining Team Rankings as of 5:51 p.m.

Current Incomplete Reining Team Rankings as of 5:51 p.m. are as follows:

Reining: Team Competition Day 1

Live scoring is not available for the current discipline

Rank	Num	Nat	Rider	Horse/Born/Breed/Color/Sex	Judge 1 Rank/Pts.	Judge 2 Rank/Pts.	Judge 3 Rank/Pts.	Judge 4 Rank/Pts.	Judge 5 Rank/Pts.	Score
1	319	ITA	S. Massignan	Yellow Jersey/ 2004/ AQHA/ Palomino/ Stallion	1 74.50	2 75.00	1 74.50	1 74.00	2 75.00	224.00
2	328	USA	C. Schmersal	Mister Montana Nic/ 1998/ AQHA/ Bay/ Stallion	1 74.50	3 74.50	1 74.50	3 73.50	1 75.50	223.50
3	341	USA	T. McQuay	Hollywoodstinseltown/ 2004/ AQHA/ Palomino/ Stallion	5 73.50	4 73.50	4 73.50	4 73.00	3 73.50	220.50
3	309	GER	G. Ludwig	Hot Smokin Chex/ 2001/ AQHA/ Bay/ Stallion	3 74.00	4 73.50	3 74.00	5 72.50	5 73.00	220.50
5	355	AUT	M. Mühlstätter	Wimpys Little Buddy/ 2004/ AQHA/ Bay/ Gelding	6 73.00	1 75.50	5 73.00	6 72.00	3 73.50	219.50
5	324	BEL	A. Poels	Whizdom Shines/ 2004/ AQHA/ Chestnut/ Stallion	3 74.00	7 72.00	6 72.50	1 74.00	5 73.00	219.50
7	377	GBR	L. Rutter	Setting Off Sparks/ 1998/ AQHA/ DarkBay/ Mare	7 72.00	6 73.00	7 72.00	6 72.00	9 71.50	216.00
8	349	MEX	A. Gonzalez Barragan	Custom Harley/ 2004/ AQHA/ Chestnut/ Stallion	7 72.00	9 71.50	12 70.50	15 70.00	7 72.00	214.00
9	343	DEN	J. McCabe	Starbucks Sidekick/ 2000/ AQHA/ Grey/ Stallion	10 71.00	11 71.00	10 71.00	12 70.50	10 71.00	213.00
9	357	AUT	M. Morawitz	Spin Me A Deal/ 2003/ AQHA/ Bay/ Gelding	10 71.00	7 72.00	15 70.00	8 71.00	10 71.00	213.00
11	301	BRA	P. Koury Neto	Spin Zone Whiz/ 2004/ AQHA/ Chestnut/ Stallion	9 71.50	19 69.00	15 70.00	8 71.00	7 72.00	212.50
11	335	BRA	J. Salgado Filho	Leopardo do Infinito/ 2001/ BH/ Roan/ Stallion	10 71.00	13 70.50	8 71.50	12 70.50	10 71.00	212.50
13	374	CAN	V. Sapergia	Its Wimpys Turn/ 2004/ AQHA/ Palomino/ Mare	10 71.00	16 69.50	12 70.50	8 71.00	15 70.00	211.50
14	312	NED	A. van Grunsven	Whizashiningwalla BB/ 2003/ AQHA/ Palomino/ Gelding	15 70.00	16 69.50	8 71.50	8 71.00	15 70.00	211.00
14	311	NED	F. Elzinga	Smoking Kills/ 2003/ AQHA/ Chestnut/ Stallion	18 69.50	13 70.50	12 70.50	12 70.50	15 70.00	211.00
16	303	IRL	O. Galligan	Whizardre N Starlite/ 2001/ AQHA/ Chestnut/ Gelding	15 70.00	9 71.50	15 70.00	20 68.50	13 70.50	210.50
17	366	AUS	S. Larcombe	Silver Benz/ 2002/ AQHA/ / Stallion	18 69.50	16 69.50	10 71.00	15 70.00	13 70.50	210.00
17	368	AUS	W. Schiller	Peptos I Brow/ 2001/ AQHA/ Roan/ Stallion	14 70.50	13 70.50	15 70.00	17 69.50	18 68.50	210.00
19	326	FRA	A. Girinon	RS McJac Smoker/ 2002/ AQHA/ Chestnut/ Gelding	15 70.00	11 71.00	19 69.00	17 69.50	21 67.50	208.50
20	350	MEX	A. Hawa Sarquis	Better Not Rest/ 2000/ AQHA/ Bay/ Gelding	18 69.50	19 69.00	19 69.00	21 68.00	18 68.50	206.50
21	322	BEL	J. Boogaerts	Gumpy Grumpy BB/ 2004/ AQHA/ Bay/ Gelding	21 68.00	21 68.50	21 68.00	19 69.00	18 68.50	205.00
22	363	POL	B. Czarnik	Colonel Pepenator/ 2001/ AQHA/ Chestnut/ Stallion	22 67.00	22 65.00	22 67.50	22 67.00	22 66.50	200.50
23	305	GBR	T. Greaves	Jac Wonders Who/ 2002/ AQHA/ Palomino/ Stallion	23 63.00	23 62.00	23 62.50	23 63.00	23 63.50	188.50
24	365	SWE	M. Goransson	Hey Houston/ 1997/ AQHA/ / Stallion	24 55.50	24 54.50	24 57.00	24 55.00	24 55.50	166.00
25	340	ITA	M. Ricotta	Smart And Shiney/ 2003/ AQHA/ Palomino/ Stallion	25 .00	25 .00	25 .00	25 .00	25 .00	.00
25	304	ESP	F. Cueto	A Real Hillbilly/ 2002/ AQHA/ Chestnut/ Gelding	25 .00	25 .00	25 .00	25 .00	25 .00	.00
25	308	GER	N. Hörmann	Mister Dual Spring/ 1998/ AQHA/ Chestnut/ Stallion	25 .00	25 .00	25 .00	25 .00	25 .00	.00
25	370	SWE	H. Hokkanen	Sailor In Command/ 2001/ AQHA/ / Gelding	25 .00	25 .00	25 .00	25 .00	25 .00	.00
0	361	SWE	I. Silverstolpe	Chexx A Roanie/ 2004/ AQHA/ Roan/ Gelding	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	.00
0	317	ITA	D. Carmignani	Red Chic Peppy/ 1999/ AQHA/ Chestnut/ Stallion	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	.00
0	325	FRA	P. Barret	Whizard Star/ 2002/ AQHA/ Bay/ Stallion	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	.00
0	338	USA	T. McCutcheon	Gunners Special Nite/ 2004/ AQHA/ / Stallion	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	.00
0	330	COL	H. Jimenez Reyes	Conquistador Lilstar/ 2004/ AQHA/ Roan/ Gelding	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	.00
0	321	BEL	C. Baeck	Peek A Boom/ 2002/ AQHA/ Palomino/ Stallion	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	.00
0	351	ESP	G. Recio Pezzi	Bonnies Smart Chic/ 2000/ / Chestnut/ Stallion	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	.00
0	300	BRA	W. Teixeira	SJ Rodopio/ 2002/ BH/ Grey/ Gelding	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	.00
0	329	AUS	W. Backhouse	Whizs Bronze Star/ 2003/ AQHA/ Bay/ Gelding	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	.00
0	342	MEX	R. Pacheco Cuevas	Topsail Command/ 2001/ / Bay/ Stallion	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	.00
0	378	GBR	D. Allen	Don Julio Whiz/ 2002/ AQHA/ Chestnut/ Stallion	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	.00
0	332	DEN	A. Lau	Hollywood And Fine/ 2002/ AQHA/ Chestnut/ Gelding	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	.00
0	373	CAN	S. Sapergia	This Chics On Top/ 2003/ AQHA/ Bay/ Mare	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	.00
0	331	NED	H. Heule	Crome Shiner/ 2004/ AQHA/ Chestnut/ Mare	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	.00
0	315	AUT	D. Schulz	Laredo Whiz/ 2004/ AQHA/ Chestnut/ Stallion	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	.00
0	306	GER	E. Ernst	Legends Diamond Doc/ 1999/ AQHA/ Chestnut/ Stallion	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	.00
0	337	ISR	Y. Suger	Strike Em Out/ 2000/ / Black/ Stallion	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	.00
0	360	SWE	F. Thomsson	Gallos Stylish Star/ 2002/ AQHA/ Bay/ Stallion	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	.00
0	356	ISR	K. Ahisshar	Whiz N Lena Jac/ 2002/ AQHA/ / Gelding	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	.00
0	320	ITA	N. Brunelli	Spat a Blue/ 2002/ AQHA/ Bay/ Stallion	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	.00
0	327	FRA	G. Legrand	New Doc Peppy Cat/ 2001/ AQHA/ Bay/ Stallion	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	.00
0	345	USA	S. Flarida	RC Fancy Step/ 2004/ AQHA/ Palomino/ Stallion	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	.00
0	323	BEL	B. Fonck	BA Reckless Chick/ 2003/ AQHA/ Chestnut/ Gelding	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	.00
0	334	BRA	J. Lacerda	Remenic N Poco/ 2004/ AQHA/ Palomino/ Gelding	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	.00
0	344	RSA	S. Borland	Ses Smart Star/ 2002/ AQHA/ Chestnut/ Mare	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	.00
0	375	AUS	M. Larcombe	Top Prize Prince/ 2004/ AQHA/ Palomino/ Stallion	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	.00
0	348	MEX	J. Vazquez Hernandez	Wound By Juice/ 2004/ AQHA/ / Mare	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	.00
0	380	GBR	F. Sternberg	Slidin Like A Yankee/ 2004/ AQHA/ Chestnut/ Mare	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	.00
0	362	DOM	F. Garrido	A Smart Enterprise/ 1996/ AQHA/ Chestnut/ Gelding	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	.00
0	314	DEN	S. Skovrider	Magnum Licorice Chic/ 2004/ AQHA/ Black/ Mare	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	.00
0	372	CAN	D. Latimer	Dun Playin Tag/ 2004/ AQHA/ / Gelding	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	.00
0	313	NED	R. Young-van Osch	Burnt Starlight/ 1998/ AQHA/ Bay/ Stallion	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	.00
0	381	AUT	R. Kronsteiner	Einsteins Revolution/ 2002/ AQHA/ Dun/ Stallion	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	.00
0	310	GER	S. Rzepka	Doctor Zip Nic/ 2002/ AQHA/ DarkBay/ Stallion	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	.00
0	382	DOM	M. Orizondo	Tattoos Dun It/ 2000/ / Palomino/ Stallion	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	- N/A	.00

WEG Reining Nations' Results: Current Nations' Reining Rankings

As of 5:48 pm, Saturday September 24, 2010 Nations Reining Rankings are as follows:

1	USA	C. Schmersal / T. McQuay / T. McCutcheon / S. Flarida	444.00
2	AUT	M. Mühlstätter / M. Morawitz / D. Schulz / R. Kronsteiner	432.50
3	BRA	P. Koury Neto / J. Salgado Filho / W. Teixeira / J. Lacerda	425.00
4	BEL	A. Poels / J. Boogaerts / C. Baeck / B. Fonck	424.50
5	NED	A. van Grunsven / F. Elzinga / H. Heule / R. Young-van Osch	422.00
6	MEX	A. Gonzalez Barragan / A. Hawa Sarquis / R. Pacheco Cuevas / J. Vazquez Hernandez	420.50
7	AUS	S. Larcombe / W. Schiller / W. Backhouse / M. Larcombe	420.00
8	GBR	L. Rutter / T. Greaves / D. Allen / F. Sternberg	404.50
9	ITA	S. Massignan / M. Ricotta / D. Carmignani / N. Brunelli	224.00
10	GER	G. Ludwig / N. Hörmann / E. Ernst / S. Rzepka	220.50
11	DEN	J. McCabe / A. Lau / S. Skovrider	213.00
12	CAN	V. Sapergia / S. Sapergia / D. Latimer	211.50
13	FRA	A. Girinon / P. Barret / G. Legrand	208.50
14	SWE	M. Goransson / H. Hokkanen / I. Silverstolpe / F. Thomsson	166.00

WEG Reining: Reining World Championship Starts the Show...

The day before the official start of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, the stars of the reining world began their quest for the Reining World Championships, presented by John Deere, during the official horse inspection. Some 74 competitors from 22 nations presented their horses to the five-person ground jury. Three horse-and-rider combinations were not accepted, leaving 14 countries competing for team medals and seven countries represented by individual riders.

“The level of competition here is going to be second to none,” said Reining discipline manager Brad Ettelman. “This is truly the equestrian event of a lifetime for the U.S., and we are thrilled that Reining is experiencing a homecoming of sorts. Reining has experienced incredible growth internationally over the years, and we will certainly be showcasing the best the world has to offer at this WEG.”

Duane Latimer from Canada, the reigning individual gold medalist, is back to defend his title aboard a new mount, and Tim McQuay, a member of the U.S. gold-medal team in 2006, will help his defend their title again. Dressage star Anky van Grunsven of The Netherlands has traded in her breeches for chaps during these World Games and will attempt to make a successful transition to “Western” dressage.

Reining made its debut at the 2002 World Equestrian Games in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain, and has since been dominated by horses and riders from North America. The majority of the equine reining athletes are Quarter Horses, and the American Quarter Horse Association is the official breed sponsor of reining.

Countries competing with full teams include: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, France, Great Britain, Germany, Italy, Mexico, The Netherlands, Sweden and USA. Eleven of those countries will field four riders, allowing them one drop score, while the remaining three teams will have three competitors. Countries competing individuals include: Columbia, Dominican Republic, Spain, Ireland, Israel, Poland, South Africa and Uruguay.

Reining officials include technical delegate Dan Wall (USA); chief steward Eric Straus (USA); ground jury president Greg Darnell (USA); foreign judge Patti Carter (CAN); equipment judge Yaron Fabrikant (ISR); and ground jury members Thiago Boechat (BRA), Ralf Hesselschwerdt (GER) and Eugenio Latorre (ITA).

The competition will begin tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. with part 1 of the team competition and will continue at 2:00 p.m. with part 2 of the team competition.

WEG Results: Live Scoring and Results Available On-Line - Link repaired

For continuously updated 2010 Alltech® World Equestrian Games scoring and results lick here. Live results will be divided by discipline and updated as the scores are compiled. If you would prefer, cut and past this line into your browser:

http://www.alltechfeigames.com/competition/default.aspx?id=174&ekmensel=c580fa7b_8_20_btnlink

WEG Entry Lists: Published for Dressage, Endurance, and Reining

With one day to go the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games have announced definite entries for the following disciplines: Dressage, Endurance and Reining.

Definite entries for the three disciplines can be viewed online here

The 2010 Games will begin September 25 with the Reining competition and Opening Ceremonies. Endurance will be held on September 26. The Dressage competition will begin September 27 and will end on October 1 with the sold-out Dressage Freestyle.

Definite entries for Driving, Eventing, Jumping, Para-Dressage and Vaulting will be available within the coming days.

WEG TV: Local Broadcast of WEG Opening Ceremonies Planned!

LEXINGTON, KY—1 Day to Go--When the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games officially begin on Saturday, Kentuckians will have the opportunity to witness the pageantry and excitement of the opening ceremonies as most of the state’s NBC affiliates broadcast the event live from 7:00–9:00 p.m. EST Saturday.

The following Kentucky NBC affiliates will be carrying the live show:

·         WLEX, Lexington

·         WAVE, Louisville

·         WLWT, Cincinnati

·         WNKY, Bowling Green

·         WPSD, Paducah

·         WFIE, Evansville (Indiana)

The broadcast will be produced by Carr-Hughes Productions, the official host broadcaster of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Heading up the production will be five-time Emmy winner Jim Carr, 20-year Olympic veteran Bob Hughes and acclaimed director Brian Douglas, who led the complete broadcast production of two Olympics.  The show will be hosted by Nancy Cox and Kevin Christopher of WLEX – Lexington.

The opening ceremonies will see a cast of nearly 1,500 people, ages 8 to 80, joining almost 200 horses from around the world for a celebration of dreams that will play tribute to the Games’ American debut. With scenes of the prairie, Broadway, the Wild West, and the Deep South, the show will journey through the history of horses and man as well as iconic moments in U.S. history and culture.

Forty different acts will be featured, including Kentuckian Wynonna Judd; opera stars Denyce Graves, Cynthia Lawrence and Ronan Tynan; Sara Lee Guthrie; Cherryholmes; and Jazz at Lincoln Center among other notables. World-renowned boxing legend, humanitarian, global icon and Kentucky native Muhammad Ali will also be making a special appearance.

Along with the opening ceremonies, the broadcast will also include regional features and a special preview of the coming events as eight world championships are contested over the following 15 days.

 “The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games will be an epic moment in the Commonwealth’s history. Never before has an international sporting event of this magnitude come to our Bluegrass,” said Terry Johnson, vice president of marketing and sponsorship for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. “We are delighted that NBC affiliates throughout the state have partnered to bring the show to Kentuckians.”

Opening ceremony tickets are still available but selling quickly. Experience it in person by securing your tickets today at www.alltechfeigames.com/ticketsor 1-888-934-2010.

An opening ceremonies mobile app is also now available for $0.99 download.

WEG TV: Detailed WEG TV Coverage Schedule

NBC Networks Unite for Most Live U.S. TV Coverage of Equestrian Sports in History
Universal Sports, NBC Sports and UniversalSports.com to cover more than 80 hours of 2010 World Equestrian Games

September 22, 2010: Universal Sports and NBC Sports are teaming up to provide fans with the most extensive live television coverage of equestrian sports in U.S. history. NBC Sports will air 8 ½ hours of LIVE coverage on three consecutive weekends, beginning this Saturday at 12 Noon ET. Universal Sports will show more than 15 hours LIVE, including the majority of the show jumping competition. Universal Sports will also air taped broadcasts of the Reining Final, the Dressage Freestyle, the Driving competition and the Vaulting Final. The joint effort will include more than 30 hours of live and taped television coverage of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Lexington, KY. This total amount of U.S. television coverage is unprecedented for equestrian sports in this country.

This prestigious international event is being held at Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington from September 25 to October 10. Lexington-area cable operator Insight Communications will offer the Universal Sports network to its subscribers on a trial basis beginning on September 24, allowing local horse enthusiasts to watch the action from start to finish.

The World Equestrian Games is held once every four years, with 2010 marking the first time the event will be held on U.S. soil. The Games feature the best riders and drivers in eight disciplines – dressage, show jumping, eventing, vaulting, reining, driving, endurance and para-equestrian dressage, which involves disabled riders. The 16-day competition is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of visitors to Lexington, a city known as the “Horse Capital of the World.”

All sessions of competition from the three Olympic equestrian disciplines -- dressage, eventing and jumping -- will be streamed LIVE on UniversalSports.com for a one-time subscription fee of $29.99. A daily purchase option of $12.99 also will be available. Full replays of subscription content will be provided for on-demand viewing. The live streaming begins with dressage (Sept. 27-29, Oct. 1), continues with eventing (Sept. 30, Oct. 1-3) and concludes with jumping (Oct. 4-6, 8-9). For details and a complete schedule of coverage on UniversalSports.com, go to universalsports.com/equestrian.

Additional live coverage of the international disciplines of reining, driving, vaulting, endurance, and recorded coverage of para-equestrian dressage, will air on the United States Equestrian Federation Network at www.USEFNetwork.com. Pay-Per-View coverage of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games will also be offered at www.FEITV.org.

World Equestrian Games Television Schedule

September 26, 2010
Team Reining Competition
Opening Ceremonies
12:00 (NOON) ET – 1:30 PM ET (LIVE)
NBC

September 27, 2010
Team Reining Competition
11:00 AM ET – 12:30 PM ET (taped)
Universal Sports

October 3, 2010
Show Jumping and Eventing-Cross Country
Freestyle Dressage and Reining Individual
1:00 PM ET – 4:00 PM ET (LIVE)
4:00 PM ET – 6:00 PM ET (LIVE)
NBC

October 4, 2010
Show Jumping Speed Competition
10:00 AM ET – 12:30 PM ET (LIVE)
2:30 PM ET – 5:00 PM ET (LIVE)
Universal Sports

October 5, 2010
Show Jumping Team Competition
10:00 AM ET – 12:30 PM ET (LIVE)
2:30 PM ET – 5:00 PM ET (LIVE)
Universal Sports

October 6, 2010
Show Jumping Team Competition Finals
7:00 PM ET – 9:30 PM ET (LIVE)
Universal Sports

October 7, 2010
Eventing Finals
Dressage Freestyle and Reining Individual
11:30 AM ET – 2:30 PM ET (taped)
2:30 PM ET – 4:30 PM ET (taped)
Universal Sports
October 8, 2010
Show Jumping Individual Competition
5:30 PM ET – 7:00 PM ET (LIVE)
Universal Sports

October 9, 2010
Show Jumping Final Four
8:00 PM ET – 9:30 PM ET (LIVE)
Universal Sports

October 10, 2010
Show Jumping Finals, Vaulting, Driving and
Closing Ceremonies
4:00 PM ET – 6:00 PM ET (LIVE)
NBC

October 11, 2010
Show Jumping Finals, Vaulting, Driving and
Closing Ceremonies
11:30 AM ET – 1:30 PM ET (taped)
Universal Sports

October 14, 2010
Driving  Finals
6:00 PM ET – 7:00 PM ET (taped)
Universal Sports

October 15, 2010
Vaulting Final
6:00 PM ET - 7:00 PM ET (taped)
Universal Sports

WEG Banking Sponsor Announced

LEXINGTON, KY—2 Days To Go—Rabobank, a leading bank in the global food and agriculture industry, is the Official Agribusiness Bank and sponsor of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

 “We are pleased to have Rabobank join our family of sponsors,” said Terry Johnson, vice president of marketing and sales for the World Games 2010 Foundation. “Their commitment to financing agribusiness around the world makes them a perfect fit for the 2010 Games.”

As a premier financial services provider to the global food and agribusiness industry, Rabobank is the bank of choice to many leading animal feed companies in the U.S. and in key international markets.  Rabobank is also an active supporter of equestrian sports in its parent country, the Netherlands, sponsoring the Royal Dutch Equestrian Federation and Dutch Olympic Equestrian Teams, as well as talent development programs for young Dutch equestrians.

“Rabobank is delighted to be a part of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games,” said Adriaan Weststrate, Managing Director, Rabobank North America Wholesale banking. “We are thrilled to lend our support as Official Agribusiness Bank to an event which will bring together world leaders in the areas of equestrian health, nutrition and sports.  This sponsorship is a wonderful way to continue and extend our commitment to our many valued clients in the global animal feed industry, and to showcase the talent of the Dutch equestrian team.   We are especially pleased to be involved with the Games for their debut in the U.S., a country in which we have established a leadership position in the F&A market over the course of our 30-year presence.”

WEG Carriage Driving Preview

Carriage Driving (7-10 October)
Reigning WEG champions: Germany (team) and Felix Marie Brasseur, BEL (Individual)

 Driving is a growing sport in the USA and the goal of World Championship Course Designer Richard Nicoll is to stir the enthusiasm of the large number of spectators at Kentucky Horse Park during the forthcoming Games.

 Dutch, German, Swedish, Swiss and American sides will battle it out for the team medals, and will be joined by Australia's Boyd Exell, twice winner of the Rolex FEI World Cup™ Driving Final, who will be bidding for the individual title.

 There are three phases of competition - Dressage, Marathon and Obstacle Cones – similar to Eventing, but with four horses!

(Courtesy FEI)

WEG Vaulting Preview

Vaulting (6-10 October)
 Reigning WEG champions: Germany (team) and Megan Benjamin, USA (Female Individual), Kai Vorberg, GER (Male Individual).

 In this demanding sport, judged over two rounds consisting of compulsory and freestyle  tests, competitors must show technique, balance and athleticism along with  creativity. The performance of the horse has become much more important since the  last  World Equestrian Games in Aachen, as this vital member of the Vaulting  team  must  remain  calm,  controlled,  balanced  and  happy  while  being lunged by a longeur who ensures a steady, true canter is maintained on a circle as
 the vaulter executes their movements. The horse's way of going now accounts for
 20% of the overall score.

 The Austrian team won the 2009 European Championships at Bokeberg in Sweden, where Joanne Eccles claimed the Individual Female title and the British rider goes to Kentucky  as  one of the favourites. Germany's Kai Vorberg, defending Male Vaulting  Champion  at  the  Alltech  FEI  World  Equestrian  Games™,  was  silver medallist at last year's European fixture where Nicolas Andreani from France took gold.

(Courtesy FEI)

WEG Para Dressage Preview

Para-Dressage (5-10 October)

 This continually evolving sport, included for the first time at the World Equestrian Games,  will break new ground if other nations can beat the British stranglehold. Great Britain has won team gold in every championship since the sport began, and fields the most medalled rider in history, Lee Pearson, plus Anne Dunham, the only rider to have competed at every Paralympics.

 Para-Dressage,  which  joined  the  FEI  disciplines  in  2006,  provides  riders  with physical  disabilities the opportunity to compete in high performance equestrian sport alongside able-bodied riders from all over the world.  The FEI was one of the first international  governing bodies to regulate sport for both able-bodied and disabled athletes.

(Courtesy FEI)

Weg Jumping Preview

Jumping (4-9 October)
Reigning  WEG  champions: Netherlands (team) and Jos Lansink/Cumano/BEL (Individual)

 The defending Jumping champions from The Netherlands had a tough year avoiding relegation from the top-level Meydan FEI Nations Cup™ series in 2010 so don't look the force they were four years ago.  Both Germany and France have won the World Equestrian Games team title twice, and the French are on form having claimed the Meydan title for  the second successive season this summer. However the host nation and reigning Olympic champions are the ones to be reckoned with on their home ground in Kentucky.  And never discount the Irish. They scored a surprise victory at Aachen in July and are fielding the same team.

 The USA will also challenge strongly for the individual honours, with McLain Ward and  Sapphire  in  sparkling  form  in  recent  months.  Frenchman  Kevin  Staut  is currently  leading the Rolex World Rankings and other major contenders include 2010 Rolex FEI World Cup™ champion Marcus Ehning from Germany and Olympic champion, Canada's Eric Lamaze. But the individual title is a wide-open affair. Riders must have a really talented horse to make it to the closing stages when it all comes down  to  horsemanship as the top four go head-to-head in the deciding competition during  which they exchange mounts.    Experience, and the ability to adapt to a horse you have never ridden, are key to victory.

(Courtesy FEI)

WEG Eventing Preview

Eventing (30 September – 3 October)
Reigning WEG champions: Germany (team) and Zara Phillips/Toytown/GBR (Individual)

 Eventing is a familiar sport at Kentucky, home of the world-famous Rolex CCI4*, but the Cross-Country course, across the Horse Park’s magnificent rolling acres, will have been given a totally new look by Course Designer Mike Etherington-Smith (GBR).

 Once again, Germany looks the nation to beat, with three members of the winning team from Aachen 2006 returning to the fray – Ingrid Klimke, Andreas Dibowski and Frank Ostholt.

 Other former gold medalists in the field include Mark Todd and Andrew Nicholson, members of the winning New Zealand squads in Stockholm 1990 and Rome 1998;
 Mary King (GBR) and Kristina Cook (GBR), members of the winning British team in The Hague (NED) in 1994; and Jean Teulere, France’s Individual World Champion at Jerez (ESP) in 2002.


(Courtesy FEI)

WEG Dressage Preview

Dressage (27 September – 1 October)

Reigning  WEG  champions:Germany (team) and Isabell Werth/Satchmo/GER (Individual Grand Prix Special), Anky Van Grunsven/Salinero/NED (Individual Freestyle)

The burning question will be whether the mighty Dressage nation of Germany can regain supremacy from the Netherlands, current European Champions, but yet to win a World team title.

The supreme artist Isabell Werth is back in action, following the birth of her child last year, but the Dutch, in the form of Edward Gal and the record-breaking stallion Totilas and  Adelinde Cornellissen on the breathtaking Parcival, now have the bit between their teeth and may be hard to beat.

The host nation, too, is expected to produce a competitive showing, especially from the 2009 World Cup winners Stefan Peters and Ravel, while Laura Bechtolsheimer and Mistral Hojris have been making waves for Great Britain.


(Courtesy FEI)

WEG Reining Preview

Reining (25-30 September)
Reigning WEG champions: USA (Team) and Duane Latimer/Hang Ten Surprize/CAN (Individual)

 This is sure to be the most exciting World Equestrian Games yet for Reining with so much emerging talent. The discipline is keen to show the world the progress and expansion that has been made in the sport over the last eight years. The Americans are strong favourites for team gold having won in Aachen in 2006, but Canada so narrowly missed out that day - losing by just 0.5 points - and are likely to return with something to prove.

 South American reiners have been working long and hard to step up their game along with many of the other well known reining nations, including Germany, Italy and  Australia.  In  the  Individual  Championship,  Rudi  Kronsteiner  (AUT)  will  be looking  to  put  in  a  great  performance  with  his  consistent  partner  Einstein’s Revolution, but there will be plenty of strong opposition. This year really is an open playing field, and it will take steady nerve and strong horse power to reach the top of Reining’s 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ podium.


(Courtesy FEI)

WEG Endurance Preview

Endurance (26-27 September)
Reigning WEG champions: France (team) and Miguel Vila Ubach/Hungares, ESP (Individual)

 Clear favourite to take individual gold at the 2010 WEG is Spain's Maria Alvares Ponton with her incredible bay gelding Nobby. Together this pair has already written their names into the Endurance history-books having topped both the 2008 World Championships in Teraengganu (MAS) and last year's European Championships in Assisi (ITA). Can they make it a hat-trick of titles?

 The consistent performances of the French sees them hotly tipped for the team honours, but the UAE will be giving it their best shot to retain the World title they claimed in 2008.  Endurance tests the speed and stamina of the horse and the skill of the rider  who  must temper the pace in order to complete the course in good condition. The competition is run over a distance of 160 kilometres, with regular veterinary stops to  check the horse's fitness to continue. The competitor who finishes in the quickest  time  is the winner, but there is still a final veterinary inspection to get through.

 The sport of Endurance has grown rapidly since the 2006 World Equestrian Games and is now the FEI’s fastest growing discipline.


(courtesy FEI)

Two More Sessions Sold Out

With four days to go until the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games open, two more sessions of competition are now sold out.

Both price levels A and B are now sold out for Dressage Freestyle on Friday, October 1st, fulfilling a complete sell out for this session in the outdoor stadium.

Additionally, the Vaulting Individual Male/Female Freestyle on Saturday, October 9th in the Indoor Arena is now sold out.

Both the Dressage Freestyle and Vaulting Individual Male/Female Freestyle are medal rounds of competition. In the past few weeks, the Reining Individual Final and some hospitality offerings have also reached capacity.

Tickets are still available for many sessions of competition, including compulsory and finals rounds in each of the eight world championship sports contested at the Games.

To find the best seats available, purchase your tickets today at www.alltechfeigames.com/tickets or at 1-888-934-2010.

Athlete Biographies Available On-Line

Biographies are now available for all athletes competing at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™, providing up-to-date information for media and fans on all the athletes competing in Kentucky.

Information will be updated on a regular basis by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI).

Athlete biographies can be accessed through the Media Center page of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Web site.

Equine Quarantine Facility Set Up in Cincinnati

A temporary equine quarantine facility at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Airport is ready to facilitate the entry of horses from around the world competing in the eight World Championships of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, September 25-October 10 at the Kentucky Horse Park.

Alltech FEI Games to Honor Military Service

LEXINGTON, KY—10 Days to Go—The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games will honor men and women in the military with a Military Appreciation Day on October 7th and a special Grounds Pass ticket offering.

WEG TV: NBC's WEG Broadcast Schedule

NBC will offer six and a half hours of 2010 World Equestrian Games coverage over three Sundays.  Coverage will include one hour on Sunday, September 26 beginning at 12 noon; three hours on Sunday, October 3, beginning at 1 p.m.; and two hours on Sunday, October 10, beginning at 4 p.m. All times are Eastern Time.  The coverage offered by NBC will highlight the World Championships of each discipline and the opening and closing ceremonies.  Coverage will be available to spectators via  live streaming over the internet and mobile telephones. For more information regarding live streaming availability please visit NBCSports.com.

Complete WEG Schedule

Take a look at the entire 2010 World Equestrian Games Schedule .  While some venues and dates are already sold out, plenty of competition tickets and attractions are waiting for for you at the Kentucky Horse Park.  So check out the schedule and see what is still available.  See you in Kentucky.

WEG Daily Must See Helps Get Your WEG On!

To help you better plan your WEG experience, Alltech offers Daily Must See Series on their website
The Daily Must-See, located in the News  Portion of  the official WEG Website.  The Daily Must See will help you  find out competition times, musical entertainment, and special daily attractions each day of the Games. They will be running through all the highlights for each day now through September 24th.

So check it out and plan your WEG experience! It will help you get your WEG on!

First Horses Arrive in Kentucky!

First Group of Horses Arrive at the Kentucky Horse Park for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Game

Lexington, KY—With just 14 days until the opening ceremonies of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, the first group of eight horses arrived at the Kentucky Horse Park on Friday afternoon. This first group of equine athletes represent Chile and Guatemala and will compete at the Games in the World Championship of Endurance presented by Meydan.

The horses have been quarantined in Miami since their flight to the United States and have traveled via trailer to Kentucky.   While the athletes are not arriving with these horses, this first group of equine athletes arriving to the park signifies that the Games are getting underway!

The first of the horses from Europe will be arriving next week and will be in quarantine in Northern Kentucky.



Kroger Offers WEG Ticket Promotion

With 13 Days to Go—Shoppers at 166 Kroger stores in four states will be able to purchase Flex Grounds Pass tickets to the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games along with their grocery items from September 1 through September 24.

Kroger stores in Central Tennessee, Southern Illinois, Southern Indiana, and Kentucky spanning locations from Owensboro and Louisville to London and Corbin will offer the Flex Grounds Pass ticket at a promotional rate of $25, instead of the standard $30 price.

The Flex Grounds Pass can be used for entry on any one day of choice, without selecting a specific date of attendance at the time of purchase.  Children 12 and under receive free admission when accompanied by a paying adult, except on September 26, October 2, and October 9.

Kroger stores selling Flex Grounds Pass tickets will feature Games logo signs at store entrances. Cashiers in each location can process the purchase at all check-out terminals and will print the ticket at the register.

The Flex Grounds Pass will give spectators access to a wide range of activities on the Games venue. Activities include shopping at more than 250 Trade Show booths; exciting exhibits and entertainment at the Kentucky Experience tourism pavilion and the Alltech Experience pavilion; family-friendly, educational and entertaining exhibits and demonstrations in the Equine Village, and many of the Kentucky Horse Park’s world-renowned exhibits and museums. Please note that a Grounds Pass ticket does not grant access to competition venues.

For more information about spectator attractions available with a Flex Ground Pass ticket, or to find information about tickets to the eight world championship competitions of the 2010 Games, visit www.alltechfeigames.com.

About The Kroger Co.

The Kroger Co. [NYSE: KR], the nation’s largest traditional grocery retailer, employs more than 326,000 associates who serve customers in 2,469 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 31 states under two dozen local banner names including Kroger, City Market, Dillons, Jay C, Food 4 Less, Fred Meyer, Fry’s, King Soopers, QFC, Ralphs and Smith’s.  The Company also operates 773 convenience stores, 392 fine jewelry stores, 850 supermarket fuel centers and 40 food processing plants in the U.S.  Kroger, headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, focuses its charitable efforts on supporting hunger relief, health and wellness initiatives, and local organizations in the communities it serves.  For more information about Kroger, please visit www.kroger.com. Kroger’s Mid South division is based in Louisville, Ky. and operates 166 stores in Kentucky, Middle Tennessee, Southern Indiana and Southern Illinois.

Reining Individual Final and Oct 1 Grounds Pass Sold Out

LEXINGTON, KY—14 Days to Go—Tickets to the Reining Individual Final and Grounds Pass tickets for October 1 are sold out for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

Additionally, on-course hospitality for Eventing Cross Country on October 2 has sold out.  Only a few hospitality passes to the Makers Mark Bourbon Village remain for October 1.  Champions Club tables for Opening Ceremonies, Driving, and Dressage, are nearly sold out.

Sales of competition tickets have seen a marked increase in the past six weeks.  Most notably, tickets for driving, eventing, jumping and vaulting have seen a strong interest from buyers.

Less than 500 tickets now remain for the Vaulting Male and Female Individual Finals on October 9, and also for the Driving Obstacle/Cones competition on October 10.

Grounds Pass tickets are still available for 12 of the 16 days of the Games for $25. Children 12 and under receive free admission when accompanied by a paying adult, except on September 26, October 2, and October 9.

While tickets for finals rounds continue to sell most rapidly, tickets are still available for early sessions of competition in all eight disciplines.  Many are available at a 30 percent discount through September 6.  To purchase tickets, visit www.alltechfeigames.com/tickets, www.ticketmaster.com, or call 1-888-934-2010.

WEG Goes High Fashion

LEXINGTON, KY—13 Days to Go—Internationally-renowned fashion designer Reem Acra will be a presenting sponsor of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.  The Games will feature world championships in eight equestrian sports at Lexington’s Kentucky Horse Park September 25-October 10.

Reem Acra will be the presenting sponsor of the Eventing World Championships, as well as the presenting sponsor of the Champions Club, the most exclusive offering of the event’s hospitality program.  Reem Acra designs will be featured in Champions Club gifts, and in displays at various venues throughout the Games.

Reem Acra has had a love of equestrian sports all her life.  “This is my second chance to finally participate fully in the international equestrian community. My first experience was interrupted when I was a young woman growing up in Beirut. I have a close professional and personal relationship with HRH Princess Haya, and when I saw how passionate she was about the FEI, I felt that it was natural to link my brand to the sport,” Ms. Acra said.  “The people who compete in the Games are a perfect reflection of my customer base and I believe that this is a great way to show how the Reem Acra brand is synonymous with elegance and luxury. I am also excited to have my company serve as a presenting sponsor of the upcoming Games in support of HRH Princess Haya and all she is doing as President of the Games this fall.  I look forward to visiting Kentucky this season to see the competitions for the first time in the United States.”

Celebrated for her ability to match a look to a woman’s personality, Acra has dressed global icons of style for weddings, red carpet appearances and awards ceremonies.  Her following includes Angelina Jolie, Princess Haya, Halle Berry, Beyonce Knowles, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Eva Longoria as well as royal families around the world.

Acra’s ready-to-wear and bridal collections are carried by 150 of the world's most exclusive retailers.  These stores include Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue in the United States as well as Saks Fifth Avenue and Harvey Nichols in the Middle East.  Her designs are also available at top specialty retailers across the world located in Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Istanbul, Egypt, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan and Korea.

WEG Going Green!

LEXINGTON, KY—13 Days to Go—The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games is proud to announce plans for efficient recycling and waste reduction during the 16-day event, by partnering with Green Duck composting and recycling solutions company.

Using eco-stations and compostable products, the World Games 2010 Foundation is projected to recycle and compost over 360 tons of material that otherwise would have gone to the landfill.

Volunteers will be on hand at the eco-station sites to assist spectators in where to place their disposables.  These bins will be designated for recyclables, compostables and waste materials.

Additionally, Green Duck has partnered with Buona and Patina, the Games concession and catering vendors, to utilize certified compostable to-go food service packaging, including plates, cups, cutlery and food containers. With these compostable products in place, more than 90 percent of the packaging for foodservice will be diverted from the landfill, and instead be turned into nutrient-rich compost soil.

“Green Duck is excited and proud to be a part of greening the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. We look forward to the event in addition to greatly reducing the amount of waste generated through recycling and composting,” said Jocelyn Tice, founder of Green Duck.

Green Duck is a company committed to distributing goods that cause the least amount of harm to the environment. Green Duck offers the best in compostable to-go food packaging in order to reduce the amount of waste created by food consumption. Green Duck also provides full-circle insight and solutions towards composting and recycling to reduce waste for facilities and events.

Fazoli's WEG Ticket Giveaway!

To help as many area residents as possible enjoy the Games, Fazoli’s is giving away 32 pairs of tickets, complete with hospitality passes.

“This is a unique chance to experience a true world-class sporting event and Fazoli’s is delighted to offer tickets to some of our guests,” said Carl Howard, CEO of Fazoli’s.

Each of Fazoli’s 16 Lexington-area restaurants will give away two pairs of tickets. Visit your closest Fazoli’s to enter the drawing.

Fazzoli's will feed the masses -- of Volunteers!

Lexington, Ky.—With 13 days to go—Lexington’s own quick-serve Italian restaurant, Fazoli’s, will help support its home city during the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games by providing meals to dedicated volunteers at the Games. Fazoli’s also is giving away 32 pairs of tickets, complete with hospitality passes.

Fazoli’s will serve 4,000 meals to volunteers during the Games. Volunteers will enjoy some of the restaurant’s signature items, including Spaghetti Marinara, Fettuccine Alfredo, Garden Salad and, of course, Fazoli’s famous Breadsticks. Food will be prepared on site at the Kentucky Horse Park. Fazoli’s also will provide 1,000 vouchers for volunteers to use at Fazoli’s restaurants.

“We are very pleased to partner with Fazoli’s,” said Terry Johnson, WEG vice president of sales and marketing. “This is a great example of a local company stepping up to support the 2010 Games by feeding thousands of volunteers, without whom, there would be no event.”

To help as many area residents as possible enjoy the Games, Fazoli’s is giving away 32 pairs of tickets, complete with hospitality passes.

“This is a unique chance to experience a true world-class sporting event and Fazoli’s is delighted to offer tickets to some of our guests,” said Carl Howard, CEO of Fazoli’s.

Each of Fazoli’s 16 Lexington-area restaurants will give away two pairs of tickets. Visit your closest Fazoli’s to enter the drawing.

An American family favorite for more than 20 years, Fazoli’s is a leading next generation QSR franchise opportunity. With an all-new premium menu featuring freshly prepared Italian entrees, Submarinos® sandwiches and salads, along with a contemporary new restaurant design and fresh leadership, Fazoli’s is well positioned for growth. Already America’s largest Italian quick service chain, Fazoli’s is expanding in select markets throughout the country. Founded in Lexington, Ky. in 1989, Sun Capital Partners acquired Fazoli’s in 2006.

About WEG

The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games are the world championships of eight equestrian disciplines recognized by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI). The Games are held every four years and this will be the first occurrence in the United States. Tickets to the 2010 Games are still available and can be purchased at www.alltechfeigames.com/tickets, at www.ticketmaster.com, through the Ticketmaster hotline at 1-800-745-3000, or at your local Ticketmaster outlet.

The Games will be broadcast on NBC Sports, which marks the largest commitment to network coverage of equestrian sport in U.S. television history. The 2010 Games are expected to have a statewide economic impact of $167 million, and current sponsors include Alltech, Rolex, John Deere, Ariat International, Inc., Meydan, Kentucky Ale, and the University of Kentucky. For more information on the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games please visit, www.alltechfeigames.com.

WEG Technology Sponsor Named

LEXINGTON, KY—14 days to go—Avaya, Inc., a global leader in enterprise communications systems, software and services, has been named an Official Technology Sponsor of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.  As their exclusive provider of communications and networking equipment, Avaya is providing the unified communications and network equipment needed by the Games staff to support the demanding communications needs for the event.

Avaya, which is leveraging its experience in providing communications systems for leading businesses, organizations and sporting events around the world, is providing voice over IP (internet protocol), phone systems, wireless access and a variety of other technologies to the World Games 2010 Foundation, Inc. to ensure seamless communications both prior to and throughout the 2010 Games.

“We are excited to have Avaya join the 2010 Games family,” stated Terry Johnson, vice president of sales and marketing for the Games. “Their involvement and expertise will enable our technology plans to be the best ever seen and will benefit the Kentucky Horse Park for years to come.”

“Our technologies ensure that world-class organizations like the World Games 2010 Foundation and the Commonwealth of Kentucky can count on flawless communications experiences,” said Tom Awe, area Vice President, US Midwest, Avaya. “We are very proud to be a part of this event and for the opportunity to demonstrate our industry-leading technologies in front of this prestigious global audience.”

About Avaya
Avaya is a global leader in enterprise communications systems. The company provides unified communications, contact centers, data solutions, and related services directly and through its channel partners to leading businesses and organizations around the world. Enterprises of all sizes depend on Avaya for state-of-the-art communications that improve efficiency, collaboration, customer service and competitiveness. For more information please visit www.avaya.com.

Lex Officials Urge Visitors: Pay Attention to Signs When at WEG

LEXINGTON, KY—14 Days to Go—Spectators are urged to pay close attention to directional signage and police forces guiding the way into the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, as these measures are a critical component of the event’s traffic management plan.

“We have been planning for this event for four years.  Now it’s almost time to put our plans into action,” stated Mayor Jim Newberry.

More than 115 roadway signs, including changeable message boards and directional signage, will be placed on regional interstates and roadways surrounding the park in mid-September. These signs will point spectators to appropriate exit ramps and parking entrances.

Signage will be placed to route spectators to the Kentucky Horse Park on Interstates 64 and 75, on the Bluegrass Parkway, and on Nicholasville Road and New Circle Road in Lexington. Additional Games information will be available via local radio on AM 1620 as well as local television and newspaper outlets.

“It is very important for spectators to follow the signed routes to the park, as the traffic plan may point you to a different route than you would normally take,” said Jamie Link, CEO of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. “The routes are designed to keep traffic flowing safely and efficiently into the on-site parking areas.”

Additionally, city and state police forces will be on hand to manage traffic flow and guide spectators into the appropriate parking entrances.

“The Division of Police will be assigning officers for traffic control on Iron Works Pike. We will also be working closely with the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government Traffic Management Center to ensure safe and efficient traffic flow throughout the World Equestrian Games,” said Commander Mike Blanton, Lexington City Police. “To help us in our effort to reduce traffic volume in the area of the horse park, we encourage residents and commuters, not attending the games, to plan ahead and use different routes whenever possible to avoid Games traffic.”

 Once inside, Games transportation officials will work to collect the $20 daily parking fee quickly to keep all vehicles flowing into parking spots. Spectators will be required to have cash only ready for payment. After parking, spectators will walk a maximum distance of less than eight city blocks to reach the entrance to the grounds.
On site parking is not the only transportation option to the 2010 Games. Many area hotels within the Games Housing Bureau will offer shuttle service for $10 advance purchase to Housing Bureau guests and $15 to all hotel guests during the event. Lex Tran public transit, cab services, and private sedan or limousine services are also available.

City officials also remind local commuters who utilize interstate exits near the Kentucky Horse Park to be mindful of event traffic from September 25 through October 10. Commuters are encouraged to use the Paris Pike and Winchester Road exits in lieu of the Newtown Pike exit on Interstate 75 to access downtown Lexington.

“The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has worked closely with the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government, local and state law enforcement, and World Equestrian Games officials to develop a safe and effective traffic management plan,” said Dept. of Highways Chief Engineer James Ballinger. “We also encourage motorists to plan ahead and allow plenty of drive time when traveling to their destinations around Central Kentucky during the WEG events to help alleviate traffic congestion.”

For more information about transportation and traffic planning, visit www.alltechfeigames.com.

Chester Weber Takes Four-In-Hand Championship

October 1-4 proved to be a worthy test for the 2010 World Equestrian Games as Combined Driving hit the Kentucky Horse Park.

With generally beautiful weather and wonderful footing working in his favor, Chester Weber (FL) and his team snagged a final score of 131.35 to win the Kentucky Cup Test and consequently, a record seventh National Four-in-Hand Championship and an assured place on the 2010 World Equestrian Games Combined Driving Four-in-Hand team.

On Thursday afternoon Weber, of Ocala Florida, drove his team of well-matched Dutch Harness Horses, including  USEF 2008 Horse of the Year Jamaica at the left wheel hitch, through a seamless dressage test that earned audible praise from the knowledgeable audience.

Saturday's Marathon proved to be slightly more problematic as Weber and company had a slight driving error at The Head of the Lake. But, with a mere 6.86 points to spare, Weber maintained his lead going into Sunday's Cones phase where his 2.36 time penalty points held up to give him the win.

Boyd Excell (AUS) entered Sunday in third place but drove his team at an extended trot through a very quick  Cones phase garnering only 3 points for a dropped ball to finish second overall behind Weber with a final score of 138.91.  Excell is assured a return trip to Kentucky next year when he and his team will  represent Australia for the 2010 World Equestrian Games.

Forcing all to work that much harder, the always hard-charging Tucker Johnson (FL) drove his team to third place finish overall with a final score of 141.40, locking down the Reserve National Championship in the process.

Alltech Keeps the Kentucky Good Times Rollin' Along

After the day's World Equestrian Games competitions have ended and you've finished your shopping at the trade fair, don't forget to dump your swag in the back of the truck and head out to enjoy one of the nightly  Alltech's Fortnight Festival concerts and performances sponsored by Alltech, in partnership with Joseph Beth Booksellers. The 2010 Fortnight Festival will run from September 25 to October 10, 2010, in conjunction with the World Equestrian Games. The entertainment extravaganza, which is the brain child of Dr. Pierce Lyons, Alltech's founder and president, will feature both entertainment mega stars and more locally known talent performing in venues dotted throughout the Bluegrass.

But never fear -- you don't need to wait a whole year to enjoy the good times! The 2009 Fortnight Festival Schedule has been set with performances by the likes of Bettye LaVette, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Ricky Scaggs, John Sebastian and the Loving Spoonful, and Kansas as well as the music of Rogers and Hart, which means there's something for just about everyone.  Best of all, these folks will be performing for your enjoyment in just a couple of weeks. So snag your tickets, grab the Kentucky road map and let the good times roll!

Volunteers Needed for the In-crowd

Have you ever watched a major international competition, wondering what it would be like to be a true insider, so near the action that you could reach out and touch it?  Would you like to like to learn more about an FEI discipline?   If so, consider volunteering for one or more of the discipline test events to be held throughout the upcoming year at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington.

While there will be a great need for general volunteers at all events, the volunteers for the WEG 2010 competitions themselves will  be required to have prior experience. One way to acquire a good bit of discipline experience is by volunteering at a test event.

There are literally thousands of volunteer positions to be filled, both general volunteers and discipline experienced.  From crowd control to parking services, score keepers and runners to timers and jump judges.  You can help mark, then break down the Endurance course or work with  the veterinary staff as they make sure the competition horses are safe and sound. You could improve your riding skills by learning as you write -- scribing for a dressage judge.

So get your equine fix while broadening your experience. Consider spending a day or two helping out at the Kentucky Horse Park! It just may make you a part of the WEG in-crowd!

For more information on volunteering or to fill out a volunteer application visit the Alltech FEI Games Website Volunteer Page.