With the 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games over, it is time to turn to the future and take a look at the sixth WEG edition, the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2010. A press conference presenting the organisers’ vision and plans was held in Aachen on Saturday September 2, 2006.
In attendance were Ernie Fletcher, Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky; Jack Kelly, CEO of the Organizing Committee; John Nicholson, President of the Kentucky Horse Park, as well as Dr Pearse Lyons, CEO and President of Alltech, the title sponsor of the Games, and the FEI President HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein.
While paying tribute to the 100 years of tradition, the level of organisation and quality of facilities and hospitality reached by Aachen, the organisers gave a broad outline of the state of preparations. The Kentucky Horse Park, venue of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2010, is set in an area where horses and horse-related activities have been present since the 18th century. The current facility, which has more than 1.200 acres of land, was created in 1978 and has grown to become the world’s most comprehensive equestrian theme park and education centre. The facilities already in place functioning all year round include, among others, 1.084 event stalls, three outdoor stadiums, three outdoor show rings, five dressage rings, one indoor arena, seven warm-up rings, a cross country / marathon course and a trade fair arena. In view of the 2010 event, some upgrading will be necessary especially in terms of road and transportation infrastructure. Preparations for a new, 6.000-seat all-climate show arena are under way and the plans for the main stadium will be unveiled soon. Organised are poised and confident as to the success of future developments.
The estimated budget of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2010 is some USD 50 to 56 million, which will come from both the public and private sectors. The anticipated economic impact is USD 150+ million.
A great step forward is the fact that for the first time in the history of the FEI, the Games have a title sponsor. For the global animal step Alltech and its founder and President, Dr Pearse Lyons, the company is about animals at the height of their performance and supporting this event, showcasing world leaders in equestrian excellence, was a natural step.
Alltech has set the standard in animal nutrition by providing all-natural nutritional solutions for over 25 years. These natural solutions have been proven, through extensive scientific research, to improve animal health and performance by adding nutritional value to animal feed. Alltech is a truly global company, employing 1.800 people with 14 production facilities across the globe. The company is represented in 85 countries and bioscience centres in the USA, Ireland and Thailand. The global presence gives Alltech the unique ability to interact with cistomers and research communities worldwide to find cutting-edge research-based solutions that provide superior performance.
The FEI President made the following statement:
“As the FEI President, it is a great honor and a great pleasure to be here today for this presentation of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2010. In four years we will be experiencing a great festival of equestrian sport in the beautiful venue of the Kentucky Horse Park.
From day one, the FEI has been working hand in hand with the organising committee with a fantastic spirit of partnership. This spirit of partnership is also the very base on which horse sport is founded and we at the FEI are excited about working closely with the team in Kentucky to ensure that the passion, commitment and pride of our sport, which has been demonstrated so well here in Aachen, is communicated to an even broader worldwide audience.
As you know for the first time in the FEI’s history, the World Equestrian Games has been branded. It is a great testament to the commercial power of equestrian sport to have a company such as Alltech as a key supporter.
Another first which is personally very important to me, is that Kentucky 2010 will see the active inclusion of the athletes of Paraequestrian and as I look ahead to the next four years, I believe this will be one of the defining land marks in equestrian sport.
We are looking forward to working with all of you for the next four years to make the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Game 2010 one of the most memorable moments in the development of equestrian sport."
The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2010 will take place from 25 September to 10 October 2010.