WEG Opening Ceremony

Hey all!

If you are reading this post, you are most likely a horse person*. And you most likely have been bombarded with information about the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games happening in Lexington, KY as I type. I know I was! One thing that struck me was how little non-horse people* knew about it. Many people didn’t even know it was going on, or had only a cursory knowledge of it. I got “Oh yeah, I think I’ve heard about that” when I mentioned it to people in the airport. My reaction every time was shock, as I’ve been so very well informed about it over the last year. However, I believe that by the time this event is over many more non horse people will know what the World Equestrian Games are all about. This can only be a good thing for our community and more importantly, the horses we care for.

[*a horse enthusiast, not a half horse/half human centaur creature like in the Old Spice advertisement.]

I just got back from my too short weekend at WEG and was thoroughly dazzled! The competitors were as elite as promised; their horses were as incredible. I wish I was still there! They did an incredible job showcasing each discipline, breed and the home countries of the visiting teams. It really felt like the Olympics.

 

I was lucky enough to attend the opening ceremonies with our VP of Operations, Bob P. We were both taken aback by the level of drama and showmanship.

 

Stacy Westfall did her impressive reining demo, riding around the ring without any tack at all. She backed her horse up, galloped around the ring changing directions and executed turnarounds as if she were riding in full tack.

The Friesian Train wowed the crowd with their showmanship and grace.  Starting off with one performer, then two, then four and finally ten Friesians joined together in a syncopated routine. The crowd went crazy for them. It was hard not to!

Stunt riders Tommie Turvey and Dan James rode with only a lead around their necks and executed some difficult tricks. They were then joined by rider-less horses that matched their own horse in color. The stunt trainers had them doing tricks without touching them, in near perfect syncopation with the horse they were on. It showcased the tangible intelligence and personality of horses that we see in smaller ways every day.

The California Cowgirls put on an inspiring show as they rode through with full western togs. They passed close by each other with precision and pageantry in ever more hair raising patterns. They were joined by lasso experts Riata Cowboygirls who showed of their rope twirling skills, and lasso legend Vince Bruce kickin’ it up a notch or two in the center of the ring.

There were many more acts, 40 total, and I could write about them all day, but it might be better to just watch them yourself here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qoCU4znxgt8

I did bring a camera down to get some video and still shots, but I ended up leaving it there for the Absorbine employee that replaced me to use to make sure we got as much footage as possible. I’ll have some pictures to add to this post by the halfway point of the games. That is the plan anyway.

It is indeed a great time for American and international horse people* and the horses themselves.

Kentucky Horse Park Explored

For those of us that can't make it to the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games and have never been to the Kentucky Horse Park, this is what the facility looks like. WEG starts September 25th and continues until October 10th and will be held on the grounds of the fabled Kentucky Horse Park. Top riders from around the globe will converge on Lexington and compete for the honor of being the best in the world. Absorbine will be there, in the "Bit Of Britain" tent. Stop by if you're around!

Learn more about it at http://www.alltechfeigames.com/

Enough words though, this is a picture post!!

Some pretty pasture land at the Kentucky Horse Park

                                   More grazing...

                          The Outdoor Stadium

                                   We're here!

Have you heard of the Secretariat movie due for release October 2010?

                Stairs up to the new Indoor Arena

                   Inside the new Indoor Arena

                             A tribute to Morgans

       Inside the Visitors Center

Model horses painted by students at the entrance to the International Museum of Horses

       Hanging from the ceiling in the Museum of Horses

 

Triple Crown Winner Secretariat was affectionately know as "Big Red". Here, the iconic colors of Meadow Stables are displayed along with some of his trophies.

   A winning tack box along with some other horse racing lore

    Antique tack box with Hooflex and Absorbine Liniment

       A depiction of a horse being loaded on an ancient ship

Good luck to everyone at the FEI Alltech World Equestrian Games 2010!

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