The World Equestrian Games in Kentucky

Just in case you haven’t heard…the World Equestrian Games are coming to the USA in Sept 2010.  Here is a Calendar of activities from their website as well as a history of the games. These sound like something you don’t want to miss if at all possible.

The following is quoted from their site and gives you the history of the games.

“History of the Games

Before the World Equestrian Games

The concept  of a World Equestrian Games, at which all the FEI disciplines would decide their World Championships at one time and place, was first proposed to the FEI in 1983. Until that time, the World Championships for each discipline was then accorded the privilege of hosting the next World Championship in that discipline four years later. 

For example, the Kentucky Horse Park was selected by the United States Federation to host the Eventing World Championship in 1978 after Bruce Davidson won the 1974 title at Burghley and thus earned for the USA, the right to host the Eventing championship.

Previous Host Countries

The very first World Equestrian Games were held in Stockholm in 1990. Six disciplines were involved–Jumping, Dressage, Eventing, Driving, Endurance and Vaulting. In 1994 the city of The Hague in the Netherlands hosted the Games.

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 the Endurance were held and beautifully executed considering the very short preparation time. The Endurance was held in Dubai that year.

The next Games were held in Jerez de Frontera, Spain in 2002 and included all six disciplines and Reining for the first time.  Following that the Games went to Aachen 2006, again with seven disciplines, and were a fabulous success.

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 be competed together with the other seven.”

Could be Fun!!

The only thing I don’t get is why none of the Western Events like Pleasure, Western Riding etc are not a part of something like this. Any ideas folks?

Oh and last but not least find their website with all the info here …