There is so much to do in Kentucky, and if you are amongst the hundreds of thousands of people who intend to attend the first ever American hosting of the FEI World Equestrian Games in Lexington, you will find that there is never dull moment for anybody here in the Bluegrass State. Kentucky horse heritage is long and proud, from Thoroughbreds to Quarter horses and every four legged phenomenon in between, and traces of it can be seen in almost every town and city throughout the region. The home of such legendary and historically significant equine heroes as Man O War and Exterminator, though the list of champions goes on for literally miles, Kentucky is the perfect maiden location for the largest and most coveted equine event venue in the world.

Aside from the world games, coming in September of 2010, visitors to the Lexington area enjoy many historical and factual sights and tours, including the multiple museum and stable forums at the Kentucky Horse Park. This is where Man O War is buried, and is also where the largest horse museum in the country is located. There are also tours of some of the oldest and most respected thoroughbred farms in Kentucky, some still in operation today. Read up on all of the most amazing and steadfast race facts and statistics over the past 100 plus years, or even about the Godolphin Arabian whose blood lines helped to start it all.

There are also the Great Smokey and Appalachian Mountain terrains to explore and enjoy, as well as countless roadside and national park destinations where families can relax and take in their beautiful southern surroundings. The state of Kentucky is like a wonderland of nature combined with some of the most exhilarating and inspiring sporting events known to man. Whether night life is your cup of tea, or you prefer to dine quietly and absorb the cultures around you while relaxing, the Lexington area has exactly the right experiences for you.

If you are interested in home rental during the 2010 FEI World Equestrian Games, there are many resources at your disposal, and arrangements can be made as soon as you determine the events and dates through which you will attend. Remember to check out the official Alltech FEI website for complete ticket, admission, scheduling, and venue information and updates. As the countdown to this prestigious competition ticks down, travel accommodations and lodging options will quickly dissipate.

Para dressage provides disabled riders the ability to compete in dressage against other disabled riders. Since the 1970s, the FEI Para Equestrian governing body has held international competitions for disabled riders. The first World Championship was held in 1987 in Sweden.

Riders are graded according to their disability with Grade I riders being the most disabled. The tests for both Grade I and II riders involve only the walk and trot. Grades III and IV are allowed to canter and perform more difficult maneuvers.

Once a rider is classified internationally, they receive an FEI Para Equestrian International Identity Card with a profile number, their Grade level as well as any aids the rider is allowed to use in competition. These aids may include:
The voice
Whips
Rein and saddle adaptations
Bands to hold the feet in the stirrups

For example, some riders are allowed to use split reins or loop reins depending on how difficult it is for them to hold the reins with their hands and fingers, as well as what type of tack the horse wears. Loop reins may help the rider to keep better contact with the horse as it allows for an easier grip. Various disabilities may require a rider to utilize different adaptations or aids to help them complete their test.

The majority of the para dressage competitions are own horse competitions in which the rider travels and brings their own horse abroad. In the past, all competitions were borrowed horse competitions and the riders were allocated a horse at the event. Today, a rider can borrow a horse at an own horse competition if they are unable to bring their horse, but this makes the competition tougher on the rider as they do not know the intricacies of their new mount. All schooling is the responsibility of the rider, but the trainer is allowed to lunge the horse to release excess energy.

Riders are required to perform a test with specific maneuvers being performed at specific points in the arena, just like dressage for able-bodied riders. However, due to some learning disabilities that cause a poor short term memory, riders may have their tests called to them.

If you are interested in watching these brave individuals perform at the highest level of equestrian sports, then you can see them at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Para dressage competition takes place October 5th-10th.

For those planning to attend the FEI World Equestrian Games in Lexington, Kentucky this year, the excitement is high and the competition awe striking. There is only one Western American event implemented in this vast competition, and that is the reining portion. Reining is the western version of dressage, an exercise involving total communication, focus, talent, and trust. There are a series of exact movements which need to performed during this patterned test, and all of them require willingness, good attitude, proper execution, and a near perfect marriage between horse and rider. The overall goal of this training is to produce a more supple and responsive horse and rider team.

The most difficult maneuver of the reining event is the spin, where the horse is meant to carry at least 4 full pivot turns as quickly as physically possibly around the radius of one stationary rear leg. The horse is meant to perform this spinning maneuver in both directions, usually with a willing and still rest between the actions. In all disciplines of the reining sport competition, the horse is to remain calm and in good spirits, never apprehensive, ill-mannered, hesitant, or agitated. As with dressage, all body language, including head, ear, and tail carriage, is assessed as it pertains to the horses attitude, understanding, and well-being during competition.

Another amazing feat during the reining event is called the sliding stop, and the horse is meant to perform this maneuver from a lope or gallop. The lope is equivalent to the canter, the relaxed, slow middle gait of the horse. The gallop is the fastest of the natural gaits, and the sliding stop finds the horse nearly touching his flanks to the ground with his forelegs extended. This causes him to plant heavily in order to stop from a dead run, and is an amazing sight to behold when done correctly.

Horses and riders must also perform descending circles, moving from fast and large to small and slow respectively inward. During this pattern, flying lead changes are imperative to the overall scoring and judgment of each performance. There are many faults which can occur here, as these lead changes are difficult and easy to under communicate. The National Reining Horse Association is the proud governing regulator for this portion of the competition since its inception to the World Equestrian Games in 2000, and all judging and pattern submissions are charged by this association.

From September 25th until October 10th, the beautiful state of Kentucky will be alight with the immense talent, excitement, athleticism, beauty, and tradition of the FEI World Equestrian Games. This famous and prestigious event is brought to the U.S. for the first time ever by Alltech, and the public is positively beaming with the very privilege of it. Always the first to welcome and coddle new visitors, the southern hospitality and ample equestrian heritage available in Lexington make it the perfect place for this spectacular show and all of its devoted spectators. Home rental plans are in full swing for the thousands of out-of-state spectators, volunteers, and team members involved with this once in a lifetime opportunity.

Those who are familiar with the goings on of the event and its rigorous schedule know what an honor it is to see these animals and their riders in action first hand and in person. During the first week of competition, endurance and vaulting skills will be tested, and this will run into and overlap the dressage events. Just when the viewer feels that stamina, skill, strength, and graceful talent couldnt possibly be tested any further, the second full week of completion begins, and the participants are most assuredly up to the tasks at hand.

The jumping portion of the event is one of the favored and most awe-inspiring challenges set forth in the World Equestrian Games, and is performed during the same time as the para-dressage testing. During all legs of competition, a scoring system based on faults combines for each competitor and keeps up-to-the-minute scoring and standings easy to comprehend. As you choose your favorites and watch in wonder, you will be able to predict what type of performance is needed next in order to secure a spot in the top of the field.

The only western riding technique that is recognized at these games is the reining competition, and this takes place during the second week of competition as well. The closing ceremony is a beautiful and large event in and of itself, as the phenomenal two week sporting event comes to an end for another year and the athletes are given the respect and celebration that they so greatly deserve. Be sure to reserve your rental and get your spot in the heat of all of the equestrian action while there is still time for arrangements and reservations to be made.

The American Quarter Horse will be seen, respected, adored, judged, tested, and supported throughout the 2010 FEI World Equestrian Games in Lexington, Kentucky, where it will once again display to the world the many reasons why it is so beloved and valued here. Aside from the sprint racing elite, the quarter horse has not gained much favor as a sporting horse across the world, and it must be said that they tend to lack the overall size and build for cross country or jumping competitions. On the other hand, there is an amazing amount of talent, personality, and charisma to this breed, one which has conquered the west and continues to dominate in every venue he is set to learn of. There is a reason why this purely American breed has been invited to contend on the world stage.

The conquistadors brought stock of Arabian, Barb, and Iberian descent into North America during the 1600s, and the Native American Indians used these lines to develop their own breeds, amongst which came the Chickasaw. When fine thoroughbred stock was then imported during the 1700s, most notably the grandson of the Godolphin Arabian named Janus, and the blood lines were crossed, the first Quarter Mile Horse was bred. Much smaller than the thoroughbred, with finer facial features and an immensely strong and stocky build, the Quarter Miler unwound like a slingshot and dug in courageously when he raced and worked.

His thoroughbred sire didnt hit peak speed until the short race was over, during which the quarter horse had leveled out at speeds exceeding an astounding 54 miles per hour. He quickly became the favored horse in America, both for his sprinting capabilities and for his stringent, willing work ethic. The quarter horse quickly gained a reputation for his all around usefulness and hardiness, rarely complaining and always giving his full on best effort.

Breeding efforts have introduced a longer, taller version of the quarter horse by way of adding more thoroughbred lines, and smaller, more spirited versions using concentrated Arabian crossing over time. The stock quarter horse is one which resembles the earliest descendants of the breed, giving the close coupled and formidable build that is so impressive and useful in all duties. The temperament of this breed should be calm, even, fearless, and willing. These are horses of high intelligence, athleticism, grace, and trainability, and the reining competition allows them to prove how amazing they truly are.

Dressage is the be all and end all of every single event that a competition horse will ever learn to compete in. Considered as the backbone and sole training and guidance technique for the proper suppleness, intelligence, conditioning, and mental awareness of the horse, a dressage routine can rarely be perfected, for this is in the eye of the beholder. The elements and teachings of this art form are evident in everything that makes horse and rider a fluid unit, however, and the competitions based around this discipline are bewilderingly awesome. There are two stages of the dressage discipline played out during the FEI World Equestrian Games, the first being a Grand Prix style exhibit which is stringently patterned and 5 minutes in length per horse and rider team.

During this phase of the competition, one horse and rider team is allowed in the enclosed performance arena at a time. Beginning in the middle of the arena, directly facing the judges, the team will begin a series of precise and technically superior movements which have been predetermined for the event and cannot be altered or changed in any way. The fluid communication between horse and rider should seem motionless, effortless, and seamless during all points of the exercise.

Flying lead changes, pirouettes, and passage are all to be performed flawlessly with seemingly no direction from the rider. To the audience, the horse seems to be dancing about beautifully with no help or guidance at all. In actuality, the rider is expertly controlling the horse through weight shifting, knee pressure, and slight heel directions. At no time should the riders heel come into contact with the horse during this or any dressage exercise. Once the Grand Prix event has been completed and judged, the leaders are entered into the freestyle dressage ring for the ultimate dancing show.

Set to music and choreographed by the rider and or trainer, the freestyle leg of the dressage competition is explosive and amazing, set to the music of choice and performed as a combination of maneuvers which consist of both required movements and motions, and the artistic interpretations of the horse and rider team. A rider who really knows the strengths and most beautiful elements of their talented mount can turn this event into a magical and spellbinding routine. This is compulsory training at its most artistic and expressive level, and is extremely difficult to master.

Dressage has ancient roots and is became an important equestrian event in the West during the Renaissance in Europe. It was at this time that the great European riding masters of the world created a sequential training system, which is known today as Classical dressage. This training system is still the basis of modern dressage training today.

Often referred to as horse ballet, dressage tests the athletic ability of the horse as well as its disposition and willingness. Due to the dressage being a French term, the maneuvers completed in the various dressage tests are also French. However, before you can completely understand the maneuvers, you must first have a good understanding of the arena that dressage takes place in.

A dressage arena has letters assigned at specific positions. Each dressage test dictates which gait or maneuver is to be performed and at which letter. There are two sizes of dressage arenas, but the arena used at the FEI World Equestrian Games will utilize the standard arena. The standard arena is 66 feet by 197 feet, creating a long rectangle. Around the outside edge of the arena, moving clockwise, you will see the letters A-K-V-E-S-H-C-M-R-B-P-F. Down the middle of the arena, you will not see any letters marked, but the riders know that the letters G-I-X-L-D correspond to the letters marking the outside edge with the letter X marking the center of the arena.

A dressage test always begins at marker A and the judge is always sitting at marker C on the far end of the arena from the rider. At a world level competition, such as the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, four other judges will be placed at the markers E, B, M and H. This ensures the horse can be judged from all angles.

The tests performed at the FEI World Equestrian Games are of the highest level, which is Grand Prix. The gaits and maneuvers performed at this level include”:
Collected and extended walk, trot and canter
Trot and Canter Half-pass This is when the horse travels diagonally across the arena with its body parallel to the arena railing.
Passage This is a slow, suspended trot.
Piaffe This is a slow, extremely collected trot and should appear as though the horse is trotting in place.
One, two and three tempi changes These are flying lead changes at the canter that take place at specific beats in the gait depending on the required tempi change.
Canter pirouettes This maneuver is a 360 degree circle that appears to take place on the spot.

For the freestyle dressage test, the horse and rider are able to perform these maneuvers and more to show the ability of their horses. Many riders will include more complicated movements such as pirouettes in a piaffe, a half pass in passage or a double canter pirouette.

If you want to see some of the most talented horses from around the world perform at the highest level of dressage, then you wont want to miss the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

The Dutch Warmblood has made quite a name for himself over the past 15 years, and there are many very good reasons for this. Firstly, it is important to note that there are two very distinct types of Dutch Warmblood bred there today, one for dressage and one for show jumping, while the North American Dutch Warmblood Registry has line breeding ideas of its own for the hunting ring. One thing that remains true to form, however, is that there is a temperament and build of this breed for nearly every advanced equine sporting circuit in action today. The only realm that he has not been pushed toward so far is eventing, but we arent counting him out of the running just yet.

Over the past six years alone, the Dutch Warmblood has steadily gained favor in the dressage ring, and as of last year stood second in overall registry ratings only to the Hanoverian. The traits being pulled out of Dutch dressage horses are in high demand, and the breeders are taking note and paying attention. There will be a great amount of comparison and contrasting between the two breeds during the FEI World Equestrian Games in Lexington, Kentucky, as all eyes will be anxious to see if the Dutch can sneak out ahead of the pack this year. Suiting, though, considering that the Hanoverian was one of the finer breeds used to restore smoothness and refinement to the mechanized Dutch Warmblood after the first and second world wars were through with him.

The dressage temperament of the Dutch Warmblood is one of definitive patience, intelligence, and urgency to please. This was one of the original traits which made this breed so successful as a fine carriage horse during the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. When coupled with the strong and elegant lines of a well conformed horse, these traits are difficult to match in the dressage ring.

The jumper class of Dutch Warmblood is strained more toward energy and stamina. It was early on in the breeding of the Dutch Warmblood that jumping emerged as an innate talent, and the refinement of this trait includes allowing a bit more tenacity in the temperament. Determination and a greatly courageous head are needed for the jumping circuit, and this breed gives his all under every circumstance. Lines are crossed with more certainty and intentionality each year, as the gentle disposition of this horse on the whole is one of his most desirable traits, and as such is being heavily protected against warming by hotter temperaments.

The Honor and the Expense of Hosting the World Equestrian Games

Just when we think that somebody will get filthy rich off of hosting a spectacular, two week, world class competition, we are forced to come to terms with the amount of money, construction, time, and labor is involved with the very preparation, let alone the event itself. It is true that the 2010 FEI World Equestrian Games would not be possible without thousands of volunteers offering their expertise, time, and precious energy free of charge. A description of a few of the major renovations and structures that The Kentucky Horse Park is undergoing might help to explain why.

First of all, there are three permanent structures in the works, the first of which is the indoor stadium scheduled to be finished by July of 2009. This enormous, enclosed. 6,000 seat building is climate controlled. Next, there is the outdoor stadium which is slated for completion by March of 2009. This venue seats 7,500 people and will be the main vantage point for many of the most popular events at the FEI World Equestrian Games in Lexington. A new vehicle entrance and improvements to the existing parking lots are also in the works, as well as expansions and advances to the meeting points and rest areas throughout the park.

On to the temporary structures that are being added to the impressive space where the games will be hosted in 2010. There will be the outdoor stadium which will hold up to 30,000 people. A new driving stadium will also be constructed for the comfort and viewing pleasure of 6,000 visitors. Temporary seating will be determined after the building of the cross country and endurance courses are completed, and these will offer the best views possible for as large as these courses will be. Next, there will be temporary facilities built for the hospitality center, along with some adjacent chalets.

The Ariat Volunteer Center will also be a temporary build, as will the grooms village and the media building. All told, it has become rather easy to see why there need to be 600,000 tickets sold in order for this event to break even for the host. Whats more, the public would never be made aware of the financial toll that is possible with such a feat, because the event is held at the highest of class, respect, and professionalism. It really is quite spectacular, the way that it all comes together without a hitch.

They jump and they leap, and they make it look so easy and natural. While the act of jumping does come naturally to every horse, as does running instinct, when we see these athletes negotiating a stadium course, there is so much more to each and every movement than meets the eye. These horses have been training for literally years, and most of their riders have been riding since they could walk. The heritage, tradition, and love of this sport goes back hundreds of years, but none of what you see during these competitions is magic. Discipline, skill, diligence, hard work, and an innate ability must first be achieved by both horse and rider. Everything else falls into place, win or lose, during the jumping competition.

Jumping started as a necessary component to the hunting course in England some 250 years ago. As all properties began to land lock by order of the royal family, huntsmen needed a way of racing their game so that they could feed their families. Jumping began as a mandatory hunting maneuver, and the rest, as they say, is history. Some horses had greater talent than others, while some had more determination and heart for the difficult sport than the rest. Competition became the next natural step in the evolution of this amazing event.

The 2010 FEI World Equestrian Games will be gracing American soil for the first time since their inception in 1990, and this gives those of us who never would have dreamed of attending a whole new light at the end of the tunnel. Whether you are simply a lover of horses or you have been training, breeding, owning, or riding horses your entire life, Lexington, Kentucky is that place for you to be from September 25th to October 10th, 2010. The Kentucky Horse Park is being perfected even as we speak, situating itself to host the over 600,000 spectators and 10,000 plus crew, equine teams, announcers, stable hands, and countless other folks who make an event a huge as this one tick like clockwork.

You may find that its easier to get your bid in now for house rentals and other travel arrangements, before the mad rush begins and there is simply no place left to stay. House rental is a greatly popular and well worthwhile lodging option to look into, offering the comforts and conveniences of close proximity without the traffic and noise of hotel living.