Horse Illustrated Magazine

The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games and the Kentucky Horse Park today announced the first participants of the Equine Village, an exhibit area showcasing the equine industry through education, demonstrations and entertainment.

This major exhibition area will be a main spectator attraction during the 2010 Games, which will be held at the Kentucky Horse Park from September 25-October 10, 2010.

To date, 53 organizations and presenters have been selected for the Equine Village. Eighteen breed organizations are set to showcase their breeds and disciplines, including the American Paint Horse Association, which will have a special performance by Lynn Palm and Rugged Painted Lark.

Featured educational speakers include John Lyons, Pat Parelli, Clinton Anderson, Craig Cameron and others. They will demonstrate and discuss natural horsemanship, groundwork, and riding tips.

On the list to provide entertainment is Tomas Garcilazo, Tommy Turvey-Equine Extremest, the California Cowgirls Drill Team and several others. Entertainers will perform stunts, dances, tricks and other exciting demonstrations.

The Equestrian Federation of India, the Federation International Horse Ball and the United States Mounted Games Association will also present. For a full list of organizations and presenters, click here.

The Equine Village will be located in heart of the Kentucky Horse Park, in the outdoor show grounds, the Breeds Arena, and barns in the permanent exhibit areas of the park, and will include live horses and a hands-on activity center for children and families.

Initial plans for the Equine Village were conceived by the World Games 2010 Foundation staff. In an effort to provide the best range of educational and entertainment opportunities for spectators, planning has become a partnership, and the actual coordination of the Equine Village will now be handled by Kentucky Horse Park staff.

“We were overwhelmed with the number of responses we received from equine organizations that wanted to participate in educating Games’ spectators about the horse industry and all it comprises,” said Kathy Hopkins, Equine Operations Director at the Kentucky Horse Park and Equine Village Director for the 2010 Games. “We are thrilled to have such a wide representation of the industry in the Equine Village.”

All information regarding the Equine Village is available on the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Web site at www.alltechfeigames.com. Equine organizations seeking involvement in the Equine Village can contact Layson Griffin at layson.griffin@ky.gov or at 859-948-5919