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Gov. Beshear announces Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games had economic impact of more than $201 million
Report: Visitors to event came from 63 countries, all 50 states

LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 27, 2011) – The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games held in 2010 at the Kentucky Horse Park had an economic impact of $201.5 million, Governor Steve Beshear announced today.

“The World Equestrian Games were indeed a success and this report illustrates the positive result that our local and state governments, our sponsors, the many volunteers, the business community and the citizens of the Commonwealth working together can have.” Gov. Beshear said. “It also underscores the important role of the Kentucky Horse Park and the legacy the games will have for future years.”

Gov. Beshear, First Lady Jane Beshear, Alltech founder Dr. Pearse Lyons, Tourism, Arts and Heritage Secretary Marcheta Sparrow and Kentucky Horse Park Executive Director John Nicholson participated in the announcement today at the Kentucky Horse Park.

“The World Equestrian Games was a unique opportunity to reaffirm our standing as Horse Capital of the World, as well as promote tourism and business in Kentucky,” said Mrs. Beshear.  “To witness the event first-hand, from its inception to the closing ceremony of the final day, I am thrilled with its success and want to thank everyone who took part in creating and executing such a tremendous, historic event for our state.”

The Alltech World Equestrian Games were held Sept. 25 through Oct. 10, 2010, the first time the international event had been held outside of Europe. The games are composed of eight events – dressage, driving, endurance, eventing, jumping, para dressage, reining and vaulting.

According to the report commissioned by the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, the Alltech World Equestrian Games Foundation reported that it sold or provided complimentary tickets to 419,853 visitors. They came from 63 countries and all 50 states.

The economic impact took into account “direct” spending that accounted for $128.2 million. This includes guest spending at the Horse Park, lodging, restaurants, shopping centers and retail outlets.

It also considered “indirect” spending – $73.3 million – such as money spent for food and lodging suppliers, construction and other services that were needed to support the influx of guests.

The report found that $55.4 million was spent on tickets, food, souvenirs and other items at the event while $39.6 million was spent on lodging. The games also generated nearly $18.4 million in state taxes and nearly $4.6 million in local taxes, the report said.

“While these financial impact numbers are quite impressive and stronger than even anticipated, the impact extends far beyond the monetary evaluation,” said Dr. Lyons. “For years to come, our community will reap the benefits of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, from a new sense of community pride to statewide improvements and infrastructures that continue to drive tourism today.”

The study was conducted for the cabinet by Certec Inc. of Versailles. Information for the study was supplied by the World Games 2010 Foundation Inc., the Kentucky Horse Park, and the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet. An online version of the report is available at http://www.kentuckytourism.com/industry/research.aspx.

“The investment Gov. Beshear and the legislature made here at the Horse Park has already made this facility the best in the nation for equine-related events and organizations,” Lexington Mayor Jim Gray said. “The visibility the Games brought to our city and the investments the state made in Lexington to help our city host the Games – road improvements, a much improved gateway into our city and a new runway at the airport – have elevated Lexington’s brand as the Horse Capital of the World. The legacy and the economic impact of the Games have been remarkable.”

The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games had a direct impact on passenger travel at Lexington’s Blue Grass Airport. In October 2010, passenger enplanements increased by 39 percent from the previous year, according to the airport’s 2010 annual report.

The airport and its partners hosted more than 700 private and corporate airplanes, provided security for international dignitaries, welcomed more than 460 international athletes and facilitated 18 special event charter flights, said Eric Frankl, executive director at Blue Grass Airport

“It was a privilege for the airport to serve as the gateway to central Kentucky for World Equestrian Games visitors,” he said. “The airport experienced one of its busiest months in airport history as a result of the collaborative effort put forth by our airlines, airport partners and staff to successfully handle an event of this magnitude.”

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Follow Governor Beshear on Twitter @Govstevebeshear, read the Governor’s personal notes on his blog at http://blog.governor.ky.gov/, and view the Governor's weekly YouTube commentary at http://www.youtube.com/governorbeshear.

Meet the Kentucky Equine Humane Center's adoptable horse of the week: Madelyn! 

She is a 4-year-old Thoroughbred mare, 15.2-hands, who arrived at KyEHC with no training under saddle and is sound for any discipline. 

She has a great personality and is easy to handle. Madelyn is quiet on the ground and stands well for the farrier and vet.

She gets along well with other mares and geldings in a herd setting. 

For more information on Madelyn or any of the other adoptable horses at KyEHC, contact them at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or www.kyehc.org.

White Prince, a very rare white Thoroughbred, arrived at the Kentucky Horse Park today (Wed, June 22, 2011) at 1:30pm. 

He is one of only a few dozen registered white Thoroughbreds in the world. 

White Prince will become a member of our Breeds Barn and will participate in our Parade of Breeds Shows. 

He was donated to the Kentucky Horse Park by Patchen Wilkes Farm of Lexington, which bred him.

Watch a video of White Prince

Photos by PixBySteve.com

Read a very nice article in the Lexington Herald-Leader about this exhibition.

Meet the Kentucky Equine Humane Center adoptable horse of the week: Esprit!

She is a 13-year-old, 15-hand Quarter Horse cross. Esprit is a beautiful, sound mare who is progressing wonderfully with her natural horsemanship training.

She has wonderful ground manners, stands well for the farrier, vet and loves attention. Esprit has a ton of potential but they believe she has never been ridden under saddle.

For more information on Esprit or any of the other adoptable horses at KyEHC, contact them at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or go to www.kyehc.org.

Meet the Kentucky Equine Humane Center's adoptable horse of the week: Macho! 

This handsome young man is a 3-year-old Thorouhgbred gelding who recently arrived at KyEHC after being retired from racing.  He will require an experienced handler/rider at this time (but just think about how great you'll look riding such a good looking horse!). They believe Macho will be best suited to flat work in his next career. He stands well to be groomed and for farrier work. He is turned out with geldings.

For more information on Macho or any of the other adoptable horses at the Kentucky Equine Humane Center, contact them at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or www.kyehc.org.  

Enrollment applications are now available for the Fall 2011 Semester of the Kentucky Horse Park Professional Horseman’s Course.  The course will be held from August 15 to December 16, 2011.

The Kentucky Horse Park’s Education Department offers a unique and hands-on educational opportunity unequalled by other equine schools.    Students will have the opportunity to study and work with more than 30 breeds of horses residing at the Kentucky Horse Park while acquiring the knowledge and skills to launch a productive career in the equine industry.  This program challenges students with daily hands-on practical interaction with horses in a variety of different environments, health issues and training levels, as well as broadens their overall level of equine understanding.

Classes and practicum work in stable management, anatomy and physiology, reproduction, marketing and career development all compliment the hands on side of the program to ensure a well-rounded education.  Students will also receive an introduction to - and be able to interact with - breeding practices, and disciplines of carriage driving, racing, and World Equestrian Games disciplines.  Former student Heidi Bruner from Indiana commented, “My expectations for this course exceeded everything I could ever imagine” and former student Amelia Clyatt from California stated, “The opportunities that have arisen and the knowledge that I’ve gained has literally changed my life.”

Through a comprehensive curriculum and small class size, which ensures adequate hands-on and individualized learning experiences, students will be prepared to seek entry level work or advance their current position in the industry upon graduation. Eighty-percent of the Spring Semester graduates achieved full time employment in the equine industry within two weeks of completing the course.

Applications must be received by the Kentucky Horse Park no later than July 15, 2011, for fall enrollment consideration.  To apply please contact Sheila Forbes at 859-509-1441 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information or to receive an application by email or mail.

Photo (c) www.jennifermunson.com

The Kentucky foal license plate  funds the Kentucky Horse Council programs, helping Kentucky horse owners, equine businesses and associations, and the welfare of Kentucky horses. 

Because of the revenue from the foal license plate, KHC is able to provide programming and support for Kentucky equestrian trail access and maintenance, health and welfare initiatives, education and networking, youth activities, competitions and support for the equine industry.

The Kentucky Horse Park partners with the Kentucky Equine Humane Center (KyEHC.org) to find homes for some of Kentucky's abused, neglected and at-risk horses of all breeds and disciplines.

You can assist KyEHC with their life-saving work by collecting proof-of-purchase labels from your Southern States feed bags (get your friends to collect them too).  Here's how!