World Equestrian Games to be held in Lexington, Kentucky

The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) will be moving the World

Equestrian Games outside of Europe for the first time when the 2010 edition will be held at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky.

"We are incredibly gratified to have been selected by the FEI," said John

Nicholson, executive director of the Kentucky Horse Park. "We are mindful of our

greatest responsibility to properly organize the first non-European FEI World

Equestrian Games."

The projected attendance for the Games is more than 300,000 over a two-week

period, the largest sporting event ever to be held in the Bluegrass state, in

which 800 athletes from 40 to 50 countries will compete in seven disciplines --

show jumping, dressage, eventing, driving, endurance, vaulting and reining.

Economic impact for Lexington is expected to be approximately $100 million,

while the price tag on hosting the event will be $33 million.

Originated in 1990, the World Games are held every four years. The 2006 Games will

take place in Aachen, Germany.