"For the first time, the FEI World Equestrian Games have crossed an ocean to bring the best of our sport to another continent. We are witnessing a new beginning that will help spread the magic of horse sport and inspire young equestrian athletes to aim for the top.”
FEI President HRH Princess Haya at the opening ceremony
The many faces of horse sport met for a brief moment in time during which the best athletes from all over the globe gathered to compete in eight World Championships, including the first ever inclusion of Para-Equestrian Dressage on the programme. No less than 632 athletes and 752 horses from a record 58 countries fought hard for the 81 medals up for grabs. New faces emerged, hard work and dedication proved indispensable and experience a true friend in times of trouble.
The sheer combination of countries, athletes both novice and experienced, equestrian disciplines, volunteers, local enthusiasm, officials, fans, media, world breaking records, passion and dedication made the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ truly remarkable and unique.
In addition to the thrilling competition it was revealed just weeks following the Games that all human and equine samples tested negative for prohibited substances, underlying the true spirit of sportsmanship and welfare at the heart of horse sport.
This was also the first time the FEI World Equestrian Games™ were staged outside of Europe, bringing the best of Equestrian sport to another continent. The eight championship disciplines were also staged in the same location for the first time (the Kentucky Horse Park). It was also the first time the Games benefited from an official sponsor: the animal health and nutrition group Alltech.