Kentucky to host 2010 WEG
The green, green grass of Kentucky has beaten the Basse-Normandie region of Northern France to become the host of the 2010 World Equestrian Games, henceforth to be known as the FEI Games.
The final presentations were made to the FEI in Bahrain this morning, and the American bid won by a large majority.
“Both presentations were very impressive,” said FEI President HRH The Infanta Doña Pilar de Borbón. “We were in the presence of two excellent candidates, both with a strong political backing and a recognised organisational know-how. Basse Normandie and Kentucky are both horse areas and can count on the enthusiastic support of local experts and on thousands of volunteers.”
The delighted American team can now look forward to hosting the FEI Games in September 2010, with an expected economic impact of around $100m for the region.
“The World Equestrian Games is the very essence of what equestrian sport stands for,” said United States Equestrian Federation president and Olympic gold medalist, David O’Connor. “It is simply the pinnacle of equestrian sport for each of the seven disciplines it represents.
“It is for the love of competition and in the true spirit of international comradery that we celebrate the World Equestrian Games and what they stand for — the unmatched athletic ability of horse and rider and their unparalleled partnership. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime event and the United States Equestrian Federation is thrilled to be a part of bringing the 2010 Games to the Kentucky Horse Park.”
Having missed out on this occasion, the French bid team has announced that it is willing to bid for the 2014 FEI Games.
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now
Carol is an experienced journalist and editor, who is also a passionate amateur rider and dedicated horse owner, having ridden since childhood. She has a particular interest in the emotional well-being and ethical training of horses, alongside veterinary matters, having garnered extensive first-hand experience of numerous equine health conditions through more than 30 years of horse ownership.