WEG 2010

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July 21, 2010

WEG course designer pleased with progress

Posted by Jennifer under Lexington & KHP, WEG 2010
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The driving course designer for the upcoming Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, Richard Nicoll, was recently on the grounds of the Kentucky Horse Park for several days to work with the course builder, meet with various decorators, and generally check on the progress of the marathon obstacles.

the course designer for the driving portion of the WEG, Richard Nicoll (left), discusses a marathon obstacle with the course builder, Mick Costello

According to Nicoll, construction is now about ninety-five percent complete on the marathon obstacles. Once everything is finished, all that will remain is the decorating. Some of this will need to be completed at the last minute because two obstacles contain portable elements that will be moved into place after the eventing cross-country phase (on the first Saturday during the WEG).

After his meeting with the decorators, Nicoll was pleased to note how enthusiastic and, with the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event having been at the KY Horse Park for so many years, how experienced they are. He expects that spectators familiar with driving, and those new to the sport, will be wowed by the beauty of the course.

The drivers themselves may not appreciate the beauty of the obstacles to the same degree that the spectators will, but they will have their own beautiful views earlier in the day. While he was here, Nicoll inspected the course he had laid out for Sections A and D of the marathon. The track does not just go “round and round a field,” as he said, but follows roads, pathways, and pastures through several working farms adjoining the Kentucky Horse Park. So the drivers will get a unique view of some truly beautiful Kentucky countryside and farmland.

Nicoll says that he’s “very encouraged and excited about all the progress that’s been made at the Horse Park.” And he encourages everyone to come out on Saturday, October 9, to watch the driving marathon, if for no other reason than this is probably the only time in our lifetimes that we’ll be able to see so many FEI-level four-in-hand drivers in one North American location. Nicoll recalled how, after the 1993 World Pairs Championship in New Jersey, a number of people said they had heard how wonderful the championship was and how much they regretted having missed it.

“This time around, don’t be someone who regrets not having come to see the driving championship,” said Nicoll. “This is going to be too good to miss!”

a beautiful view of the Bluegrass from the track on Section A of the marathon (photo by Richard Nicoll)

... and the start of the walk section ... what a lovely view (photo by Richard Nicoll)

this beautiful grassy field, beyond the trees in the foreground, will be the location of the driving arena (for dressage and cones)

detail of a completed portion of one of the marathon obstacles (photo by Richard Nicoll)

Lenny Courtemanche sanding a new post

a moveable element (in the eventing cross-country complex known as the "Head of the Lake") being put into place for Richard Nicoll's visit

an aerial view of a portion of one of the marathon water obstacles

 

July 20, 2010

WEG work continues at the KHP

Posted by Jennifer under Lexington & KHP, WEG 2010
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Evidence that work continues at the Kentucky Horse Park as we count down the days till the World Equestrian Games:

another set of temporary grandstands is going up beside the outdoor arena

as seen from above (while I was waaaay up high in a lift to photograph the marathon obstacles): the outdoor arena on the right and earth movers on the left

... and from up high in the same lift (but in a different spot on the course): a portion of the water obstacle in the infield

I spoke yesterday with the driving course designer, Richard Nicoll, and will post my interview with him and more photos tomorrow!

 

July 2, 2010

goings-on (again) at the Horse Park

Posted by Jennifer under Lexington & KHP, WEG 2010
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Believe it or not, we’re down to fewer than 90 days till the World Equestrian Games begin here at the Kentucky Horse Park. It seems as though the park’s been under construction forever, with additions to the International Museum of the Horse, an addition to the Saddlebred Museum, new office buildings, the new indoor arena, new stabling, the new outdoor arena, new roads, new parking areas, and repaving of existing roads and parking lots. Well, there’s still more to come! Now that all the permanent construction is (mostly) finished, we have to actually get ready for WEG. The main parking lot is being repaved to accommodate the “Alltech Experience,” the “Kentucky Experience,” the Trade Fair, and who knows what else. Temporary grandstands are being built on three sides of the outdoor arena, entire temporary stadiums will be built for driving and endurance, and loads of temporary buildings must go up.

As of July 1, here’s where some of that stands:

not a "normal" view of the KY Horse Park, thank goodness! Where'd all the grass go?

another view of the same area, from a different angle; all of this ground is being prepped to house the VIP hospitality tents and the media center, across the street from the outdoor arena

the outdoor arena from the side; that's the permanent grandstand on the left, the announcer's stand in the middle (behind the tree), and the first of three temporary grandstands on the right

... and ... hooray! ... a few of the many new bushes, perennials, and trees that have recently been planted on either side of the creek that runs along Arena Road

 

June 17, 2010

the countdown marches on!

Posted by Jennifer under WEG 2010
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Yesterday marked “100 Days to Go!” till this year’s 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. We’re now in double-digits … 99 and counting!!

For about a week, the WEG website (www.feigames2010.org) has been featuring segments of these “100 Reasons to Come to the Games.” Here (borrowed and compiled from the various WEG website pages) are all 100 reasons:

100. You get to walk on the bluegrass. It’s pretty famous in Kentucky.

99. You know that saying “When pigs fly?” Horses actually do fly here…over jumps.

98. Because trail riding is fun, but horses do much cooler things at the 2010 Games.

97. You get to meet someone from a different country, or actually, more than 60 different countries.

96. Single men, two words: International visitors.

95. Single ladies, we’ve got cowboys. With boots and hats. Some even have a southern drawl.

94. You can get horse training tips from world famous equine clinicians.

93. Because you can have a place to party…outside.

92. You can practice using a foreign language with native speakers.

91. Because tickets to the Games are better than anything Santa could ever bring.

90. You get to see horses of every color and size.

89. We’ll have beer. Kentucky Ale to be exact.

88. You can see horses in Kentucky doing something other than run in a circle.

87. Because you’re wondering exactly how one place can hold so many horses and people.

86. The Iron Chef will cook for you. It’s the only time you’ll think even rabbit liver tastes amazing.

85. To buy that cowboy hat you know you’ve always wanted.

84. Don’t care for horses? We’ll have penguins.

83. Don’t like penguins? We’ll have sharks too. Both in the Alltech Experience Pavilion.

82. For the right price, you can sit in the Champions Club without having to vault, drive, or jump your way there.

81. The best rooftop gardener in New York City will be there. And guess what? He’s a Kentuckian!

80. If you’ve never made it to the Kentucky Derby, you can watch approximately 90 Kentucky Derbies at about one-third the speed. It’s called Endurance.

79. It’s the perfect horsey fix in between the Keeneland’s Fall Sales and the Fall Meet.

78. The Kentucky Horse Park will be taken over by an army. Well, we have 7,000 volunteers. That’s basically an army.

77. You can take your girl for a ride on a big green tractor in the John Deere sponsor pavilion.

76. It’s the biggest party in Kentucky this year. Don’t be the only one with nothing to talk about the morning of October 11.

75. Ever wonder how horses do stunts for movies? Equine Village demonstrators will show you.

74. The day doesn’t stop after the competition is over, Lexington will continue the celebration downtown at Spotlight Lexington.

73. To visit the state that makes 95% of the world’s bourbon…and then drink some.

72. Because no matter how crazy your friends are, they are never going to jump on the back of a cantering horse and then do a back flip. But our vaulting athletes will.

71. Our Driving teams bring a whole new feeling to the phrase “horse and buggy.” It’s a carriage—not a cart—and they drive like NASCAR’s best.

70. Because you’re an Auburn fan and you drove all the way here for the UK Football game. Or because you’re a UK fan who sold your Auburn tickets.

69. UK’s basketball season hasn’t started yet—which means our Jumping athletes will have the biggest “air” in town.

68. When your daughter comes home wanting a dressage pony, you’ll at least know that “dressage” rhymes with “garage.”

67. To cross Kentucky off your list of states visited.

66. The Kentucky Horse Park has 1224 acres of rolling bluegrass countryside. The 2006 Games in Aachen, Germany had 40 acres. Come see what we’re doing with the extra 1184.

65. Because your kids get in free.

64. It might be the only time you can have a world-renowned chef cook for you using items you might find at a Kentucky Farmer’s Market. We call it Kentucky Proud, and we’re proud of it!

63. Because you’ve heard someone say they use “Natural Horsemanship” and you have no clue what it is.

62. Not a world champion equestrian athlete? More than a dozen clinicians will be on hand to show you the reins. Or in the case of Stacy Westfall, to entertain you without reins.

61. To pick up some new dance moves. Dressage horses are more graceful than lots of people. Most people, actually.

60. Because if you only know about our Bourbon you are missing out on our incredible Kentucky wines. Taste them in the Kentucky Experience.

59. Spend a day with your family for the same cost as a night at the movies. Fun, laughter, and memories required with purchase of your Grounds Pass tickets.

58. Because you can have your own bottle of Maker’s Mark personally dipped for you in our Makers Mark Bourbon Village Hospitality Pavilion. Where else will you ever see that signature wax melted?

57. The number of activities for horse-obsessed children is endless.

56. You haven’t ever been to a horse show and doesn’t the saying go: don’t knock it till you try it?

55. Because you’re sick of watching sports that revolve around some type of ball.

54. You can spend all day outside…or 16 days outside.

53. Because you’ve never seen a horse up close.

52. How many times have you heard Wynonna Judd sing My Old Kentucky Home?

51. Because you’re looking for an excuse to pull out those cowboy boots from the back of your closet.

50. And if you don’t have boots you have to come put your feet in a pair of Ariats.

49. Roads have been created and widened just so you don’t have to fight traffic.

48. It is the first time the Para-Equestrian discipline has been a part of the World Equestrian Games. Don’t know what Para-Equestrian is? Come find out.

47. You get to watch riders play musical horses in the Jumping Top Four competition.

46. You get to learn from top veterinarians and animal health experts.

45. Because weeknights during the Games will be far from boring.

44. Picture opening ceremonies similar to the Olympics…then add horses.

43. Because there are airports in Lexington, Louisville and Cincinnati that can assure you get to the event as safely as the horses.

42. Following the bloggers? Now is your chance to see them in person.

41. The most talented riders in the world will all be in one location, it’s your chance to see the best of the best compete against each other.

40. Ever heard of the champion racehorse Cigar? He’ll be there. And you can meet him in the Kentucky Horse Park’s Hall of Champions.

39. Because if you can’t buy a real horse you can buy a Breyer.

38. We have over 30,000 friends on Facebook and they are definitely coming…don’t be left out.

37. Because our trade show is the only place where you can buy a treadmill for your horse and a watch for your husband in the same shopping experience.

36. You get to shop…period.

35. There will be a sneak peak of the 2014 Games in France.

34. So we can prove to you that Kentuckians do, in fact, have teeth and wear shoes.

33. Our Para-Dressage athletes conquer every challenge—come be amazed.

32. Lexington has created one of the top horse venues in the World.

31. Because your experience at the Games will be timeless, just like a Rolex watch, the official time piece of the Games.

30. You can see the entire state in one place. All nine tourism regions will be in the Kentucky Experience exhibit.

29. Because horses run faster, jump higher and turn quicker than any human ever will.

28. During the Games, Lexington is going to be the talk of the horse world…don’t you want to be a part of it?

27. Because it will definitely give you something to tweet about.

26. You will make your daughters day, month and probably year.

25. Because you don’t know what the word piaffe means and you definitely didn’t know it is something a horse can do.

24. You have never seen a horse slide on its hind legs and look cool doing it.

23. Because you haven’t been to the Kentucky Horse Park.

22. And if you have been to the Kentucky Horse Park, you haven’t seen the Park’s newest addition. Find out about the Park’s Gift from the Desert.

21. Because Kentucky and the city of Lexington have prepared to make this event one to remember.

20. You can find out how Dippin’ Dots made ice cream into tiny, tasty pellets—the creators will be there!

19. Because some of the most beautiful farms in the bluegrass will be transformed into a 100 mile endurance course.

18. You can see a bond between a horse and a rider that you can’t see anywhere else.

17. Because Lexington has had a count-down clock running since December 29, 2007 and it will finally say 0 days to go.

16. You aren’t from Kentucky-or maybe you are- and you are wondering what this state has to offer…the Kentucky Experience will fill you in.

15. If you like taking photos you can fill a bookshelf full of albums with exciting snapshots from this event.

14. Because the Kentucky Horse Park is the only park in the world dedicated to horses.

13. We can bet you have never been to a horse show that has the world championships of eight disciplines held at the same venue.

12. September is the perfect time to take a little vacation.

11. Doesn’t everyone want to take a vacation?

10. Because Lexington has been under construction since 2006 and it’s time for everything to finally come together.

9. You won’t get to see a World Equestrian Games again until 2014.

8. Because other world championship sporting events don’t have tickets for as little as $25.

7. You will be a part of history in the making.

6. It’s Kentucky hospitality. It’s what we do best.

5. You can spend your day watching the biggest horse show to hit this country and your night attending the best party in Lexington.

4. Because the Games have never been here before—and who knows if they will ever be back?

3. Kentucky is within a day’s drive of 2/3 of the U.S. population. Don’t believe us? We’ll see you in 12 hours. Loser buys a ticket to the Games.

2. Because you’re running out of time, tickets won’t be on sale much longer.

1. 16 days. Eight World Championships. The Horse Capital of the World. Isn’t that enough?

 

May 11, 2010

still on the “Road to the WEG”

Posted by Jennifer under people, WEG 2010
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All of Florida’s late-winter / early-spring events are over now, and all that remains for the four-in-hand drivers is to continue working, training, and competing (perhaps in Europe for some drivers) and then awaiting the selectors’ decision. At stake: the chance to represent the United States at this year’s Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games — three spots on the U.S. team and (we hope) several individual spots. 

One of the drivers hoping to represent the U.S. at this year’s WEG is Mike McLennan of Texas. For the past year, we’ve been reporting on his training, competing, and general progress toward his goal. These reports have been featured in our magazine, The Carriage Journal, since March of last year. As we get closer and closer to the WEG (now fewer than 140 days away!), it’s become impossible to provide timely updates in a printed magazine that’s published five times a year. And so we’ve moved our “Road to the WEG” series here to the blog.

In the late winter, Mike and his wife, Jerry, loaded up the horses and drove the 1,200 miles from Brenham, Texas, for the first of the Florida events. By the time all three events were over, Mike and Jerry had driven back and forth all three times, for a total of nearly 7,500 miles. Mike says the truck and trailer “are fine, but the humans and horses were worn out” by the long trips. All that driving is a chore, for sure, but it is still less expensive than finding accommodations for people and horses in Florida for all that time. And there are all those chores to do at home, because they unfortunately don’t do themselves. And, last but certainly not least, the horses are able to spend most of their days turned out at home, so they get a bit of a restful break between trailer rides and competitions.

One goal at these first events of the year was to qualify Anton, the seventh and final member of their four-in-hand team. At Little Everglades (January 28–31), Anton was, quite frankly, a “detriment” in the dressage, but the team nonetheless finished the dressage phase in third place out of twelve competitors. In the marathon, Anton ran out of gas, with devastating effect. Mike was in either first or second place in each of the first three marathon obstacles, and dropped to eighth, eighth, and then twelfth in each of the final obstacles. They finished the marathon (and the overall event) in tenth place. This after having finished the marathon in third behind only Chester Weber and Boyd Exell at last October’s Lexington Combined Driving Classic (the official test event for the driving portion of the WEG) with their “A” marathon team. 

Mike McLennan and his "A" team of marathon horses at the 2009 Lexington Combined Driving Classic, where they finished the marathon in third place (after this turn, Mike guided his team out of the obstacle saying, "Come on boys, let's get out of here!")

But Anton completed all three phases at Little Everglades, and the team earned a high enough dressage score that all seven McLennan horses (five of their own and two borrowed) are now officially qualified to compete for a spot on the U.S. team.

Things improved for Team McLennan at Sunshine State (February 26–28), where they finished in fifth place overall, out of a field of thirteen, but Anton had been “put on waivers,” as Mike says (in other words, dropped from the “A-level” team), because of his dressage score.

As we get closer to the WEG, the developing drivers are able to train with both Peter Tischer and with the U.S. team’s coach, Michael Freund (both are German drivers and trainers). Mike was one of the surprisingly few drivers who took advantage of Michael’s coaching in Florida, and Mike says it was invaluable in helping him see and fix his problems in the moment, rather than while reviewing video several hours later. One of Michael’s concerns for Mike: that he needs to slow down, in the cones especially, so that he can drive more accurately and less, as Mike says, like a stagecoach driver.

When I spoke to Mike in early March, his goal for Live Oak (March 25–28) was to finish either first or second in the marathon. In the end, out of fourteen in the four-in-hand class, Mike and his horses (Ruff, Tuff, Fabulous Fred, and Donovan) finished the marathon in fourth place. That plus a sixth-place finish in dressage put the team in third place overall heading into Sunday’s cones phase. And then the rains came. Apparently, the storm was so bad (downpours, lightning, the works) that several classes meant to go after the four-in-hand teams had to be cancelled. I can only imagine how bad the mud must’ve been. Mike and his horses got thoroughly soaked on their way to a clear cones round (their first in a long time), but they were really slow. The time penalties and resulting tenth-place finish in the cones phase dropped them to fourth overall in the 2010 USEF National Championship.

On the USEF ranking list that came out around the third week of April, Mike was right about in the middle of the pack (seventh out of twelve hopefuls). A few selection trials remain before the selectors must make their decision about who will represent the U.S. at the WEG.

Until then, Mike plans to continue working at home and to travel to one more (the final) selection trial: the Iron Horse CDE in Illinois (July 30–August 1), which is a more reasonable drive from Texas — only 1,157 miles each way — than some of the other events taking place between now and then. We’ll keep you up to date!

 

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