By TIM THORNBERRY
Kentucky Correspondent

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Visitors to the Kentucky Horse Park will be in awe of the Southern Lights Christmas display – but much more is happening at the park as it prepares for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

John Deere has become one of the latest sponsors of those games.

“John Deere is thrilled to serve as the official equipment sponsor of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games,” said Dennis Stewart, manager of national sales at John Deere Agricultural Equipment Division.

“We’re committed to providing the equine community with quality, value and innovation through a broad range of property care solutions, supported by the industry’s most trusted brand and dealer network.”

As part of the agreement, the company will provide groundscare equipment for the games, some of which will be left at the park after the games end. It will also support many pre-event elements and serve as the title sponsor of the Reining competition during the games.

The equestrian event is known internationally and features the world championships of eight equestrian disciplines recognized by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI).

In fact, the 2010 games will mark the first time the championships have been held outside of Europe.

On hand for the John Deere announcement was Kentucky’s First Lady Jane Beshear, who said, “At the outset of pursuing these games, our goal was to not just put on a great event but to leave a legacy for the Kentucky Horse Park. John Deere’s sponsorship will help us fulfill that legacy by leaving the park with some of the best equipment in the world.”

The quest to get the games here began in June 2004. A year later it was announced that the state had indeed won the bid and the Horse Park would be the venue. Since then preparations have been under way, including sponsorships with major corporations to help with the monetary aspect of bringing such a vast event to the United States.

The games, held every four years like the Olympics, will take place over a 16-day period, Sept. 25-Oct. 10, 2010, and is expected to generate more than $150 million in revenue.

The park is no stranger to equestrian events of this type. It already hosts more than 60, along with rodeos and other types of horse shows. The facility’s Hall of Champions is also home to some of the most noted horse champions in the world, such as thoroughbred greats Cigar and John Henry, until his death in October.

Most recently 1987 Kentucky Derby winner Alysheba came to live at the park and on Dec. 5 another Derby winner, Funny Cide, will make his way to the Hall of Champions.

Agriculture’s role

The horse industry is the number one ag-related industry in the state, to the tune of $1 billion annually. With an event with the magnitude of the Equestrian Games, it comes as no surprise companies such as John Deere would become involved.

Alltech, headquartered in Kentucky, became the first-ever title sponsor of the games in June 2006. Its $10 million contribution gave the company naming rights to the 2010 event. Alltech is a global leader in the animal nutrition and health industry, with 14 production facilities around the world.

Some of the other big name sponsors associated with the games include Rolex, Ariat and Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital. The games are expected to draw more than a half a million people to the area from all over the world. For more information about the event visit www.feigames2010.org