Source: Commonwealth of Kentucky

The Kentucky Horse Park Commission voted on January 13, 2017, to withdraw from consideration for hosting the ninth International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) World Equestrian Games, to be held in 2022.

Commission members expressed concerns regarding staging of the games and the potential conflict that hosting would create with the long-term goals of the Kentucky Horse Park, including limitations on potential Horse Park-generated revenue opportunities.

“We are committed to being good stewards of the Kentucky Horse Park,” said Tandy Patrick, chair of the Kentucky Horse Park Commission. “We do not think it would be economically feasible for the park to host the 2022 games.”

“We have had an open dialogue with the public through several visioning sessions and we’re hearing good ideas about long-term strategic growth at the park,” said Don Parkinson, secretary of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet. “Additionally, a recent survey of the park’s assets found $12 million in deferred maintenance expenses, and we recognize the need for immediate and near-term investments in our facilities.”

The World Equestrian Games, which are held every four years, are comprised of competitions in all eight of the FEI disciplines.  The disciplines are Jumping, Dressage and Para-Equestrian Dressage, Eventing, Driving, Endurance, Vaulting and Reining.

The Kentucky Horse Park, located in Lexington, Kentucky, is a 1,224-acre equestrian facility dedicated to “man’s relationship with the horse.” Each year the park is host to a number of high profile events and horse shows. The park is home to the International Museum of the Horse, the most comprehensive museum in the world dedicated to exploring the important history of all horses and their impact on human civilization.

Editor’s Note: 

Lexington, Kentucky was one of two cities named Official Candidates to host the FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2022. With the withdrawal of Kentucky from consideration, Samorin (SVK) remains the sole potential host for the FEI flagship event in six years’ time.