The rapidly approaching 2010 FEI World Equestrian Games are moving onto U.S. territory for the first time since their inception in 1990. There have been a few near disastrous occurrences which threatened to postpone or dismiss the games over the years, including a late cancellation by Dublin for the scheduled event of 1998, but the honor and endurance of the games seems to match that of the horse and rider teams who participate in them every four years. Residents of Kentucky and fans countrywide who have never been given the opportunity to see, smell, experience, and celebrate the event first hand are flocking and scrambling for tickets, reservations, and home rentals in the Lexington area.

The games begun with only 6 disciplines and in 1998 the eventing leg of the world games was held separately from the remaining 5 legs. The 2002 games brought reining into the arena, and this seventh discipline did not disappoint the deeply traditional and ever-so-slightly biased crowd. Historically, quarter horses had been considered as beautiful, strong, and worthy competitors, but not suitable for the World Games arena. Reining is as artful, difficult, spell-binding, and skill demanding as dressage, the crowd soon learned, and the new circuit has drawn an enormous following over the past 8 years as a result.

The coming 2010 games bring forth another first time event for the prestigious global competition: Para Dressage. In this, the 8th discipline inception to the games, those with physical handicaps will be given the opportunity to perform and compete on the world stage. This is an enormous step forward in the push toward the use of equestrian training and bonding as a therapeutic tool for children and adults with mental and physical disabilities. Because the most demanding and difficult maneuvers are performed through slight pressure and cues, dressage offers the perfect opportunity for both horse and rider to achieve miraculous and beautiful unison. Read the rest of this entry »