Posted: 20th January 2014 | Back to news feed
On the 24 August, 2014, the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (TM) 2014 in Normandy will open.
Over two weeks, the world’s best riders will compete in this equestrian spectacle that will see eight world championships crowned at the largest equestrian competition ever held in France.
Here are 10 interesting facts that you may not know about the Games:
1. The World Equestrian Games were first held in 1990 in Stockholm, Sweden. Prior to 1990, each discipline held its own world championships. Six disciplines were contested in Stockholm: Show-Jumping, Eventing, Dressage, Driving, Endurance and Vaulting.
2. Riders represented 37 countries at the first Games in Stockholm. At the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games(TM) 2014, more than 60 countries will be represented.
3. The World Equestrian Games are held every four years and are nestled between the summer Olympic Games.
4. Reining was first introduced in 2002 at the World Equestrian Games in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain, and proved a highly popular addition. 2002 was a tremendous success, boosted by Jerez being true horse country.
5. 2010 saw the World Equestrian Games move outside of Europe for the first time when Lexington, Kentucky, played host.
6. The Kentucky Games were also the first time the World Equestrian Games had a title sponsor. Alltech became the first company to hold this honour, and they have continued their support to be title sponsor of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2014 in Normandy, France.
7. At the 2010 Games, Para – dressage made its debut at the World Equestrian Games.
8. As of 2010, Germany holds the most World Equestrian Games gold medals
with 30; Great Britain is in second place with 12.
9. At the 2010 Games, all human and equine samples tested negative for prohibited substances, displaying the true spirit of sportsmanship and animal
welfare.
10. To win a World Equestrian Games title is considered by many to be more
prestigious than an Olympic gold medal.
Alltech®, the title sponsor of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy, France, has developed the LIFEFORCE Range of all-natural daily digestive aid supplements. These products are designed to benefit horses at every stage of life, from breeding stock to pleasure and performance animals.
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