With dozens of equine performers, nationally known singers, an orchestra, choir, dancers, local and international celebrities and dignitaries, and a traditional “Olympic-style” parade of athletes from more than 58 participating countries, the Opening Ceremonies for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games promises to entertain and delight spectators.
The World Equestrian Games are being staged outside of Europe for the first time! The Opening Ceremonies will celebrate the equine culture and heritage of both the United States and Kentucky.
Musical talent on stage will include native Kentuckians, folk-singers, opera stars, and world-renowned jazz musicians.
- Sarah Lee Guthrie, daughter of Arlo Guthrie and granddaughter of Woody Guthrie, will perform one of her grandfather’s most famous songs with the University of Kentucky’s Symphony.
- Metropolitan Opera star Denyce Graves has captivated audiences all over the world as one of the most renowned mezzo-sopranos and will entertain the audience with a special performance.
- During the “Journey through the South” segment of the program, musicians from the world-renowned Jazz at Lincoln Center will showcase the distinctive music of New Orleans and America’s Southern roots.
- Wynonna Judd, 5-time GRAMMY Award winning artist, will perform “My Old Kentucky Home” in a pinnacle moment of the Opening Ceremonies.
More than 200 horses are slated to take part in the Opening Ceremonies.
- American Thoroughbred racing Hall of Fame jockey and founder of the North American Racing Academy, Chris McCarron, will represent Thoroughbred racing along with a group of his NARA students.
- A collaboration of equine entertainers and roping experts are bringing their talents and traditions to the stage to represent Western riding in United States.
- Champion rider and equine competitor Stacy Westfall will entertain audiences as she performs without a saddle or bridle on her champion horse, Roxy, in the Opening Ceremonies of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.
- Culver Academies, known for their historic Black Horse Troop and Equestriennes horsemanship units, will bring their traditions to the main stage and showcase their complex drill routines and carry flags in color guard tradition.
A small number of tickets are still available for the Opening Ceremonies but will not last long. Get tickets here.
Lexington Convention & Visitors Bureau
301 East Vine Street Lexington, KY 40507