Nearly 81 competitors from 22 countries presented horses at today’s first horse inspection just 24 hours before the start of the Eventing World Championships, presented by Reem Acra, at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.  One horse from Mexico was the only competitor not accepted at the jog, leaving just 80 competitors from 21 countries competing in the championship.

Two horses — one from Portugal and one from Poland — were held and then accepted upon re-presentation.

None of the individual medalists from the 2006 World Games in Aachen are here to defend their medals, but the teams that medaled in Aachen are all here to see if they can improve upon their results from four years ago.

Countries that will field full teams include Great Britain, Japan, South Africa, Belgium, Brazil, Sweden, Australia, Italy, France, Ireland, USA, Germany, Canada and New Zealand. Those countries will also aim for individual medals in addition to Austria, The Netherlands, Portugal, Finland, Poland, Argentina and Denmark.

Eventing officials presiding over today’s horse inspection included: Judges Marilyn Payne (USA), Anne-Mette Binder (DEN) and David Lee (IRL); chief steward Sally O’Connor (USA); technical delegate Tom Ryckewaert (BEL); assistant technical delegate Gretchen Butts (USA); foreign veterinary delegate Gerit Matthesen (GER); associate veterinarian Lisa Krump (USA); and president of the veterinary commission Catherine Kohn (USA).

The competition will begin tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. with Day 1 of the dressage phase.

About the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games

The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games are the world championships of eight equestrian disciplines recognized by the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI). The Games are held every four years, with 2010 being its first occurrence in the United States.

The Games will be broadcast on NBC Sports, which marks the largest commitment to network coverage of equestrian sport in U.S. television history. The 2010 Games are expected to have a statewide economic impact of $167 million, and current sponsors include Alltech, Rolex, John Deere, Ariat International, Inc., Meydan, Kentucky Ale, and Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital. For more information on the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games please visit www.alltechfeigames.com.

About Alltech

Founded by Dr. Pearse Lyons, Alltech is a global animal health and nutrition company with 30 years’ experience in developing natural products that are scientifically proven to enhance animal health and performance. With more than 2300 employees in 120 countries, the company has developed a strong regional presence in Europe, North America, Latin America, the Middle East, Africa and Asia.  For downloadable press resources and information, visit http://vip.alltech.com/pressbox.

Media Contact:

Amy Walker

Public Relations

Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games

(Office) 859-281-7940

awalker@feigames2010.org