LEXINGTON, KY - The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games kicked off its first test event with the Kentucky Cup for reining on Tuesday morning. Held in the Kentucky Horse Park's new climate-controlled arena, this competition featured four-member teams from the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Each team member rode his or her horse (mostly quarter horses) in the same pattern of required movements before a panel of judges and a cheering audience.
With barely discernible directions from their riders, the horses galloped in large circles, loped (slow canter) in small circles, changed leads on the fly, and performed 360 degree spins, rollbacks (quick pivots to change direction), and reining's signature sliding stops.
Shawn Farida, who's earned $3 million to date in the sport, led Team USA to victory. His teammate Aaron Ralston made history of sorts, as the first rider to compete in the new indoor arena.
WEG CEO Jamie Link was pleased with the attendance. "It's Tuesday morning when most people are at work. We'll have a much bigger crowd on Thursday evening."
That's when the reining event will conclude with the individual championship. Along with required moves each rider will present a freestyle program to music. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the competition begins at 7:30 p.m. The event is free, but parking is $5.
FEI, the WEG's governing body, requires test events in each of the Games' equine disciplines. The next test event will be the Kentucky Cup for vaulting at the Horse Park July 30-August 2.