Kentucky withdraws bid to host FEI World Equestrian Games in 2022

Only one host venue remains in the running to host the FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) in 2022 after one of the leading contenders dropped out.

Withdrawing

Last Friday, the team at Kentucky Horse Park announced they were withdrawing from consideration for hosting the event.

“We are committed to being good stewards of the Kentucky Horse Park,” said Tandy Patrick, chair of the Kentucky Horse Park Commission. “We do not think it would be economically feasible for the park to host the 2022 games.”

The Games were last held in Kentucky in 2010, when it became the first non-European venue to play host to WEG.

Samorin to host?

Now the only potential host for the 2022 Games is the town of Samorin in Slovakia, which boasts an extensive, state-of-the-art equestrian facility.

The FEI World Equestrian Games have been held every four years since 1990, bringing together the world championships for showjumping, dressage, eventing, para-dressage, reigning, vaulting, endurance and carriage driving all in one venue.

Tryon take over

The next WEG will be in North America, at the Tryon International Equestrian Centre in North Carolina (10 to 23 September 2018).

The 2018 Games were originally allocated to Bromont in Canada, but were switched to Tryon last November after Bromont withdrew as hosts.