Today, 25 September, we celebrate four years to go until the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2010 are officially opened in Kentucky (USA). Aachen 2006 - the Games Are Finished Much happened this summer in Aachen – great sport, brave horses, enthusiastic crowds – but before we turn that glorious page for good, here are some figures which you always wondered about and never dared to ask. Some 852 horses competed at Aachen. They were accommodated in 393 permanent and 360 temporary boxes. They used 2,500 bales of straw and 5,000 bales of shavings. 30,225 kg of hay and just as many of oats were consumed and as a result 1,600 m3 of dung were produced. No less than 773 competitors took part in the 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games: 116 in Jumping; 89 in Dressage; 79 in Eventing; 200 in Vaulting + 80 lungers; 49 in Driving; 81 in Reining and 159 in Endurance. 16 gold medals were won. 1,200 written press journalists, 300 photographers and 500 TV-crew members ensured the media coverage of the event. The estimated number of articles published world-wide is 15,000. The 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games were broadcast in 157 countries. And last but not least, 70 km – the distance between central Paris and Roissy Charles de Gaulle Airport – of electric, fibre glass and TV cables were laid. Kentucky 2010 – Long Live the Games! And now it is time to go turn to Kentucky where preparations for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2010 have already begun. Plans for a new, indoor arena and hotel at the Kentucky Horse Park, the venue for the event, are well under way and so are road widening, airport construction, and hospitality planning. But where is Lexington and why the Kentucky Horse Park? Lexington is in the heart of Kentucky’s Bluegrass Region. It was established in 1775 and derived its name from Lexington, Massachusetts — one of the early battle grounds of the American Revolution. As the city grew, it became widely known for its rich, fertile soil that gave rise to a booming agricultural economy which included tobacco, hemp, corn and grains, cattle and — of course — horses. Some of the fastest Thoroughbreds ever to race were raised on the rolling pastures separated by plank and stone fences. But Lexington is not just about Thoroughbreds—and the Kentucky Horse Park makes sure of that. Dedicated in 1978, the park stretches across 1,200 acres of land bounded by more than 30 miles of white plank fencing. Nearly 50 breeds are stabled at the park and it is home for more than 30 equine organizations. It serves as the venue for the Rolex Three Day Event every spring and just last week hosted the Hagyard USD 50,000 CSI-W Grand Prix, FEI World Cup Jumping TM Qualifier. When you visit Lexington, you’re greeted by a sign that proudly proclaims Horse Capital of the World. You won’t be disappointed. But Lexington is about more than the horse and you’ll learn that in the years to come. The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2010 are four years away and the countdown has begun.