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        <atom:link href="http://www.kyhorseproperties.com/blog/2010-world-equestrian-games/rss" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
        <title>Kentucky Horse Blog</title>
        <link>http://www.kyhorseproperties.com/blog/2010-world-equestrian-games/</link>
        <description>Read about the latest happenings in the Kentucky horse and equine communities.  Interesting information regarding upcoming shows, events, clinic announcements and more.</description>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.kyhorseproperties.com/blog/2010-weg-selects-official-commercial-real-estate-company.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.kyhorseproperties.com/blog/2010-weg-selects-official-commercial-real-estate-company.html</link>
                        <author>Home@K2GroupLLC.com (Jennifer Karlen)</author>
                        <title>2010 WEG selects Official Commercial Real Estate Company</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ According to the Lexington Herald Leader newspaper, the World Games
2010 Foundation, Inc. has selected Fortune Commercial Properties
located in Lexington Kentucky as the official commercial real estate
company for the 2010 WEG.

Their company will be providing 10,000 sq.ft. of warehousing space
along with 6,000 sq.ft. of office space for the World Games 2010
Foundation - as well as an undisclosed financial contribution to the
2010 World Equestrian Games.


The use of this space is expected to be primarily for storage as
well as an operations center for the projected approximately 6,000 WEG
volunteers that will be there helping out during the event.


Congratulations to Fortune Commercial Properties for the honor and contributions to this equestrian event


(Of course, if you are interested in horse farms for sale, you are
already at the right placenbsp; Click whichever area you are interested in
for Louisville farms for sale or Lexington farms for sale and start your search today.)
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Sun, 08 Feb 2009 21:27:15 -0500</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.kyhorseproperties.com/blog/kentucky-horse-park-hotel-is-dead.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.kyhorseproperties.com/blog/kentucky-horse-park-hotel-is-dead.html</link>
                        <author>Home@K2GroupLLC.com (Jennifer Karlen)</author>
                        <title>Kentucky Horse Park Hotel is Dead</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ Well, its official:nbsp; the proposed Kentucky Horse Park hotel is dead - at least for now.nbsp; For those that read the earlier Kentucky Horse Park Hotel
article, you will recall the hotel was being funded primarily through
the sale of bonds.nbsp; Those bonds needed to be sold before an April 15
2008 deadline, to ensure that the proposed KY horse park hotel would be
completed in time for the 2010 World Equestrian Games.nbsp; [Officials at
the horse park do NOT want any construction taking place at the horse
park during the 2010 WEG.]

The bottom line: the bonds werenrsquo;t sold in time for the April 15th
deadline, and as such the deal will not be allowed to proceed.


Kentucky horse park officials have stated that the proposed failed
hotel deal should not have any impact on the games, as there is ample
hotel facilities located within a short distance of the horse park.nbsp;
And while they would have liked to been able to provide an on site
facility for persons attending, that the short commuting distance is
reasonable to the other hotel facilities in the area.


So, the hotel is dead - for now.nbsp; But, its important to note that a
hotel is in the KY horse park master plans, and it is likely that right
after the 2010 WEG at the Lexington KY facility, you can expect the
Horse Park hotel discussion to resume.nbsp; The KY horse park remains
consistently busy - and booked for most days year round.nbsp; A hotel would
provide an additional revenue stream for maintaining the facility.

The hotel should be a nice addition and convenience for those
persons that are interested in the various activities located there.nbsp;
Buts, its not a total loss - the persons commuting driving back and
forth from the horse park have to ldquo;endurerdquo; driving past some absolutely
gorgeous Ky horse farms to get from the horse park to their hotel, and
back again.nbsp; Irsquo;m sure people will ldquo;toleraterdquo; their harsh conditions. ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Sun, 08 Feb 2009 21:23:08 -0500</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.kyhorseproperties.com/blog/kentucky-horse-park-hotel-may-be-delayed.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.kyhorseproperties.com/blog/kentucky-horse-park-hotel-may-be-delayed.html</link>
                        <author>Home@K2GroupLLC.com (Jennifer Karlen)</author>
                        <title>Kentucky Horse Park Hotel may be delayed</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ Just an update for those that have been following the proposed
Kentucky Horse Park hotel:nbsp; According to the Finance and Administration
Cabinet in Kentucky, no bonds have been sold for the proposed
equestrian hotel.nbsp; And if the bonds arenrsquo;t sold by April 15, 2008,
there will be insufficient time to get the hotel finished in time for
the World Equestrian Games in 2010 to be held at the KY horse park.nbsp;
[Park officials do not want construction going on at the facility while
the 2010 WEG is going on.]

The person selling the bonds is Ryan Barrow, who is with the company
Ross, Sinclaire.nbsp; He has stated that the current economy has made it
somewhat more difficult to get the bonds sold to fund the hotel project.


And beyond just the financing aspect of the hotel project, there is
a secondary motivator kicking in the April 15th deadline:nbsp; the
franchise ground lease agreement with Westin Hotels, has the April 15th
date selected as its target date.


If they are unable to get the bonds sold by the April 15th deadline,
it means that the KY Horse Park Hotel project would most likely be
delayed until after the 2010 WEG event.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Sun, 08 Feb 2009 21:18:00 -0500</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.kyhorseproperties.com/blog/world-equestrian-games-lexington-kentucky-farrier.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.kyhorseproperties.com/blog/world-equestrian-games-lexington-kentucky-farrier.html</link>
                        <author>Home@K2GroupLLC.com (Jennifer Karlen)</author>
                        <title>World Equestrian Games Lexington Kentucky Farrier</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ The Lexington Kentucky newspaper The Lexington Herald Leader wrote
recently that the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games has selected
a Lexington Kentucky group as the official farriers for the event.nbsp; The
group selected was the American Farriers Association.

The association will begin providing their services at the Kentucky
Horse Park approximately 2 weeks prior to the event starting, and
through the closing day of the games (From September 11, 2010 through
October 10, 2010).nbsp; In the 2 weeks prior to the games starting, 2
farriers will be on site assisting riders and their horses with their
needs.nbsp; However, once the WEG actually starts, up to 6 farriers will be
available and providing their services for the 16 day event.


Costs associated with their services will vary and be on a horse by horse basis depending on what is needed.


Congratulations to the American Farriers Association
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Sun, 08 Feb 2009 21:15:16 -0500</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.kyhorseproperties.com/blog/how-would-you-like-to-ride-in-the-2010-world-equestrian-games.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.kyhorseproperties.com/blog/how-would-you-like-to-ride-in-the-2010-world-equestrian-games.html</link>
                        <author>Home@K2GroupLLC.com (Jennifer Karlen)</author>
                        <title>How would you like to ride in the 2010 World Equestrian Games?</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ How would you like to ride in the 2010 World Equestrian Games? If
the first lady of Kentucky, Jane Beshear, has her way, 120 lucky horse
back riders could potentially get their chance.

Let me give you a little background first:


You know how the Olympics is always kicked off by fire - with the
carrying of the torch and lighting of the fire? The WEG is similar in
that it has a basic element that kicks off its games, but its water.
They use water from all of the prior WEGs as their promotional tool for
kicking off the games. Water from all of the earlier events has been
collected and it is then poured into a fountain at the next WEG
location. Current plans are to have the container pour its contents
into a fountain at the KY Horse Park. [As of yet, no one has been
selected for the honor of the pouring in Kentucky.]


Now, back to how you potentially may be able to ride in the WEG:


The first lady is one of the board of directors for the World Games
2010 Foundation, and she has proposed that horse riders amp;
equestrian enthusiasts from all of the 120 counties in Kentucky, bring
water from their respective counties to the Kentucky Horse Park in
Lexington KY. This would symbolize that the entire state would be
hosting the games and be an important showing of support - even if some
persons may not be equine enthusiasts or an owner of horse farms in
Kentucky. The proposed event currently has the working title of The
Great Kentucky Ride.


It must be noted that the first lady has stressed that it is a VERY
tentative proposal and has not received approval as of yet - but she is
optimistic, and it would prove to be a great representation of the
friendliness of Kentucky toward our 4 legged friends and their owners.


So, there ya go - with a bit of luck, you might be able to get a
chance to ride in the 2010 WEG. Lets keep our fingers crossed.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Sun, 08 Feb 2009 21:13:47 -0500</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.kyhorseproperties.com/blog/world-equestrian-games-multilingual-and-services-help-needed.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.kyhorseproperties.com/blog/world-equestrian-games-multilingual-and-services-help-needed.html</link>
                        <author>Home@K2GroupLLC.com (Jennifer Karlen)</author>
                        <title>World Equestrian Games - Multilingual and Services Help Needed</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ It was recently announced that in preparation for the 2010 World
Equestrian Games to be held in Lexington Kentucky, that the organizers
of the event are soliciting persons that speak multiple languages to
help with the event. The 4 main languages expected for the event are:
English, German, French, and Spanish

But a lot of the more less common languages are going to be needed
to be able to communicate with competitors and even visitors that are
coming to watch the event. Even if its a really obscure language that
you know, it may be needed to help with the event. Competitors and
spectators are coming from all over the world and there may be a need
for your language expertise. Any help and assistance is greatly
appreciated.


Additionally, the World Games 2010 Foundation is currently
soliciting companies and organizations that may desire to provide
services for the event. These groups would provide numerous services
for the various equestrian exhibitions that will be at the games. Some
examples of such services needed are ceremonies production, temporary
seating, catering/food/concessions, etc. If you are able to provide
services, the deadline is March 28.


Also, they are wanting persons to submit proposals from the various
breed, disciplines, and equestrian sports organizations that may desire
to put on display an exhibition at the World Equestrian Games.


Time is moving fast - if you are wanting to help out at the WEG, now is a good time to start requesting.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Sun, 08 Feb 2009 21:10:43 -0500</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.kyhorseproperties.com/blog/lexington-ky-horse-park-hotel-details.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.kyhorseproperties.com/blog/lexington-ky-horse-park-hotel-details.html</link>
                        <author>Home@K2GroupLLC.com (Jennifer Karlen)</author>
                        <title>Lexington KY Horse Park Hotel Details</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
[Editors note: I continue to receive feedback from persons
visiting this Louisville amp; Lexington Kentucky Horse Farms For Sale
website that they would like more information and stories regarding the
Kentucky Horse Park, the World Equestrian Games in 2010, etc. - so I am
continuing to write more articles regarding those topics.


If you have a topic of particular interest regarding horses,
Kentucky horse farms for sale, or anything pertaining to the equestrian
communities in KY - just let me know, and I will try to address your
requests in upcoming stories of interest. Thanks]


The
Lexington KY newspaper, the Lexington Herald-Leader published a story
on February 21 2008 regarding more details for the proposed KY Horse
Park Hotel. The topic of the feature was primarily the involvement of
one of the 2 development suitors for the project: Steve Branscum from
Russelville Kentucky.


To give some background, in March 2007 the Bluegrass Equine and
Tourism Foundation (BETF) was created to construct a luxury hotel at
the Kentucky Horse Park. One of the founding members was Steve
Branscum. He has since departed from the board of that entity, at the
suggestion from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to reduce the number
of persons that were on the board of directors for the organization -
but now one of Mr. Branscumrsquo;s companies is now one of the 2 proposed
real estate development groups being considered for the construction of
the estimated $90 million project. Some persons are questioning whether
its truly an arms length transaction at this point. Brad Burgess, a
representative from the Thayer Group which is leading the project for
the hotel development with Boorn Partners, has simply attributed it to
Mr. Branscumrsquo;s continued interest in the equestrian park and in seeing
a hotel being made a part of that real estate development. Mr. Burgess
has been a resident of Lexington Kentucky since moving from Florida 6
years ago.


Mr. Burgess also was one of the founding members of the Bluegrass
Equine and Tourism Foundation (BETF) in March 2007 last year at this
time. 2 weeks after forming that organization, a new company was formed
called KHPWESLUX (yes, it really is called that). The KHPWESLUX company
then began to solicit the KY Horse Park hotel project, and beat out
real estate developers Corporex who are based in Northern Kentucky.


After all expenses are paid for the hotel, any profits will be
distributed to tourism and equine amp; equestrian organizations in
Kentucky. And 42 years after the hotelrsquo;s construction, the facility
will become owned in its entirety by the state of Kentucky.


KHPWESLUX is receiving a $5 million development fee for providing
their expertise and overseeing the development of the project, which
Mr. Burgess points out is well below their normal 7 rate that they
charge normally. He attributes the reduced fee to the lower risk
involved for this project.


Architect costs for the Lexington KY architecture firm of Sherman,
Carter, Barnhart are expected to be $1.6 million for the design and
scope of the vision for the real estate development.


Construction costs are projected to be $51 million for Branscum
Construction who will be working with Kraus Anderson who are from
Minneapolis for the project. And the construction management fee is
$2.4 million.


If you look at it from a larger perspective, its not unusual for
horse persons and equestrian enthusiasts to run in the same circles.
And for persons to share a common interest of seeing a project come to
fruition, it makes sense that persons would volunteer and join other
organizations to do whatever is needed to see that the dream comes to
reality. Expertise is needed for project, and these individuals bring
with them a lot of respect within the industry, and Irsquo;m certain they
will produce a finished project that will appeal to the equestrian
communities in Kentucky, and blend in with the various Kentucky horse
farms that are adjoining along the countryside of the KY Horse Park.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Sun, 08 Feb 2009 21:07:32 -0500</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.kyhorseproperties.com/blog/kentucky-horse-park-bond-plan-is-118-million.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.kyhorseproperties.com/blog/kentucky-horse-park-bond-plan-is-118-million.html</link>
                        <author>Home@K2GroupLLC.com (Jennifer Karlen)</author>
                        <title>Kentucky Horse Park Bond Plan is $118 million</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ The Courier-Journal newspaper reported a story regarding the
Kentucky General Assembly, and the proposed Kentucky Horse Park Bond
Plan calling for $118 million.

This plan essentially calls for private real estate developers to
construct a luxury hotel located at the KY Horse Park, and while the
government would not be required to pay for any of the debt, it is
ultimately responsible because it owns the real estate on which the
proposed development would reside.


The plan was approved by the Capital Projects and Bond Oversight Committee on Tuesday February 19, 2008.


The estimates provided for the planned hotel are $88 million for the
actual facility - with the remaining costs to be covered for debt
service and interest carry for the project.


One of the real estate developers was Brad Burgess and he stated
that the average room rate is going to be $184 per night, and that they
project a 74 occupancy rate for the hotel in the KY Horse Park.


Plans call for a 267 room hotel flying under the Westin Hotel
franchise flag and it would contain approximately 300,000 sq.ft. of
space within the property.nbsp; Part of the attraction for the proposal is
to have the facility operational in time for the 2010 World Equestrian
Games.


After the hotel is built, it would then transfer ownership to a
non-profit organization that would apply any profits generated toward
the Kentucky tourist and equestrian industries within the state.


Hopefully, the project will be a big success.nbsp; Finding alternatives
to create additional revenue streams for the KY horse farms industry
within the state is a good long term strategic move.nbsp; It creates the
ability to establish a self generating and funded effort for the equine
industry.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Sun, 08 Feb 2009 21:05:33 -0500</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.kyhorseproperties.com/blog/fei-world-equestrian-games-names-chairman-from-shelbyville-ky.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.kyhorseproperties.com/blog/fei-world-equestrian-games-names-chairman-from-shelbyville-ky.html</link>
                        <author>Home@K2GroupLLC.com (Jennifer Karlen)</author>
                        <title>FEI World Equestrian Games names Chairman from Shelbyville KY</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ The Shelbyville KY newspaper, The Sentinel-News reported in a story
that John Long has been selected as the chairman for the 2010 Alltech
FEI World Equestrian Games.

John Long is replacing Tandy Patrick who was serving as interim
chairman. [Tandy Patrick shall continue to be an active member of the
board for the WEG.]


Some background on John Long:


Became the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Churchill Downs in 1999.


Appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) in 2003.


The article went on to reiterate some of the relevant data
expectations for the event to be held September 25, 2010 through
October 10, 2010:


650,000 to 700,000 persons will attend the games


800+ athletes and 900 horsesnbsp; from 60+ countries


500 million persons are expected to watch the WEG on television.


Its a huge event.nbsp; And a big honor for a Shelbyville KY horse person to serve as chairman.


Congratulations John Long
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Sun, 08 Feb 2009 21:03:59 -0500</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.kyhorseproperties.com/blog/kentucky-horse-park-proposed-road-improvements.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.kyhorseproperties.com/blog/kentucky-horse-park-proposed-road-improvements.html</link>
                        <author>Home@K2GroupLLC.com (Jennifer Karlen)</author>
                        <title>Kentucky Horse Park Proposed Road Improvements</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ It was reported in The Courier-Journal newspaper, that the Kentucky
General Assembly is making efforts to ready the Kentucky Horse Park for
the 2010 FEI Alltech World Equestrian Games, by making substantial road
improvements to accommodate the tremendous number of visitors expected
to attend the 16 day event.

On the table presently, is lobbying of political officials for $10.3
million to improve the roadways for ingress and eggress to the event.


And, I must say - it is much needed.


The Ky Horse Park is located just northwest of Lexington Kentucky,
and incorporates the previous Walnut Hall stud standardbred farm into
its facility.nbsp; And, a substantial portion of the old roadways used to
service the original horse farms - are the exact same roadways that is
currently being utilized today.nbsp; The original roadways are as old as
dating all the way back to the 1800s.nbsp; And are wholly inferior to what
needs to be there to service this world class horse facility.nbsp; 800,000
persons are projected to be in attendance for the 16 day World
Equestrian Games event, and there needs to be adequate ability for
visitors to enjoy their stay in Kentucky while attending this event.


Construction time tables are in a bit of a crunch.nbsp; They really
canrsquo;t wait until 2010 for these improvements.nbsp; They need to begin NOW.


The construction off site of the KY horse park, coincides with many
improvements and construction projects located within the Kentucky
horse park.nbsp; There is currently $29 million allocated for an outdoor
arena, as well as a 21,000 sq.ft. of additional space for exhibitors.nbsp;
Plans calls for an artificial surface top coat for the arena similar to
what is currently being utilized by many horse racetracks across the
USA and in other parts of the world.nbsp; One of the contending brands
vying for the honor is Polytrack.nbsp; Their surface is currently being
used by the Lexington KY Keeneland Race Course.nbsp; The final selection of
whatever surface is deemed as appropriate will be made by the
equestrian discipline managers and the architect that are in charge of
the design and schematics for the facility.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Sun, 08 Feb 2009 21:02:04 -0500</pubDate>
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