Rolex to sponsor FEI World Equestrian Games in Lexington Kentucky

Its official (just had to throw that pun in there):  Rolex is now a sponsor of the FEI World Equestrian Games to be held in Lexington Kentucky in 2010.

Rolex has a long standing tradition of being a patron of the equestrian sports for many years.  The Rolex 3 Day Event held at the Kentucky Horse Park every year, is just one of the many horse events that they’ve helped promote.  They’ve been involved in equestrian sponsorship for 50 years - and they’ve been a sponsor for the FEI World Equestrian Games in 2002, and 2006 - and now, they will be a sponsor for the games in 2010. [The FEI World Equestrian Games is only held once every 4 years.]

It was not disclosed the amount of financial contribution that Rolex made to become a sponsor for the event, but based upon the other contributing sponsors, it is speculated to be in the 6 figure range.  Rolex now joins the other 2 sponsors for the FEI World Equestrian Games:

Alltech - who paid $10 million to be the World Equestrian Games signature sponsor (hence the name: Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games)

Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital - they paid mid-6 figures and are also providing free veterinary services for the 16 day event

The CEO for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games is Jack Kelly, and he announced that there are many more sponsors right on the heels of Rolex’s announcement that would be joining as sponsors for the event.

Estimates for putting on the World Equestrian Games is approximately $56 million.  The events organizers are hoping that sponsorships such as the one made by Rolex, will be able to generate $20 million of the expected costs.

Congratulations to the FEI World Equestrian Games, and to Rolex.  It certainly should prove to be a good relationship for both.

If you are able to attend the Rolex Three Day Event held at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington KY - make sure you make an effort to do so.  Its a spectacle unto its own.  It has 3 days of competitions where riders and horses compete in Dressage, Cross Country Jumping, and Stadium Jumping.  Its a test of endurance, and mental fitness for both the horse and rider - and features some of the best riders and horses in the entire world competing for the title of champion.