WEG: Official Horse Deals Coverage Week 1

For the first time in the history of the WEG, Australia has fielded a Reining Team, albeit riding borrowed horses. Second to go for Australia on the first day of WEG competition, Warwick Schiller slides to a good stop with Joe D'Ecole's stallion, 'Pepto's I Brow' by Peptoboonsmal out of a High Brow Hickory mare, They are in 17th place after the first day of competition, just one place behind Shauna Larcombe riding Roy Flynn's stallion, 'Silver Benz' by Smart Starbuck out of a Greyhound Step mare.

Professional rider, Lee Rutter impressed the crowd with his workout aboard, Rosanne Sternberg's mare, 'Setting Off Sparks' by Shining Spark out of a Bucolena mare. At the end of the first half of the competition Lee holds seventh place.

Canada's Vernon Sapergia slides to a stop aboard Nickolas Swagor's mare, 'It's Wimpy's Turn' by Wimpy's Little Step out of a Mr Gun Smoke mare, They hold 13th place at the halfway point.

No show without Pat. Pat Parelli entertained the crowd with his mixture of horsemanship and entertainment. He is part of the extensive education and demonstration aspect of the Alltech World Equestrian Games.

The entrance to the popular Alltech Experience. More later, when we discover what it is really all about.

Relaxing within the confines of the Alltech Experience.

And for those who love to shop, the Alltech World Equestrian Games is just the place for them.

With the Kentucky Horse Park comprising 1,200 acres and with the competition well spread out around the Park, the golf cart traffic is busy. After only one day of wandering around the venue, I want a cart!.

Apparently it is one and a half miles to walk from one end of the Kentucky Horse Park to another. The Park is the largest attraction in Central Kentucky. The Park is a working horse farm, educational theme park and equine competition facility dedicated to Man's relationship with the horse. The only Park of it's kind in the world.

At the end of the first day of Team and First Individual competition, Italian, Stefano Massignan has produced the best Reining performance. Riding his six year old stallion, 'Yellow Jersey' by Wimpi's Little Step out of a Mr Melody Jac mare, Steffano scored a total of 224 points.

Stuart Tinney carries the flag for the Australian Team. The Team received a rousing cheer as they entered the arena and are one of just three countries (USA and Germany) to have competitors in all eight WEG disciplines.

Understandably the crowd went wild for USA Team Member, Craig Schimersal riding the wonderful 12 year old stallion, 'Mr Montana Nic' by Reminic out of a Montana Doc mare. After the first half of the Team and First Individual competition they hold second place with 223.5 points.

The opening ceremony began with a welcome from the Native American nations.

The University of Kentucky Cheerleaders got the Opening Ceremony audience in to the festive spirit.

Plenty of US flags and plenty of spectators enjoyed what has been described as "the best opening ceremony ever". The organisers gave us a spectacular look at the American Horse World with some super equine and human talent to draw from.

The Opening Ceremony was entertaining, but when the American Saddlebreds came "walking' in to the arena, the crowd went wild. They are just amazing and different, and very popular in Kentucky.

You may recognise Captain Kirk from Star Trek and Denny Crane from Boston Legal, but the real life, William Shatner is a devotee of the American Saddlebred and drove his horse with obvious enthusiasm during the Opening Ceremony.

Kentucky may be Thoroughbred country, but it is Standardbred country as well, The arena was variously turned into a Trotting Track as well as a Racetrack.

Famous Hall of Fame Jockey, Chris McCarron took part in the Racing demonstration at the Opening Ceremony. Kentucky is well known for breeding Thoroughbreds and is the home of the Kentucky Derby that is run in Louisville in May.

Para Equestrian trainer, Julia Battams drove the vehicle complete with Boxing Kangaroo in the Open Ceremony Team Parade. Australia is one of only three countries with competitors in all eight disciplines.

The Team from Bahrain in national dress were given a warm welcome during the parade of nations during the opening ceremony.

These two dashing officers are part of the French Team.

The Dutch Fresians really gave meaning to a quadrille. They gave a super and sophisticated display during the Opening Ceremony.

HRH Princess Haya bint Al Hussein of Jordan and President of the FEI arrived in the arena in one of the Pennsylvania Coaches wonderful vehicles. AS always Haya gave a heartfelt speech to officially open the 2010 Alltech World Equestrian Games.

The appearance of"The Louisville Lip" aka Mohamed Ali, a son of Kentucky was one of the highlights of the Opening Ceremony.

Mario Contreras and his Andalusian stallion combined with the Lexington Ballet combined for a beautiful performance during the Opening Ceremony.

Australia's own Dan James really impressed the crowd during the Opening Ceremony with an obviously talented display.

Plenty of flags and plenty of horses.

The other Australian Dan, Dan Steers displays his considerable talents during the Opening Ceremony. And yes they do sometimes actually sit on the horses.

Stacey Westfall got the crowd going with a fantastic performance riding her Quarter Horse mare, 'Wizards Baby Doll'. It must be a huge saving with no need for bridle or saddle!

This amazing rig was part of the wonderful display of Circus vehicles.

How glamorous is this? Audrey Hart is pictured sidesaddle on her Arabian, gelding, 'Vallejo Moon Beam' being ridden as a saddlebred.

The Haitian Harmony Choir sing with the University of Kentucky Symphony Orchestra and the 450 voice choir during the Opening Ceremony.