The Kentucky Horse Park Commission voted Jan. 13 to withdraw from consideration for hosting the 2022 FEI World Equestrian Games. That leaves Samorin, Slovakia, as the sole remaining candidate city.
KHP Commission members expressed concerns regarding staging of the games and the potential conflict that hosting would create with the long-term goals of the Kentucky Horse Park, including limitations on potential KHP-generated revenue opportunities.
“We are committed to being good stewards of the Kentucky Horse Park,” said Tandy Patrick, chair of the KHP Commission. “We do not think it would be economically feasible for the park to host the 2022 games.”
The Kentucky Horse Park, located in Lexington, hosted the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.
“We have had an open dialogue with the public through several visioning sessions, and we’re hearing good ideas about long-term strategic growth at the park,” said Don Parkinson, secretary of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet. “Additionally, a recent survey of the park’s assets found $12 million in deferred maintenance expenses, and we recognize the need for immediate and near-term investments in our facilities.”
The Fédération Equestre Internationale previously announced the final decision regarding the 2022 WEG would be made in November of this year.