The 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, held at the Kentucky Horse Park from Sept. 25-Oct. 10, generated an economic impact of $201.5 million, Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear announced today, June 27. The total surpassed original estimates of $167 million in income.

The 2010 WEG marked the first time the World Equestrian Games were held outside of Europe. The Games included eight disciplines: dressage, driving, endurance, eventing, jumping, para-dressage, reining and vaulting.

“The World Equestrian Games were indeed a success, and this report illustrates the positive result that our local and state governments, our sponsors, the many volunteers, the business community and the citizens of the Commonwealth working together can have,” said Beshear. 

A report commissioned by the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet said 419, 853 tickets were either sold or provided to visitors from 63 countries and all 50 states. Visitors spent $128.2 million at the Horse Park or at surrounding lodging, dining, shopping and retail locations during the Games.

An additional $73.3 million was spent on services needed to support the influx of guests, such as food and lodging supply and construction. The Games also impacted Lexington’s Blue Grass Airport, with passenger traffic in October 2010 up by 39 percent from the previous year. 

The Louisville Courier-Journal reports that officials have not yet provided figures on the total cost of the WEG. John Nicholson, executive director of the Kentucky Horse Park, said the park received about $80 million in public money for improvements leading up to WEG. In addition, title sponsor Alltech poured more than $32 million into the championships, a contribution which founder Pearse Lyons has repeatedly referred to as “the best decision he ever made.”