For the past three years, Alltech has been the title sponsor of the National Horse Show in Lexington, Ky. In March the Nicholasville, Ky.,-based animal nutrition company decided not to renew the contract with the six-day event, which includes a CSI-W grand prix and the ASPCA Maclay Finals.
“Like any growing business, we evaluate on an annual basis where we focus. At this time we’ve chosen to direct our efforts elsewhere, with a primary focus being on the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games [France] in Normandy from Aug. 23-Sept. 7,” said Alltech representative Susanna Elliott.
In the past three years, the nutrition company helped the National gain a solid footing in its new home of Lexington. The competition was previously located in Syracuse, N.Y., and it moved to Kentucky in 2011. The horse show will stay at its current venue for the competition, slated for Oct. 29-Nov. 2 this year.
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“Prize money is up; [we’ve] added another division, have a new grand prix sponsor that I’m not ready to announce and a new title sponsor that I’m not ready to announce,” said National Horse Show President Mason Phelps. “It doesn’t mean anything for the horse show. It’s gotten bigger and better. We’re stronger than ever, and God bless Alltech for getting us to this point.”
Elliott did not rule out the possibility of Alltech returning to the National Horse Show.
“We are continuing our sponsorship of the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park, and we may consider becoming involved with the National Horse Show again in the future,” said Elliott.