Equine international 01

August 2010 • Vol. 2 • Issue 8 www.alltech.com/EquineInternational

EQUINEI N T E R N A T I O N A L

Alltech FeI GAmes: A Winning ExpEriEncE for All!

• Fun for Families • Shop, Dine & Learn

• Champion Vet Care • Special Ticket Promotions!

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EQUINEI N T E R N A T I O N A L

EQUINE INTERNATIONAL is published bimonthly, with occasional special editions. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without express permission of Alltech.

EQUINE INTERNATIONAL

Alltech Global Headquarters3031 Catnip Hill PikeNicholasville, KY 40356 USATelephone: 859.885.9613Facsimile: 859. 885.6736Email: [email protected]

3: Time to Party While the Alltech Games are a celebration of the horse, they are actually a great deal more. Get ready for food, fun and foreign flair – and don’t forget your party hat!

4: Equine SaviorsThe veterinary team from world-renowned Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital will provide expert care for the elite four-footed athletes in Lexington this fall.

8: Pavilion Fun The four-acre Alltech Experience will transport guests into the future of farming, offer a stroll in serene gardens and delight children in the Kidzone.

10: Ticket Promo!Early sessions of certain disciplines in the Alltech Games are available at limited-time promotional rates. Get in on the deal before it ends September 6.

12: Discipline TicketsTickets to the Alltech FEI Games are going fast, but good seats are still available. Our handy chart helps you select your favorite events.

14: Irish CharmIreland’s Hilda Donahue and Extravagance infused the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event with elegance, winning the best-dressed award.

16: Tapping InAn EI exclusive: Meet New Zealand’s Paul Tapner, who galloped off with top honors at Badminton, and get to know his string of top mounts.

20: Asia-Pacific TeamsNational federations from seven countries in the Asia-Pacific region are intent on securing team qualification for the Alltech Games.

23: Lyons ReserveNow you can wet your whistle with Pearse Lyons Reserve, a tasty new single-malt whiskey just released in Kentucky.

24: Easy Ordering Need assistance making Alltech Games ticket choices, securing lodging or finding family activities in Kentucky? Complimentary help: (888) 934-2010

On the Cover: Exquisite trophies and medals (designed by L.V. Harkness) await Alltech Games winners. © Marc Manning

Publisher .......................... Dr. Pearse LyonsG.A.M.E.S. Director ............Kelly WelkerExecutive Editor ................Darlene RickerSenior Graphic Designer ... Chris Gayton

UK Correspondent ... Carol AllisonEditorial Intern ..... Kelsey HamiltonGraphics Intern .................. DJ EnnisAdvertising ....... Elizabeth Haywood

Rich Media Director .... Kirk RobinsonWebsite Author .......... Alan HenthorneWebsite Analyst ................... David CarrPhotographer ................. Marc Manning

It’s hard to believe that we are just a month away from the Alltech Games. Like a child whose birth was long planned for, these Games have been years in the making. Every moment of the 16 days from September 25 to October 10 has been orchestrated

down to the last detail to ensure a spectacular, festive event. Whether you will be vying for a medal or rooting from the stands, whether you will spend your days glued to the action in the arenas or taking forays to shop, listen to music, dance, dine and explore the region, be sure to pack your party hat! The Alltech Games are going to be an international block party, the likes of which the world has never seen. With 60 national federations fielding teams, the Kentucky Horse Park will be transformed into a microcosm of the planet. You may find yourself raising a mug of Bourbon Barrel Ale (the official beer of the Alltech Games) with a new friend from Brazil; savoring some Bluegrass Sundown (a Kentucky specialty made with bourbon and Haitian coffee) while chatting with a rider from Qatar; or cooling your heels with a dish of Dippin’ Dots (the official ice cream of the Games) as you explore Normandy, the venue for the 2014 Games, in a pavilion staffed by French nationals. Learn about distant cultures, you will. But above all, we want you to have a grand time. Our philosophy at Alltech has always been to work hard, enjoy the process, and celebrate together afterward. I can’t begin to tell you how much my colleagues and I have delighted in honing and promoting the Alltech Games these past four years. Now we’re in the final stretch. You have been very much a part of the preparations, although that may come as a surprise. Every key decision was made with your enjoyment in mind. Lexington’s view is that we are not just hosting the Alltech Games; we are hosting you, your family and friends from across the globe. This is your celebration — your Games. The city, the Horse Park and the entire Commonwealth have reinvented themselves for September. Kentucky has a new face, and when the Alltech Games have come to a close, it will never be the same. Nor, after the thrill of these past four years, shall I.

Kicking Up Our Heels

©Marc Manning

4 EQUINE INTERNATIONAL

EQUINE INTERNATIONAL 5


The Alltech Experience Pavilion:A ColleCtive WelCome to the World


Located at the entrance to the Kentucky Horse Park, the four-acre Alltech Experience will welcome visitors in a variety of languages that will serve as a tribute to both the international nature of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games and the title sponsor’s global business in 120 countries.

In a central acropolis dedicated to experiencing Alltech’s global initiatives, visitors will explore the future of Alltech pharma and the innovative products that will meet tomorrow’s challenges. The key to unlocking a world of possibilities for the betterment of both human and animal health can be found in Alltech’s science of feeding the gene (nutrigenomics). In this area, we’ll return

to the foundation of genetic study with Watson and Crick’s discovery of DNA and then look forward to what can be done today with Alzheimer’s disease, cancer and HIV/AIDS through the science of nutrigenomics.

Beyond health and wellness, how will the Earth sustain 9 billion people in 2050? By being smarter with energy and


agriculture! A scale-model biorefinery, solid state fermentation plant, and cogeneration plant surrounded by working windmills, solar panels, algae farms, and cows will transport guests into the future of farming.

Although Alltech is significantly invested in the World Equestrian Games as the first title sponsor, equine represents less than 5 percent of the company’s half-billion dollar business. In the pavilion, spectators can explore Alltech’s broader work in improving the natural health and performance of other species including

aquaculture, pets, poultry, pigs, and livestock.

After guests learn about Alltech’s roots in brewing and distilling, they can savor an ice-cold Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale, the Official Beer of the Alltech Games, while meandering through an open-air garden designed by world-renowned landscape artist Jon Carloftis and Alltech’s director of corporate image and design Deirdre Lyons. Here they will enjoy daily entertainment and live musical performances.

Alltech believes education can and should be fun. In the pavilions, visitors of all ages will have the opportunity to both learn and play through a variety of interactive exhibits that include a Kidzone area exploring agriculture and animal health with special guests (penguins and petting sharks, courtesy of Newport Aquarium); Dippin’ Dots ice cream; daily workshops led by animal health experts including personnel from Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital; a special photographic exhibition from the FEI; and much more!

Navigate your way...... to the

Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games

www.alltech.com/games

Select tickets for Endurance Day and early rounds of Dressage, Eventing, Jumping and Reining at the Alltech Games are now available at a 30 percent savings. The special promotion ends September 6. No other tickets are included in the

offer, and there is no refund for previously purchased tickets.

Promotional rates are reflected on the chart on the facing page. For tickets to events at regular pricing, see the pullout section in the centerspread.

In addition to viewing the World Championships, all tickets and grounds passes allow spectators to experience world-class food, shopping, music and equine demonstrations, as well as permanent attractions at the Kentucky Horse Park.

Information: www.alltechfeigames.com/tickets or www.ticketmaster.com. Individual assistance and general information about ticketing, seats, local lodging or other questions is available 24 hours a day through the complimentary Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Information Center: 1-888-934-2010

Limited-time ALLtech Fei GAmes Promotion: Get tickets at 30% savinGs!

alltech Fei Games Promotional ticket prices

Date event activitY current reDuceD current reDuceD price a price a price B price B

Day 1 (9/25) 9:00 AM reininG Team Comp.- Part 1 $95.00 $67.00 -- --

2:00 PM reininG Team Comp.- Part 2 $95.00 $67.00 -- --

Day 5 (9/29)10:00 AM DressaGe Grand Prix Special - 1st Half $125.00 $88.00 $95.00 $67.00

2:30 PM DressaGe Grand Prix Special - 2nd Half $125.00 $88.00 $95.00 $67.00

Day 6 (9/30)9:00 AM eventinG Three Day Dressage $60.00 $42.00 $45.00 $32.00

1:30 PM eventinG Three Day Dressage $60.00 $42.00 $45.00 $32.00

Day 7 (10/1)8:30 AM eventinG Three Day Dressage $60.00 $42.00 $45.00 $32.00

1:00 PM eventinG Three Day Dressage $60.00 $42.00 $45.00 $32.00


Day 2 (9/26)7:00 AM enDurance Team & Indv. Comp $45.00 $25.00 -- --

7:30 AM reininG Team Comp.- Part 3 $95.00 $67.00 -- --

11:00 AM reininG Team Comp.- Part 4 $95.00 $67.00 -- --

Day 3 (9/27)8:30 AM DressaGe Team Grand Prix - 1st Half $90.00 $63.00 $60.00 $42.00

2:00 PM DressaGe Team Grand Prix - 1st Half $90.00 $63.00 $60.00 $42.00

Day 4 (9/28)8:30 AM DressaGe Team Grand Prix - 2nd Half $90.00 $63.00 $60.00 $42.00

11:00 AM reininG 2nd Chance- Part 2 $95.00 $67.00 -- --

2:00 PM DressaGe Team Grand Prix - 2nd Half $90.00 $63.00 $60.00 $42.00

Day 9 (10/3)9:00 AM eventinG Jumping Phase $105.00 $105.00 $80.00 $80.00

Day 10 (10/4)10:00 AM JumpinG Speed Competition-Part 1 $90.00 $63.00 $60.00 $42.00

2:30 PM JumpinG Speed Competition- Part 2 $90.00 $63.00 $60.00 $42.00

Day 11 (10/5)10:00 AM JumpinG Team Competition- Part 1 $90.00 $63.00 $60.00 $42.00

2:30 PM JumpinG Team Competition- Part 2 $90.00 $63.00 $60.00 $42.00

Day 12 (10/6)

7:00 PM JumpinG Team Final Competition $110.00 $77.00 $80.00 $56.00

alltech Fei Games tickets (reGular prices)

event event Date event activitY time ticket ticket GrounDs price a price B pass

Day 1 9/25 reininG Team Comp.- Part 1 9:00 AM $95.00 $25

reininG Team Comp.- Part 2 2:00 PM $95.00

openinG ceremonies 7:00 PM $150.00 $120.00

Day 29/26 enDurance Team & Indv. Comp 7:00 AM $45.00 $45

reininG Team Comp.- Part 3 7:30 AM $95.00

reininG Team Comp.- Part 4 11:00 AM $95.00

Day 39/27 DressaGe Team Grand Prix - 1st Half 8:30 AM $90.00 $60.00 $25

DressaGe Team Grand Prix - 1st Half 2:00 PM $90.00 $60.00

Day 49/28 DressaGe Team Grand Prix - 2nd Half 8:30 AM $90.00 $60.00 $25

reininG Qualifying Competition 9:00 AM $95.00

DressaGe Team Grand Prix - 2nd Half 2:00 PM $90.00 $60.00

Day 59/29 DressaGe Grand Prix Special - 1st Half 10:00 AM $125.00 $95.00 $25

DressaGe Grand Prix Special - 2nd Half 2:30 PM $125.00 $95.00

Day 69/30 eventinG Three Day Dressage 9:00 AM $60.00 $45.00 $25

reininG Ind. Final Comp 1:00 PM $120.00

eventinG Three Day Dressage 1:30 PM $60.00 $45.00

reininG Freestyle Exhibition 6:00 PM $70.00

Day 710/1 eventinG Three Day Dressage 8:30 AM $60.00 $45.00 $25

eventinG Three Day Dressage 1:00 PM $60.00 $45.00

DressaGe Grand Prix Freestyle 7:00 PM $140.00 $110.00

Day 810/2 eventinG Cross Country 9:00 AM $45.00 $45

Day 910/3 eventinG Jumping Phase 1:00 PM $105.00 $80.00 $25

PARK OPENS AT 7:00 AM










event event Date event activitY time ticket ticket GrounDs price a price B pass

Day 1010/4 JumpinG Speed Comp. - Part 1 10:00 AM $90.00 $60.00 $25

JumpinG Speed Comp. - Part 2 2:30 PM $90.00 $60.00

Day 1110/5 para DressaGe Individual Team Tests 8:30 AM $25.00 $25

JumpinG Speed Comp. 1 - Part 1 10:00 AM $90.00 $60.00

JumpinG Speed Comp. 1 - Part 2 2:30 PM $90.00 $60.00

Day 1210/6 para DressaGe Indv. Championship Tests 8:30 AM $25.00 $25

vaultinG Compulsory - Team - R1 8:30 AM $35.00

vaultinG Compulsory Indv M/F 12:30 PM $35.00

JumpinG Team Final Competition 7:00 PM $110.00 $80.00

Day 1310/7 para DressaGe Indv. Championship Tests 8:30 AM $25.00 $25

DrivinG Dressage - Part 1 9:00 AM $50.00

vaultinG Freestyle Indv. M/F 1:00 PM $35.00

DrivinG Dressage - Part 2 2:00 PM $35.00

Day 1410/8 para DressaGe Indv. Freestyle Tests 8:30 AM $25.00 $25

DrivinG Dressage - Part 3 9:00 AM $50.00

vaultinG Compulsory Indv. M/F 12:30 PM $35.00

DrivinG Dressage - Part 4 2:00 PM $50.00

vaultinG Freestyle Team Comp. 4:00 PM $35.00

JumpinG Indv. Competition 5:30 PM $120.00 $90.00


DrivinG Marathon 10:00 AM $45.00

vaultinG Freestyle Final M/F 2:30 PM $45.00

JumpinG Top Four 8:00 PM $130.00 $105.00


DrivinG Obstacle Phase 10:00 AM $50.00

vaultinG Freestyle Final Team 11:00 AM $45.00

closinG ceremonies 4:00 PM $80.00 $70.00









Get your tickets now at www.alltechFeiGames.com/tickets or 1-888-934-2010


Originally from Dublin, Hilda

Hick Donahue moved to

Florida after college to be

a working student for an Olympic

rider, Ann Sutton-Hardaway (now

Ann Taylor and a Selector for the

U.S. Three-Day Eventing Team for

the Alltech Games). Not long after,

Hilda returned to school and earned

an MBA at Stetson University. Now

an accomplished equestrian and

businesswoman, Hilda, and her

fiance, Andre Merlet, own and

operate Ashmore Equestrian Center

in Apopka, Florida, near Orlando.

A typical day during a year full of

selection trials is full of preparation,

on top of the normal routine, which

leaves very little time for “non-

horsey” activities. Hilda is up by 5:00

every morning and starts her day

by checking emails. By 6:30 she is at

the barn, where she will spend the

next 12 to 14 hours riding, teaching,

managing horses and students,

planning events, making schedules

and meeting with horse owners.

Although Hilda can usually be

found competing two to seven horses

at horse shows, this year she has

focused mainly on Extravagance,

the horse with which she qualified

for the Alltech Games. Extravagance

is an Australian Thoroughbred,

one of the last few by Waajib,

who was shipped from Ireland to

Australia to breed and has since

died. Extravagance was started as an

event horse in Australia and went

on to the United States, where Hilda

and Andre, along with a generous

supporter, bought him. She and the

horse have been a team ever since.

“Extravagance has talent in all three

phases,” said Hilda at an interview

Hilda Donahue: A Flair for the Extravagant By

Kelsey Hamilton


during this year’s Rolex Kentucky

Three-Day Event, where she won

the Best-Dressed Rider award. “In

dressage he is calm, obedient and

elegant. He is very steady. In cross-

country he is bold, brave and honest,

although he can be an unorthodox

jumper. He has his own unique style

that suits him. Show jumping is his

weakest phase simply because he is

still learning to be more careful. He is

a very sound and very sane horse.”

Ireland has an extremely strong

pool of Alltech Games contenders

(14 qualified horses and riders).

To date Hilda and Extravagance's

accomplishments include CCI** 4th,

CIC*** 6th, and CCI*** 8th, 14th.

Lexington would be the first time

either of them would represent

Ireland’s team, although Hilda

with Squire's Cap represented her

homeland as an individual in 2004 at

the World Cup Final in Pau, France.

“I think it is phenomenal

that Alltech and Dr. Lyons have

stepped forward to sponsor the

World Equestrian Games,” she

said. “It is especially exciting for

me because Alltech is an Irish

company, and being from Ireland

we have a lot of pride in it!”

Hilda has been very involved with

the U.S. Area III Young Rider program,

serving as a selector and instructor

for the past five years. When asked

who she most admires, Hilda, without

hesitation, rattled off a list including

Karen O’Connor, Bruce Davidson,

Ian Miller, Chuckie Waters, Richard

Sanders, and Ann Gribbons – all of

whom, she said, “have forgotten more

than I know” and have contributed

in many ways to her success.

Now she is striving to do the

same for the young riders she

coaches, three of whom stand out

as potential future Alltech Games

competitors: Grace Carpenter,

age 12, who hopes to become the

first rider to compete for Bosnia;

Charlotte Collier, a Florida teen who

has schooled under top trainers;

and Ashley Allen, a college student

from Tennessee with numerous

wins at the preliminary level on an

Irish horse purchased from Hilda.

Hilda Donahue won the Zeppa International Award for the best-dressed horse and rider pair at Rolex Kentucky.Photos © PhelpsPhotos.com


I think it is phenomenal that Alltech and Dr. Lyons have stepped forward to sponsor the World Equestrian Games. It is especially exciting for me because Alltech is an Irish company, and being from Ireland, we have a lot of pride in it!

The day of our interview is gloriously warm, the sun is shining and the beautiful

Wiltshire countryside is waking up to summer. Paul, however, is wearing a thick coat, fleece top and neck warmer. It’s not that he has failed to acclimate to the British weather, simply that he’s modelling winter clothing for the Mark Todd Collection. This is the third year he has stepped in to do the honors and he makes only a passing joke at having to sport the New Zealand flag on his jacket. With this relaxed attitude, his good looks and the ability to look at home on and around the horses, Paul is the perfect choice for the company, which has offices close to his base at Wickstead Farm Equestrian Centre. Numerous clothing changes follow before Paul is off the hook, and he graciously spends time answering questions, without ever giving the impression that he has other things he really could and should be doing after a day away from his yard. Having scored his first big 4* win just weeks previously riding the bay, Inonothing, it is soon clear that Paul’s sights are firmly set on the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. What is he expecting? “I’ve never been to Kentucky before, so I’ve no idea of the course there,” he says. “Now with the opportunity of going to the Games, I’ve started to study it as much as I can. I’ve seen head-cam footage

Tapping Into Elite Eventing Paul Tapner has been steadily working his way up the ranks in international eventing since he moved

to England a decade ago. Now, with this year’s prestigious Badminton win under his belt, the Australian

has truly made his mark and, with a good string of consistent horses, it looks like there’s plenty more to

come. EQUINE INTERNATIONAL’s U.K. correspondent caught up with Paul to find out more about this

hard-working Aussie and his hopes for the Alltech Games and beyond.

By Carol Allison

16 EQUINE INTERNATIONAL© Stephen Davis, SW&P Photography

taken at this year’s Rolex event, which was an amusing and novel way of watching the course. From the press reports it seems that [course designer] Mike Etherington-Smith is going to change 40% of the cross-country jumps anyway, so I don’t really see that knowing Kentucky as a previous venue is worth worrying about. I’m confident

that my horses and I are experienced enough to go there, do our best and cope with whatever is thrown at us.” An Australian, Paul is used to traveling long distances for events. Does he see the Alltech Games being held outside Europe as an issue? “It’s a long way, but I think it's fantastic that it’s in America because the world championships should be global,” says Paul. “I’m very much looking forward to having the opportunity to compete out there for the first time. If WEG wasn’t in Kentucky this year, then it would

Meet Paul’s Horses Paul concentrates on bringing horses up through the ranks himself, preferring to have them from novice or pre-novice. “I’ve got about 12 competition horses, but I'm trying to get it back up to 15 because I’m slightly lacking pre-novice horses at the moment. That way, in five or six years' time those horses will be advanced, which will keep me at the top.” His current 4* horses include Badminton winner Inonothing, who Paul has known since he was a foal. Although not always the easiest horse, Paul speaks of him with affection. “He’s amazingly consistent – he’s done half a dozen or more 4* events and only once had a cross-country penalty and been unplaced. Every other time he's been placed and gone clear cross-country. I was slightly concerned that he'd never win a major three-day event, so it's fantastic that he won Badminton.” Paul was also tenth at Badminton on Stormhill Michael, the horse’s second-ever 4* event. “He’s a horse that I find rather frustrating because he’s super-talented in all three phases, but sometimes doesn't have the attitude to help me – unlike Inonothing, who is not excessively talented in any of the phases but who has an incredible attitude. Once you're on his back, he tries to do what you ask of him. Stormhill Michael is potentially going to be pretty amazing and he’s only 10, so still young for that level.” Speaking of his other top horse, Kilfinnie, Paul says, “He’s just the easiest horse to ride cross-country as he's exceptionally brave, although he’s a little fragile in his brain for the dressage at present. He's improving all the time and the longer I have him the more settled and competitive he becomes.” All the horses form part of what is now well known as “Team Tapner,” a philosophy that Paul and his wife, Georgina, adopted early on. “We very much have a team atmosphere. By that we mean our horses, owners, staff and all of our extended support members – farriers, vets, physiotherapists and chiropractors. We are all team members and included as equals. Everybody is important, whether they’re a working pupil or an owner, and it's essential that they all know how much they matter to us.” Paul’s horse owners and sponsors are obviously crucial to the financing of his event team. He has partial shares in a couple of horses, but apart from that his owners foot the bills. “Without the owners and their generosity and support, we certainly wouldn't have an eventing team,” he says.

"I really enjoy spending time with my family and doing all the stuff that they love to do. When I had more spare time I enjoyed rock climbing, abseiling [using a rope to descend cliffs], and skiing."

EQUINE INTERNATIONAL 17© Stephen Davis, SW&P Photography

Continued on next page

probably be a while before I’d have the chance to go. So it’s fantastic from my point of view.” Such is the strength of the Tapner string that Paul has a choice of possible mounts and is also in a position to look beyond to the 2012 Olympics, which would be another new experience for the 35-year-old. When asked how he thinks the Kentucky course will compare in terms of difficulty he says, “The Olympics obviously has to accommodate a vast array of countries, so the cross-country is always designed with lots of slower, easier routes to give all nations a chance to compete. WEG is a world championship event, so I would imagine that it will be slightly more difficult and, hopefully, a true 4* championship course.” Major international events aside, there is a massive amount of hard work that takes place all day, every

day during the season. Paul also has several business interests to contend with, in addition to riding eight horses a day while at home and being away at events four or more days a week. “Eventing is certainly an all-consuming lifestyle – and it is a lifestyle rather than just a job,” he says. “There's not much I don’t like about it and although we work seven days a week, 12 hours a day most of the year, eventing is seasonal. In the winter months I can have a two-month holiday to go somewhere exotic or go back home to Australia and sit on a beach and drink lots of beer. If I was in a 9-to-5 job, five days a week it just wouldn't suit me as a person.” Having grown up in Sydney, Paul’s non-horsey parents did everything to support his passion for equestrian sport. He learned to ride at the Samurai Park Riding School, and the Australian Pony Club exposed him to a variety of

paul's nutrition as an athlete: “I’m not good at watching my

diet, but [my wife] Georgina is

an extremely good cook and I am

always very well fed and watered

at competitions – although it is true

that I tend to have a fairly high sugar

intake at one-day events because

I am usually bouncing straight

from one horse to another. Given

the time, though, I can certainly

stomach food when competing. It’s

pretty well documented that I had

a big roast meal between my two

cross-country rides at Badminton

this year.”


Photo © Stephen D

avis, SW&

P Photography

equestrian disciplines. “The whole idea was to try every single horse sport, and I love that aspect of the Pony Club movement in Australia. As a kid I did absolutely everything: Prince Philip Cup mounted games; I did what we in Australia called ‘sporting,’ which includes barrel racing and things like that. I've done tent pegging, dressage and show jumping championships. A friend was involved in driving – I had a go but was quite bad – and another friend was involved in polo cross and polo. I was good on the horse but not at the ball-and-stick side of things.” What led Paul to eventing? “It was purely the trainers we had at that time in the Zone 23 Pony Club, which is northwest of Sydney. We had Peter Taylor, who was then at the top of the Australian eventing scene, and Dennis Piggott, who was an Australian Olympic three-day eventer. Exposure to such top trainers made me realize that eventing was the one sport where you didn't necessarily have to go and buy the most expensive horse. It seemed to be far more a test of the rider’s ability rather than just pure horsepower, whereas in dressage and show jumping you’re not going to be most competitive if you don’t have the best horse.” It’s the thrill of cross-country that Paul enjoys the most, but he also likes dressage training. “I don't necessarily enjoy competing in the dressage, although I enjoy training for it, which in modern eventing is essential. You become an event rider and you actually need to spend vast amounts of time in the dressage arena schooling, so I'm lucky that I enjoy that side of things or the job would be hard work.” Editor’s note: EI extends its thanks to The Mark Todd Collection (www.marktoddcollection.co.uk) and Gatehouse Riding Hats (www.gatehouserange.co.uk) for their courtesy in facilitating this interview. Paul Tapner is among the many riders who sport Mark Todd Collection attire (photo at right) and wear the Gatehouse HS1 Jockey Skull, top-rated for safety.

Up Close and Personal: Paul Tapner

on government funding of australian riders:

“We have a squad system through Equestrian Australia,

and I have been on their elite squad on and off for a number

of years now. As part of the squad we receive quite a

substantial amount of funding through the Australian Sports

Commission via Equestrian Australia, which is obviously

extremely helpful in keeping the show on the road.

They have a tiered system ranging from Elite, then the

A squad where horses and riders receive funding towards

training, and then we have state squads which again

provide various levels of training and funding. Certainly

when I was still living in New South Wales I benefited

from that state scheme, which was mostly government-

funded through the New South Wales Institute of Sport.”

on alltech’s sponsorship of the Games:

“This is good for equestrian sport. It’s the way forward

and opens up the competition to a wider audience.”

on feeding horses:

“I have an agricultural science degree, so feeding is

something I look at from a somewhat scientific viewpoint.

I’m willing to take on the latest technologies and information

that nutritional science might provide us with, and I also come

at it from a horsemanship point of view because physical

and mental well-being are directly influenced by feeding.”

© Steven Davis, SW&P Photography

Photo courtesy of The Mark Todd Collection

Horses and riders from seven nations in the Asia-Pacific region are determined to be among the world’s finest athletes travelling

to Kentucky in September for the Alltech Games. National equestrian representative bodies from seven countries (Australia, China, India, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand and Singapore) in the region had confirmed their commitment to securing qualification for their respective teams. Each filed the required Entries in Principle declaration in May, indicating their intent to field teams. Nominated Entries (with names of specific horses and riders) are due August 16.Japan confirmed dressage, show jumping and endurance entries for the Alltech Games and in Malaysia, the endurance team has the full support of Malaysia’s King, himself a keen rider.Equestrian enthusiasts in Australia and New Zealand, countries having a long association with equine sports, are waiting with bated breath for the announcement of their teams in August and September. “Our best riders and horses are out there making a concerted effort to gain the selectors’ eyes prior to the announcement of the teams,” said a spokesperson for Equestrian Australia. Meanwhile, eventing, dressage, show jumping and endurance hopefuls from New Zealand have been in the United States this summer competing in qualifying events as they await selection. Equestrian federations from the region have also travelled to Kentucky in recent months for face-to-face meetings with stakeholders and to report back on logistical matters such as ticket and accommodation. In China, support for equestrianism has skyrocketed since the announcement that the Asian Games will take place in Guangzhou in November 2010. Indeed, Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear visited China last fall in cooperation with the Kentucky China Trade Center to celebrate the one-year countdown to the Alltech Games.

“Our best riders and horses are out there making a concerted effort to gain the selectors’ eyes prior to the announcement of the teams.”

– Equestrian Australia

Competitors From Seven Nations Saddle Up for the Trip to Kentucky

SPOTLIGHT: ASIA-PACIFIC

By Caroline O'Neill

As part of its ongoing global

expansion, Alltech recently

opened a new office in the

Chaoyang district of Beijing. Located

in the China Overseas Plaza in Beijing’s

Central Business District, Alltech’s new

office will house approximately 50 sales,

marketing and finance employees.

The brand new China Overseas Plaza

complex demonstrates cutting-edge

green architecture and has been built in

accordance with the international LEED

(Leadership in Energy & Environmental

Design) standard at the LEED-CS

Gold Level. The building adheres

strictly to LEED requirements in glass

curtain wall design, lobby, elevator,

air-conditioning system, and the 5A

intelligent building system, providing

an eco-friendly working environment.

Alltech China was established in 1994

in the Beijing Huairou economic

development zone. In 2006, the

Guangzhou, Chengdu and Qingdao

offices were opened to provide direct

services to the company’s growing

customer base in the region.

Shanghai, Beijing Entrepreneurial Seminars Governor John Y. Brown Jr., founder

of the KFC superbrand, recently

addressed a dynamic seminar on

innovation and building businesses

into global superbrands hosted by

Alltech in association with the American

Chamber and European Chamber in

Beijing and Shanghai. More than 400

top Chinese and international business

and agribusiness leaders gathered

to hear presentations by Gov. Brown

and Alltech Founder and President Dr.

Pearse Lyons, both of whom shared their

thoughts on the pillars needed to build

a sustainable, global superbrand. The

seminar provided a unique forum for

Western and Chinese agri-businesses

to exchange ideas and information on

building their respective businesses.

ALLTECH’S NEW ‘GREEN’ OFFICE IN BEIJING

SPOTLIGHT: CHINA


In addition to the many Alltech employees from Global Headquarters in Kentucky

who will be staffing the Alltech Games in September and October, more than 50 from other Alltech offices around the globe will be present as well. Each of those in the latter group won an all-expense paid trip to the Alltech Games, courtesy of Alltech, in a companywide contest. Entrants had to pass a rigorous 40-question written examination testing their knowledge of the Alltech Games and submit a statement on why they should be chosen.

Among the winners was Jennifer Rabitz, who said afterward, “I truly want to thank Dr. Lyons for this amazing opportunity to not only attend the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, but to also work for this amazing company! I am very excited and honored to attend and represent Alltech, as well as to be in the presence of so many amazing animals.

“Ever since I was a little girl, I have been in love with horses, and now attending an event where they are the main focus is truly a dream come true! Working for Alltech is

also a dream come true, as I feel like my job has a purpose in helping feed and care for the world.”

The winners work in Alltech offices in 23 countries or regions: Africa, Argentina, Australia, Bangladesh, Brazil, Chile, China, Central America, Colombia, Croatia, Guatemala, Hungary, Indonesia, Ireland, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Spain, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States and Venezuela.

Below are the winners:

GLOBAL EMPLOYEES WIN TRIP TO ALLTECH GAMES

AfricaNicolette Williams

ArgentinaMariano Gil

AustraliaAmanda Kovacs

BangladeshSakhawat Pervez

BrazilCarlos BahuCarlos Natal CardosoCarlos JaimeClarissa CunhaFelipe FagundesFlávio PriettoFlávio SouzaFrancisco PradoMariana GazzoniSilvia Bortoloto

ChileFrancisco Valdes

ChinaYunling Xie

Central AmericaAlfredo RuhFernando BarantesNorma Retana

ColumbiaDuber VilardeMonica Aristizabal

CroatiaPetra Musa

GuatemalaJuan Carlos Davila

Hungary Ildiko JanklovicsIndonesia Danchni Riantika

IrelandBarbara NugentColleen McCabe

David LeeJack O'SheaJustina O'BrienKatrine Thordal-ChristensenLaurann ByrneLisa Woods

MalaysiaChia Loo

Netherlands Wim Beeks

New ZealandRose AlgieEmma Robinson

Republic of KoreaJay Yoon

SpainElisabeth Hernandez

ThailandAlisa AnantvoranichNopphawan Sawatwiroj

United KingdomHelen WarrenJoanne HallsPaul Ramm

United StatesAnita HeegAshley HolmBob WolfeChikako AbeGuilherme BromfmanHilary O'BanionJennifer RabitzJoris de BoerMelanie RounsavillePedro CarmonaTess White

VenezuelaAlba AnayaAnezka Alejandra BrachoRosmy SevillanoSérgio Sandoval

Irish Olympic show jumper Cian O’Connor (center front) paid a visit to Alltech’s European headquarters near Dunboyne, County Meath, to join in celebrating the countdown to the Alltech Games.

The Legacy conTinues: Pearse Lyons reserve

On August 3, Alltech launched an exciting new beverage: Pearse Lyons Reserve™. Distilled in dual copper pot stills from Scotland, this “smooth and still” drink is the first Kentucky malt whiskey in nearly a century. It epitomizes the passion of its creator and namesake, Dr. Pearse Lyons. A devotee of brewing and distilling even before completing his Ph.D. in yeast fermentation, Dr. Lyons mastered his

craft working at distilleries in his native Ireland. Five generations of coopers hail from Lyons’ family and whiskey-making is indeed a family tradition: Dr. Lyons’ grandfather earned his living as a master cooper and his son continues the family legacy today, having earned a Ph.D. in brewing and distilling in Scotland. President and founder of Alltech, Dr. Lyons established Alltech’s Lexington Brewing Company in 1999 in the heart of Kentucky. There he created the award-winning Kentucky Ale, Kentucky Light, and Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale (the Official Beer of the Alltech Games), as well as Bluegrass Sundown, an Irish coffee-type drink infused with Kentucky Bourbon.

Learn more about Pearse Lyons Reserve™: www.LyonsSpirits.com

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