by Tina Bombardo and Elizabeth Tewksbury

Brooksville, FL — The World Equestrian Games are coming to the United States, and for the first time Standardbreds will be included.

The games will be held in Lexington beginning Sept. 25, 2010. Eight Standardbreds were chosen by the USTA and the World Equestrian Games to participate in the breed demonstrations. These former racehorses are scheduled to perform Oct. 3-6, 2010, in such disciplines as: combined driving, sidesaddle, jumping, barrel racing, and dressage. It will be an especially daunting endeavor as the horses and their owners will be traveling from California, Maine, Florida, Rhode Island and New Jersey, and will only have a day or two to practice as a team.

Participants will be traveling at their own expense to the games and are seeking sponsorships from individuals, farms and businesses within the Standardbred industry to help defray some of the expenses. They are also seeking donations of tack and apparel so they may have a cohesive appearance.

The Standardbred Pleasure Horse Organization of Florida is sending two horses to the World Equestrian Games and will handle donations for the group. Monetary donations may be sent c/o SPHOFL, 3179 Thoroughbred Dr., Brooksville, FL 34602. SPHOFL (www.sphofl.com) is a 501c3, and all donations are tax deductible.

Businesses that would like to donate tack or apparel, please contact Tina Bombardo at (352) 504-7048 or e-mail tinabombardo@yahoo.com for a list of needed items.