Who will be reining at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games? The nations range from newcomers to seasoned veterans.

Many countries are coming to the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games with “dream teams” and plans for a fierce competition. However, some of our neighbors to the south are just looking forward to being recognized.

Colombia is being represented in reining for the first time at an Federation Equestre Internationale event. Hernando Jimenez, a trainer from Bogota, qualified while competing in the FEI reining at the Young Riders Championships held in Lexington, Kentucky, in July.

This was a major accomplishment, as reining is not often seen in Colombia. Hernando spent much of the month of July at the Kyle Ranch in Whitesboro, Texas, riding with AQHA Professional Horseman Pete Kyle. He went to Lexington and, with the help of Rick Weaver, he was given the great horse Caballo Del Cielo, owned by Jeff and Julie Holler, on which he attempted to qualify. Hernando had only three tries to score 68 or better.

To qualify, a rider must score a 68 at two different FEI reinings. During the first ride, he scored a 68. Hernando’s second attempt did not turn out as successfully. He had only one more ride to make the qualification. With the expert coaching of Matt Flarida of Georgetown, Kentucky, and the cheering from fans in the crowd, Hernando scored a 68 ½, qualifying him to represent his country, Colombia, at the World Equestrian Games.

Colombia has a rapidly increasing population of American Quarter Horses. Being recognized at the World Equestrian Games in reining is sure to increase the popularity of the sport and breed. Congratulations to Hernando on a job well done! — BY MARILYN RANDALL

Our alliance partners at the National Reining Horse Association take a look at who else will be coming to WEG to compete in reining. Check out this list … there might be some countries there you wouldn’t expect!

Teams:

• Australia
• Austria
• Belgium
• Brazil
• Canada
• Denmark
• Dominican Republic
• France
• Great Britain
• Germany
• Israel
• Italy
• Mexico
• The Netherlands
• Poland
• South Africa
• Sweden
• United States

Individuals (countries without enough riders to comprise a team):

• Colombia
• Spain
• Ireland
• Uruguay

Tickets are still available – but going fast — for the reining competition at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. The world is coming … aren’t you?

AQHA is an official sponsor of the World Equestrian Games and is the official breed sponsor of WEG reining.