October 30, 2012– Translated from French, the word ?puissance? means power ? and that’s exactly what horse and rider pairs will need to soar to record-breaking heights during Friday?s Alltech National Horse Show Puissance.
Known as the equestrian high jump competition, the Puissance will top off evening events Nov. 2 at the Alltech National Horse Show inside the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park. Horse and rider pairs will begin by attempting a course of six high jumps. As the rounds of competition progress, the jumps will be raised higher and the course will be gradually reduced to one imposing jump, the Puissance Wall. Olympic-level equestrians competing Friday will have the option to clear heights as tall as 8 feet, with the possibility of breaking the 8-foot ?-inch world record.
?When a horse runs down to the Puissance Wall at 6 feet in height, you can hear a pin drop in the arena,? said Mason Phelps, president of the Alltech National Horse Show. ?It’s a very thrilling class because the horses and riders will compete until there’s one winner left. And, if the conditions are right and they want to try for the world record, we will raise the jump.?
Olympians Laura Kraut and McLain Ward are among eight top-level riders confirmed to compete in Friday?s Puissance. The competition is one of only two Puissance classes hosted in the United States this year. The top six riders will receive a portion of $50,000 in prize money.
From Olympic show jumpers to elegant American Saddlebreds, an array of equestrians will compete at the 2012 Alltech National Horse Show, Oct. 30 to Nov. 4, held at the Alltech Arena on the grounds of the Kentucky Horse Park. More than a world-class horse show, the week-long event includes a Halloween Trick-or-Treat night, a Military Day, a Fitness Friday and a 5K Countryside Canter. Inside the arena, visitors will find shopping venues, interactive exhibits, and Kentucky food and beverages. Highlights of the competition also include the Alltech Grand Prix and the ASPCA Alfred Maclay Final. Admission is free during daytime events and for children ages 12 and younger. Admission is $20 for adults on Thursday and Friday, and $30 on Saturday evening. For more information, visit alltechnationalhorseshow.com.
About Alltech
Founded by Dr. Pearse Lyons, Alltech is a global animal health and nutrition company with 32 years? experience in developing natural products that are scientifically proven to enhance animal health and performance. With 2,800 employees in 128 countries, the company has developed a strong regional presence in Europe, North America, Latin America, the Middle-East, Africa and Asia. ?For further information, visit www.alltech.com. For media assets, visit www.alltech.com/press.
