The United States during the Parade of Nations (Shannon Brinkman Photo)

Caen, France- The 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games officially got underway on Saturday evening with the Opening Ceremonies at the d'Ornano Stadium. The night kicked off with the parade of nations, including many of the 969 competitors that are slated to take part in World Championship competition across the eight FEI disciplines of dressage, driving, endurance, eventing, jumping, para-equestrian dressage, reining, and vaulting over the next two weeks. Following the parade of nations, spectators and athletes were entertained by a display of Normandy’s equestrian history.

On Saturday evening, 71 U.S. athletes and team staff members marched in the Opening Ceremonies in uniforms provided by Hermès, the official apparel supplier of the USEF, and jeans and boots provided by Ariat. Leading the U.S. in the parade of nations were dressage rider Steffen Peters (San Diego, Cailf.), reiner Mandy McCutcheon (Aubrey, Tx.), and vaulters Kristen Kuhn (San Mateo, Calif.) and Miki Yang (Los Altos Hills, Calif.).

Learn about all the U.S. athletes here. 

Dressage, para-equestrian dressage, and reining competition officially gets underway Sunday morning with their first horse inspections.
The 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games will run August 23-September 7 at venues across Normandy, France, including Caen, Sartilly, and Haras National du Pin.

To learn more about the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, visit: http://www.normandy2014.com/.