John Deere is the “Official Equipment Sponsor” of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, as announced today by the World Games 2010 Foundation. The Games will be held September 25-October 10, 2010, in Lexington, KY.

“On behalf of the Federation Equestre Internationale, we are pleased to have John Deere Company partnering with our sport as the official equipment provider of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games,” said FEI President HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein.

As part of the partnership, John Deere will provide a variety of grounds care equipment to be used during the 2010 Games, some of which will also remain onsite at the Kentucky Horse Park for ongoing use after the event. A long-time partner of the global equine community, John Deere will also support many pre-event elements and serve as the title sponsor of the reining competition during the 2010 Games.

At today’s press conference, Kentucky First Lady Jane Beshear noted John Deere’s commitment to Kentucky and the Kentucky Horse Park. “At the outset of pursuing these Games, our goal was to not just put on a great event but to leave a legacy for the Kentucky Horse Park,” said Beshear. “John Deere's sponsorship will help us fulfill that legacy by leaving the Park with some of the best equipment in the world.”

“John Deere is thrilled to serve as the Official Equipment Sponsor of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games,” said Dennis Stewart, Manager of National Sales at John Deere Agricultural Equipment Division. “We’re committed to providing the equine community with quality, value and innovation through a broad range of property care solutions, supported by the industry’s most trusted brand and dealer network.”

John Deere becomes the latest top name brand corporate sponsor of the 2010 Games. The Games has already announced sponsorship agreements with Alltech, Rolex, Ariat, and Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital.

“Our goal has always been to partner with the top global brands in each sponsorship category,” said Terry Johnson, Vice President of Sales for the Foundation. “Having the strength of the John Deere brand behind our event is tremendously exciting for us.”

The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games are the world championships of eight equestrian disciplines recognized by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), and are held every four years. The Games have never before been held outside of Europe; nor have all eight disciplines competed at a single site—both firsts that will be achieved at the Kentucky Horse Park.

The Games will be broadcast on NBC Sports, which has marked the largest commitment to network coverage of equestrian sport in U.S. television history. The 2010 Games are expected to have a statewide economic impact of $150 million, and other current sponsors include Alltech, Rolex, and Ariat International, Inc. For more information on the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, please visit www.feigames2010.org.

About John Deere
John Deere (Deere & Company - NYSE: DE) is the world's leading provider of advanced products and services for agriculture and forestry and a major provider of advanced products and services for construction, lawn and turf care, landscaping and irrigation. John Deere also provides financial services worldwide and manufactures and markets engines used in heavy equipment. Since it was founded in 1837, the company has extended its heritage of integrity, quality, commitment and innovation around the globe.